Do you own a boat? If so, are you aware that during 2013 there were 531 boating accidents in California that caused 272 injuries and 38 deaths? The property damage from those boating accidents totaled $2.5 million in addition to the pain and suffering of those who were injured or lost loved ones in those accidents. If you were injured in a boating accident, you may wonder if there was something that could have been done to prevent boating accidents.

Boating accidents cause serious injuries that require immediate medical care and treatment. Your medical bills and other expenses can quickly add into the thousands of dollars. In addition to having excellent medical care, you need an accident law firm that will act as your support system to handle the red tape, the insurance adjusters, the hospital and many other parties and entities of interest while protecting your rights and getting you the compensation you deserve from the negligent party who caused your injuries.

The Levinson Law Group uses its knowledge and experience of boating accidents to fight for injured and aggrieved people against the big insurance companies. We accept cases on a contingent fee. That means that if there is no recovery in your case you pay no fee. And in most cases, we even advance the costs.

Tips for Preventing Boating Accidents

Unfortunately, you cannot prevent another party from acting negligently or being reckless while operating a boat; however, you can take steps to ensure that you act responsibly when operating a boat. Because most boating accidents occur as a result of operator error such as speeding, inattentive drivers, reckless behavior, alcohol/drug use or inexperienced drivers, taking a boating course is one what the you can prevent boating accidents. Boating courses will be required under California’s new boating education law.

Under Senate Bill 941, all recreational boaters will be required to attend an approved boating education course and pass a test to receive a Vessel Operator Card. The program is expected to be fully operation by 2018. Lawmakers hope that requiring operators to attend and complete a boating education course will reduce boating accidents due to driver error. Things that you can do to prevent boating accidents right now include:

• Take a boating education course
• Maintain your boat to ensure safe operation
• Be attentive to obstacles and other boats when on the water
• Keep safety equipment on the boat and wear life jackets whenever you are on the boat
• Check the weather before going out on the water and keep a careful watch for weather changes
• Do not overload your boat – balance the weight of passengers and gear
• Do not speed or drive recklessly
• Do not allow inexperienced drivers to operate the boat
• Appoint a lookout to watch for obstacles, other boats, swimmers, skiers and other hazards
• Do not drive a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs

California’s waterways are beautiful. Boating and water sports are a common pastime in our state. Take steps to avoid boating accidents so that you can continue to enjoy our breathtaking attractions. If you are injured in a boating accident, contact our office as soon as possible so that we can help you as you work to recover physically, emotional and financially.

If You need an experienced boating accident attorney – The Levinson Law Group is here to help you.