Boating can be a delightful way to spend a weekend. Being out on the ocean waves or enjoying the peaceful tranquility of a lake can be a rewarding experience. However, as is the case with any leisurely activity, you have to consider the possibility that something unfortunate could happen. Boating accidents are not uncommon in California, and you must protect yourself when they occur.
If you were involved in such an incident, you may be wondering what the average boating accident settlement in California is.
What Is the Average Boating Accident Settlement in California?
Put simply, there is no official average boating accident settlement in California. This is largely due to the fact that every boating accident case that comes before the court is different. They all have circumstances specific to the individual case, so there is no real definitive way to determine an average. Some boating accident settlements range anywhere from several hundred thousand dollars to upwards of several million dollars, depending on a number of factors.
Boating can be an inherently dangerous activity if the proper precautions are not taken. Someone with proper training should be driving the boat, and there should always be proper safety equipment onboard. Determining fault in a boating accident is not always an easy task. You cannot pursue a boating accident claim unless it is determined who was liable for the accident and what exactly happened.
If you are ever involved in a boating accident and would like to pursue compensatory damages from the negligent parties, reach out to an experienced boat accident lawyer to get started on building your case.
Common Causes of Boating Accidents in California
California is a coastal state, which provides many opportunities for boating enthusiasts to enjoy themselves. However, that makes boating accidents more common in the state than in many landlocked states. Here are some of the more common causes of boating accidents in California:
- Inexperience: Driving a boat is not comparable to driving a car. Just because you can do one does not mean that you can do the other. An inexperienced driver can easily cause an accident simply by not knowing what to do in a stressful situation. Before you get behind the wheel of any vehicle, you should be trained in how to operate it successfully.
- Speeding: Driving any vehicle over the posted or recommended speed limit is a bad idea. Boats are not easy to stop once they get going. If you are driving the boat at an aggressively fast speed, you may not have enough time to course-correct before you run into another vessel or fly onto the beach and injure a sunbather.
- Equipment Failure: Boats require constant maintenance and attentiveness. Before putting your vessel in the water, you should have it checked out by a boat mechanic to ensure that the vessel is in top form. You do not want to find that something doesn’t work properly before it is too late to do anything about it. If the boat is defective, you may be able to pursue a product liability case against the manufacturer.
- Bad Lookout: Every boat should have a designated lookout, whose job is to identify oncoming obstacles or hazards that the boat’s driver may not be able to see. If the lookout fails to notice something in the water that causes an accident, the lookout may then be held liable in a court of law.
FAQs
Q: What Is the Average Personal Injury Settlement in California?
A: A personal injury settlement in California depends largely on the circumstances surrounding the case as well as the factors involved. If you are seeking a personal injury claim for a car accident, a settlement could range in the tens of thousands. If the case is for a motorcycle accident, the number may increase to the hundreds of thousands. However, that does not guarantee that you will receive a number in the same range.
Q: Are Boating Accidents Often Fatal?
A: Boating accidents certainly have the potential to be fatal, as do every other form of accident. Taking extra care of yourself and being aware of your surroundings can certainly help reduce the likelihood of being involved in a boating accident. Boating accidents happen all the time in areas where there are a lot of boating activities, such as beaches and lakes. If you want to avoid being involved in a potentially fatal accident, follow proper boating procedures and be cautious.
Q: What Is the First Action That You Should Take After a Boating Accident?
A: The first action that you should take after a boating accident is ensuring that everyone involved in the incident is okay. If anybody needs immediate medical attention, grab a first aid kit and do what you can. Call 911 or the Coast Guard to bring medical professionals to you. Do what you can to get everyone to shore if possible. If anyone falls overboard, everyone who is able should try to get them back on the vessel.
Q: How Much Do You Get for a Slip and Fall in California?
A: A slip and fall case in California could be worth anywhere from tens of thousands of dollars to several million. It all depends on the specifics of your case, the severity of your injuries, and how the jury responds to your claim if it makes it to court. A settlement will be reflective of how the opposition feels about their chances in a court of law. Each case is different.
If You Need One, Contact a Boating Accident Lawyer Today
Being involved in a boating accident can be devastating and even life-threatening. It may even ruin the recreational activity of boating for you. If you are ever in a boating accident, it is important that you make the proper efforts to protect yourself by hiring an experienced boating accident lawyer.
At Easton & Easton, we can help you pursue your boating accident claim. Our team can assist in building your case, speaking to the insurance companies on your behalf, and advocating for your interests in court if it comes to that. Contact us to schedule a consultation after an injury that was caused by a boating accident.
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