Boating Accidents - Boat Accident Lawyers

Typically, powerboats such as runabouts, cabin cruisers and jet skis are the most common watercraft to be involved in boating accidents, although sailboats can be involved in accidents as well. The most frequent sources of injuries are caused from propeller accidents and collisions. Because personal watercraft such as jet skis can’t be steered when the throttle is released, inexperienced drivers often have collisions when confronted with an emergency. Serious personal injury and even death can occur due to a boating collision or from a person falling over the side of a watercraft and drowning.

As the operator of a vessel you are required by law to file a formal, written report of an accident. There are four conditions that require you to fill out and send in a boating accident report.

A boating accident report must be filed when:

  • A life is lost due to the accident
  • Someone is injured and requires medical attention beyond first aid
  • There is damage by or to the vessel and other property
  • Any person on board a vessel disappears (under circumstances indicating possible death or injury)

Boating Accidents Include:

  • Capsizing
  • Falls Overboard
  • Collisions
  • Sinking/Flooding
  • Explosions
  • Disappearance
  • Fire

* Damage is determined by federal regulation to be reportable when it exceeds $500 or there is complete loss of the vessel (Note: many states have set a limit less than $500 - contact the local boating authority to determine the amount)

Reports Must Be Filed:

  • 48 hours of the occurrence if a person dies within one day (24 hours of the accident)
  • 48 hours if a person is injured and medical treatment beyond first aid is required
  • 10 days if there is only damage to the vessel and/or property

Who Must Fill Out The Form?

The form is usually filled out by the operator of the boat unless the operator is physically unable to complete the form. If that is the case, then the owner of the vessel must submit the form.

For more information, contact a qualified Lead Counsel Boat Accident Lawyer today.

Boating Accident Resources

  • U.S. Law Center

    Mike Sethi
    Orange, California
    866-655-3956
    Orange California Personal Injury Lawyer - Mike Sethi

  • Law Office of John Thomas Bray

    John Bray
    Carlsbad, California
    866-778-1555
    Carlsbad California Personal Injury Lawyer - John Bray

  • Law Offices of Michael Sabongui

    Michael Sabongui
    Santa Ana, California
    866-614-3161
    Southern California Personal Injury Lawyer - Michael Sabongui

  • Kuvara Law Firm

    Neal Kuvara
    San Rafael, California
    866-640-9395
    California Personal Injury Lawyers - Sacramento San Jose Oakland and Statewide - Kuvara Law Firm

  • The Law Offices of Pamela A. Withey

    Pamela Withey
    Pasadena, California
    626-792-0937
    Pasadena Personal Injury Lawyer - Pamela Withey

  • Eason & Tambornini Attorneys at Law

    Kyle Tambornini
    Sacramento, California
    866-812-2671
    Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyers - Eason & Tambornini

  • The Law Offices of Richard Fisher

    Richard Fisher
    Encino, California
    866-748-9662
    Encino Personal Injury Lawyer - Richard Fisher

  • Hulburt & Bunn LLP

    Chris Hulburt
    San Diego, California
    866-695-4145
    San Diego Injury Attorney - R. Christian Hulburt

  • Law Offices of Alan Aghabegian

    Alan Aghabegian
    Glendale, California
    866-766-1263
    Glendale Personal Injury Lawyer - Alan Aghabegian

  • J. Michael Hosterman

    J. Michael Hosterman
    Pleasanton, California
    866-611-2996
    Pleasanton Personal Injury Lawyer - J. Michael Hosterman

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