Santa Maria Boat Accident Lawyers

The best way to avoid a boat accident is to understand how these accidents typically happen. A Santa Maria boat accident lawyer from our firm can help explain the major causes of boat accidents and the procedures if you are involved in one. The California Department of Boating and Waterways (DPW) estimates that alcohol is involved in approximately 25% of all motorboat-related fatalities. In fact, a driver with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .10% or greater is ten times more likely to cause an accident than a sober driver. Even at a BAC of .035%, a boater’s ability to operate a watercraft is impaired. Understand these most common causes of boating accidents to stay informed and prevent them in the future:

• Distracted boat operation ― inattention to traffic signals, other boats or wildlife can lead to significant property damage and injuries.
• Operator inexperience ― an inexperienced boat operator significantly increases the risk of an accident.
• Speeding ― excessive speed poses serious danger to people on board and other boats, decreases the time to analyze the situation time to slow down.
• Impaired boat operation ― the use of alcohol, drugs or certain medication is illegal while operating a boat and decreases the driver’s ability to operate safely.
• Weather ― Inclement weather such as snow, ice, rain, wind or other hazardous conditions can make the waves extremely dangerous and reduce visibility.
• Force of wave/wake ― using the wake of other boats, quick acceleration and stops and large waves increase the risk the chances of a boat accident.

Important Information About Santa Maria Boat Accidents

In California, boat insurance is not required by law which makes boating accident cases complicated and requires an experienced legal attorney to recover the damages. Uninsured watercraft coverage only helps to pay for expenses related to personal injuries caused by an uninsured party. If your boat is damaged, the property coverage on your insurance policy would help with the repairs up to your policy limits. Boat insurance also typically protects your boat from theft, vandalism and fire.

Boating accidents can cause significant injury, death and damages and while a few boating accidents are caused by vehicle malfunction, most are the result of driver negligence — in other words, the captain’s actions or inaction led to the accident. Did you know that insurance companies may attempt to pay less than a victim deserves, prolong the payout or refuse to pay altogether? Our knowledgeable boat accident lawyers in Santa Maria are familiar with the California boating laws and will help to maximize recoveries for victims of boat accidents.

Contact Our Santa Maria Boat Accidents Attorney

At James McKiernan Lawyers, we conduct a thorough investigation of the boat accident, including identifying all responsible parties and establishing a comprehensive estimate of future medical costs and other damages. We believe everybody has the right to excellent representation, even if the case might be difficult.

Our office has successfully taken on difficult and challenging cases that other lawyers thought could not be won. If you have been injured in a Santa Maria boat accident, contact James McKiernan Lawyers for a free consultation with a top-quality boat accident attorney to discuss your best options to receive compensation for your injuries.