Corona Boat Accident Lawyer

While time spent out on the water is usually relaxing and carefree, not every boating trip ends with a safe return to harbor. Unfortunately, boat accidents impact thousands of California residents each year, resulting in numerous injuries as well as significant financial and personal losses.

If you suffered injuries because of another boater’s negligent actions, you may be entitled to civil compensation, and a qualified personal injury attorney may be able to help you obtain it. By retaining a Corona boat accident lawyer, you could put yourself in a strong position to prove liability for your damages and seek appropriate recovery for every one of them.

Licensing and Reporting Requirements for Boaters in Corona

As of January 1st, 2020, all boaters under the age of 35 in California must have a California Boater Card in order to legally operate a watercraft. This license requirement is being phased in gradually to apply to different age groups. This means that by 2025, California residents of every age will be required to take and pass a boat safety exam before being allowed to operate a boat.

If a wreck results in an injury that requires medical care beyond basic first aid, results in a missing person, or results in someone’s death within 24 hours of said wreck, every boater involved must file a report with the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways within 48 hours. This reporting deadline extends to 10 days for wrecks that involve more than $500 of damage, a complete loss of at least one vessel, or a death that occurs more than 24 hours after the incident that caused it.

That being said, these reports are kept confidential and are not admissible as evidence in civil or criminal litigation. In order to file suit over a boat accident, an injured party may need to speak to an attorney about separately gathering evidence of negligence.

What Kind of Compensation is Available in a Corona Boat Accident?

Just like they would in an auto accident case, a person seeking civil recovery following an accident on the water must prove legal negligence by one or more defendants in order to recover compensation. If two boats collide, this component of a claim may be a fairly straightforward matter of demonstrating another boater was impaired, operating recklessly, violated federal and/or state boating regulations, or participating in some other careless action that directly caused the plaintiff’s damages.

A boat accident attorney in Corona may also be able to help a plaintiff file suit over an accident caused by someone else’s wake, poor mechanical work, or a different form of negligence other than a direct collision. Regardless of the specific cause of injury, all personal injury cases in California must be filed before two years have passed since the incident in question, according to California Code of Civil Procedures §335.1.

Consult with a Corona Boat Accident Attorney Today

Any accident on the water can be a harrowing ordeal, but crashes that results in severe injuries and property damage could have lifelong negative effects. In order to recover as fully as you can from this kind of incident, you may need dedicated support from an experienced legal professional.

A Corona boat accident lawyer could guide you through your civil case from start to finish, working tirelessly to achieve a positive resolution on your behalf. Call today to learn more or to schedule an initial consultation.