Mission Viejo Boat Accident Lawyer  

Mission Viejo is a beautiful destination for boating activities, but boating accidents are unfortunately all too common. If you or a loved one has been involved in or has been injured while boating, you will need the assistance of an experienced Mission Viejo boating accident lawyer. Consult with a qualified personal injury attorney today.

Boating Accident Liability

Following a boating accident in California, it is important to consult with an experienced Mission Viejo boat accident attorney who can advise regarding the next steps to take. There are numerous parties who could potentially bear responsibility for causing or contributing to a boating accident in Mission Viejo.

An experienced Mission Viejo boat accident attorney can look into the specific circumstances that led to a boat accident and determine which party or parties may be liable. If one of the boats malfunctioned, the boat manufacturer could be liable for a product design or manufacturing defect.

What Are the Steps to Take After a Boating Accident?

The most important thing to do immediately following a boating accident is to seek medical attention, even if the victim feels fine or does not believe they are hurt. Just like car accidents, boat accidents can cause latent injuries that do not show up right away, such as severe head trauma. Gathering evidence and taking note of the accident scene, if able, is another important step.

Negligent Parties in Boating Accidents

If the boat accident occurred as a result of the boat driver’s negligence, the driver or the boat’s owner may be responsible. The CDC reports that seven out of every 10 boating accidents are caused by operator error.

The recreation company, transport provider, dock operator, boat maintenance provider, beach, marina, lake, employer or boat rental company involved could also be implicated, depending on the situation.

Even the other passengers on the boat, or a third party, such as a swimmer, could have caused the boat accident. For these reasons, it is important to tell the Mission Viejo boat accident lawyer everything about what led up to the accident.

What Are the Comparative Negligence Rule in Mission Viejo?

California is a state that has generous laws allowing personal injury victims to recover compensation. While some states prevent victims from obtaining damages if they were partially responsible for the accident, California allows recovery even when the victim was as much as 99 percent at-fault in causing the accident.

Some jurisdictions bar recovery when the person is more at-fault than the other party, but California does not.

The most common causes of negligence in boating accidents are alcohol use and failure to wear a life jacket. However, personal injury parties hurt during a boat accident should not be deterred from seeking compensation for their damages simply because they believe their actions were partially responsible for the collision or other boat accident.

Consult with a Mission Viejo Boat Accident Attorney

Being involved in a boating accident can be traumatic. After you have obtained necessary medical care and advice, your next call should be to consult with an experienced Mission Viejo boat accident lawyer who can work to protect your rights to receive compensation for your injuries and losses.