San Jose Boat Accident Lawyer

San Jose Boating Injury Accident Attorney

Have you or a loved one been injured in a boating accident? Contact the San Jose boat accident lawyer Frank D. Penney.

Over 12.5 million boats and personal watercrafts are currently registered in the U.S. While the number of lakes, rivers and water ways has not increased, the number of boats and personal watercrafts has increased by over 2 million since the late 1980s. At the same time, the number of boat drivers that don’t know the laws has also increased, and many people are paying the price. According to the US Coast Guard, there are over 8,000 boat accidents every year. These boating accidents leave over 800 people dead and more than 4,000 seriously injured.

On an annual basis, over 600 boat accidents are caused by equipment failure. However, most boating accidents are due to operator negligence - inattention, careless or reckless operation, and unsafe speed. A common contributing factor is alcohol. The Coast Guard estimates that boat operators with a blood alcohol concentration above .10 are more than ten times as likely to be in a boating accident than those with a blood alcohol level of zero.

If you have been in a boating accident, here are some things you need to know. Most boat crashes require that you send a report to either the state agency regulating boats or the U.S. Coast Guard. In most states, you must file a report if the boat crash involved injuries that needed more than first aid, or if there was damage to any property above a certain amount, frequently $500. This is important. Failure to remain on the scene, provide aid, and report the accident in a timely manner is a crime. We also recommend that you report the incident to your insurance company. This is a requirement if a state or federal report was made.

Recreational boat crashes are governed by a number of city, county and/or state laws. Most boat operators have a legal obligation to operate their watercraft in a safe manner. If they don’t, there may be criminal charges, and those who were injured may be entitled to sue for damages. Boat owners also need to be careful about allowing others to drive their boat. No matter who is driving, if the boat is in an accident, the boat owner may be liable for the damages.

If you have been injured in any kind of boat crash that was someone else’s fault, you have the right to be compensated for a wide range of things including property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, permanent injury, and pain and suffering. In the extremely unfortunate event that a death has resulted from your accident, you can file a wrongful death suit with San Jose boat accident lawyer Frank Penney.