Santa Ana Boat Accident Lawyer

Boating accidents are far more common than many people think, and when an accident occurs on the water, the outcome is often devastating. Passengers might sustain severe injuries or even drown during an accident, so boating companies and boat operators should exercise the highest degree of caution. Unfortunately, some operators and companies place profit over the safety of passengers which results in serious accidents.

If you were hurt in a commercial or recreational boat accident, you may be entitled to compensation from the responsible party. Compensation could be used to pay medical bills, living expenses, and lost wages if your injury prevents you from working and earning income. You may also be able to obtain compensation for more conceptual losses like your mental suffering.

Call a Santa Ana boat accident lawyer to discuss your case. Let an experienced personal injury attorney help you recover compensation.

Who is Responsible for a Boat Accident?

When a boating accident occurs, many people incorrectly assume the boat operator is the only party to blame. This may be true in some cases, especially those involving recreational operators. However, multiple parties may actually be responsible, especially when an accident is caused by a commercial operator. In a boat accident, the following parties may be held liable by a Santa Ana boat accident lawyer:

  • Boat operator
  • Owner of the boat
  • Boating company
  • Cargo loader or inspector
  • Establishment that sold alcohol to the intoxicated boater

Bartenders and establishments that sell liquor have a legal obligation to avoid serving alcohol to intoxicated patrons. If an intoxicated patron causes an accident, they could be held liable for negligence.

Boat Accidents Involving Drugs or Alcohol

Boating under the influence (BUI) of drugs or alcohol is a crime in nearly every state. Boat operators are allowed to consume alcohol, but if their blood alcohol content (BAC) exceeds the legal maximum, they could be arrested and convicted. The legal BAC for recreational boat operators in California is 0.08, and 0.04 for commercial boat operators.

When a person is involved in an accident caused by an intoxicated boat operator, they may be able to obtain compensation for their pain and suffering. Boating accidents are often devastating and the injuries they cause are frequently long-lasting. It is important to note, however, that even if a person who causes a boat accident is not convicted in a criminal court, they could still be held financially liable in a civil court. This is because the burden of proof is not as great in civil court.

Santa Ana Accidents Caused by Defective Boats

If a defective boat causes an accident, the manufacturer of the boat may be held liable in court by an injured person. Companies have an obligation to ensure the products they release on the market are safe for public use, but unfortunately, many do not. These companies knowingly release boats with defective parts that pose a threat to passengers.

If an injury is caused by a defective boat, passengers may be able to file a defective product lawsuit. Since the boating company could not foresee the accident and did everything properly on their behalf, they cannot be held liable if a defective boat causes an accident unless they knowingly put a defective boat on the market. Speak to an accomplished attorney for more information.

Consult a Santa Ana Boat Accident Attorney

A boat accident could be life-changing, and if you are left dealing with permanent injuries, life may never be the same. Boats are generally safe, but when they are operated by negligent or reckless companies and individuals, they could be deadly. If you were injured while operating or riding on a boat, you may want to consider your legal options.

Consult a Santa Ana boat accident lawyer if you believe your accident was caused by another party.