Orange County Boating Accident Lawyers

Orange County Boating Accident Attorney

Boating is a popular pastime in California, and while most people are able to enjoy their time on the water without issue, boating accidents do happen throughout Orange County in many ways. If you or a member of your family recently suffered harm in such an accident, you need to speak with an Orange County boating accident lawyer as soon as possible to determine your most viable options in the aftermath of such an event.

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Boating Accidents Attorney in Orange County, CA

Enjoying the beach and the water is part of California culture. Boating is a common pastime and with such beautiful scenery and waters, it is easy to understand why California grabs the top spot in the United States for boating registrations.

With over one million boats registered in California, accidents can happen. Learn what to do if you have been injured in a boating accident in Orange County. The team at Easton & Easton can review the details of your recent boating accident, help determine whether another party is liable for the incident, and assist you in uncovering all the damages you can claim. We have decades of professional experience in personal injury law ready to be put at your disposal.

California Boating Safety Regulations and Laws

Most of the boating accidents reported throughout the state each year happen because of boat operator negligence and failure to follow state safety regulations. There are several safety requirements boat operators must adhere to in California. If a boat operator acts negligently and causes personal injuries related to a boating accident, the following elements must be proven in a court of law:

Duty: A boat operator in the state of California has a duty to behave appropriately, follow all maritime laws, and safely operate a boat without negligence.
Breach: If the boat operator acts negligently or recklessly while operating a boat or vessel which endangers the safety of others, they have effectively breached their duty.
Causation: If you have suffered a personal injury in a boating accident, you must prove that your injuries were directly caused by the negligence of another.
Damages: You must have suffered actual damages (i.e. damages including physical, emotional, or financial harm) through the direct negligence or recklessness of the boating operator.

You may have a firm idea of how your recent boating accident happened and who is responsible for causing it, but the actual legal process of proving fault is likely to be far more challenging than you initially expected. The right attorney can be an invaluable asset to your case, and the sooner you connect with an Orange County boating accident lawyer, the more likely you are to succeed with your recovery efforts.

boating accident lawyer orange county ca

Types of Boating Accidents in Orange County, CA

The most common types of boating accidents are as follows:

One vessel hits another vessel
Your vessel hits another vessel’s wake
Your vessel hits a wave
Your vessel hits an object in or around the water
Failure to maintain proper safety equipment

If a boat operator was negligent in a manner that caused your damages, they are liable for these damages and will be the defendant of your personal injury case. However, if they caused the accident through an illegal action or failure to follow safety regulations, they can face criminal penalties as well.

An experienced Orange County boating accident lawyer will know what evidence you will need to prove liability. The sooner you connect with legal counsel, the sooner your legal team can review the details of your case and start gathering the evidence you will need to prove liability. Once fault is established, you will be able to seek compensation for the damages you suffered because of the at-fault party’s actions.

What to Do Immediately After an Accident

If you have been involved in a boating accident in Orange County, CA, immediately stop and asses any possible injuries. Contact authorities and emergency medical personnel if necessary. Seek medical attention immediately or as soon as possible, as many injuries are not obvious within the first few moments after a boating accident. Document the details of the accident as best as possible and take photos of all vessels and objects involved in the accident. Report the boating accident to the authorities.

When and How to Report a Boating Accident

If you have been involved in a boating accident in the State of California, you will need to report the accident under the following circumstances:

Within 48 hours. If the accident involved a death, a disappearance of a person, or injury beyond simple first aid, an accident report must be made to the California State Parks, Division of Boating and Waterways within 48 hours.
Within 10 days. If the boating accident involved a person who died more than 24 hours after an accident, property damage exceeding $500, or complete loss of a watercraft or vessel, an accident report must be made within 10 days.

The owner and operator of the boat should be the one to file the accident report. However, other parties involved in the accident are also allowed to report an accident.

Whether you are unsure who exactly is responsible for your recent boating accident or you have no recollection of the incident due to your injuries, it is vital to contact an experienced boat injury attorney as soon as possible to review the details of your claim. You have a limited time in which to pursue your recovery, and swift legal action will help preserve the integrity of the evidence upon which you may need to build your case.

boating accident attorney orange county ca

Personal Injuries Lawyers for California Boating Accidents

If you were involved in a boating accident in the State of California and suffered injuries due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to compensation for your injuries. Because the maritime laws that apply to these cases can severely affect a plaintiff’s potential damages and recovery in boating accidents, it is imperative that you hire an Orange County boating accident attorney experienced in boating accident litigation.

Your legal team can review the details of how your boating accident happened and help you hold the at-fault party accountable for the harm they have caused. Under California’s personal injury statutes, the defendant is liable for the full extent of your economic losses, which could include doctors’ bills, drug needs, property damage, and lost income. They are also liable for the projected future impact of their actions in the form of lost earning power and ongoing treatment costs.

Additionally, you can claim as much pain and suffering compensation as you deem appropriate to reflect the severity of the harm you endured. California law does not place a cap on pain and suffering compensation in boating accident cases, so this could be the bulk of your final case award if you suffered any serious injuries, especially those resulting in any type of permanent disability.

FAQs

Q: What Happens if More Than One Party Is at Fault for a Boating Accident?

A: The state enforces a pure comparative fault rule, which can apply to any civil claim in which multiple parties share fault for the damages cited in the claim. Each liable party has a fault percentage assigned, indicating the share of the total damages they are responsible for repaying. If a plaintiff is assigned a fault percentage, they lose this percentage of their case award as a penalty and keep the rest.

Q: What Happens if a Boating Accident Is Fatal?

A: Unfortunately, some boating accidents result in drownings and other fatal harm. If your family member died in a fatal boating accident due to another party’s negligence or illegal misconduct, it can form grounds for a wrongful death suit. This type of claim is similar to a personal injury case in some ways but has a few key differences, and you will need an experienced attorney to help you succeed with this type of claim.

Q: How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Suit for a Boating Accident?

A: If you plan to file any type of personal injury claim, you must do so within the statute of limitations or time limit for filing the case. For most personal injuries in California, the statute of limitations is two years, starting on the date the injury occurred. Failure to file your complaint with the court within this two-year time limit can result in losing your chance to recover compensation from the defendant.

Q: Do I Need to Hire an Orange County Boating Accident Lawyer?

A: Technically, no, you have the right to try to recover compensation for your damages without hiring legal representation. However, it is likely to be far more challenging than you expect, and you will be unlikely to reach the same level of results as you could with an experienced attorney representing you. Your attorney can handle your case for you so you can focus on your recovery, and you’re more likely to win with their representation.

Q: What Does It Cost to Hire an Orange County Boating Accident Lawyer?

A: The attorneys at Easton & Easton accept personal injury clients on a contingency fee basis, so you will pay for our representation only if and when we win your case. This contingency fee will be a percentage of your final case award, so there is no risk of spending all your case winnings on legal fees. This billing policy ensures that the legal representation you need is accessible and affordable when you need it most.

You have a limited time in which to pursue your recovery, and the right attorney on your side is an invaluable asset that will significantly increase your chance of success with your case. Contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Easton & Easton at 800-461-8259 today. Our team of experienced and knowledgeable boat accident personal injury attorneys in Orange County will review your case and help you to pursue the compensation you deserve.

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Firm Awards

Top 10 Motor Vehicle Accident Settlements in Los Angeles

Easton & Easton has been recognized by TopVerdict.com Top 10 Motor Vehicle Accident Settlement in Los Angeles for 2025, for the case Bicyclist v. Inattentive Driver — the fifth time the firm has appeared on a TopVerdict list across nine years, and a recognition that arrives in the firm’s 35th anniversary year.

Easton & Easton holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau — the highest rating available. Trust is earned. We've earned it.

Easton & Easton is honored to have been chosen anew each year since 2014 by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers as one of the "Best Law Firms" for the Southern California Metro Area.

Easton & Easton was voted #1 in 2025 (People's Choice Award). This recognition means the most to us — because it comes from the community we serve.

Doug, Brian, and Matt Easton were selected to the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 — an invitation-only organization recognizing the nation's premier trial attorneys. Selection is based on case results, leadership, and reputation. When you need attorneys who are ready for the courtroom, you want a team that's already proven they belong there.

All five partners of Easton & Easton — Doug, Brian, Matt, Travis, and Gabe — were selected to Best Lawyers in America® 2025. This is the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession. Selection is based entirely on peer review, representing the consensus opinion among leading lawyers in the community. When other attorneys are asked who they trust, they name us.

Number 1 Paraplegia Settlement California 2024

Our $4.5M settlement in Dump Truck Operator v. Equipment Rental Co. has been recognized as #1 in California for 2025 in two categories: • #1 Paraplegia Settlement in California — 2025 • #1 Rollover Accident Settlement in California — 2025

Number 1 Rollover case Accident Settlement California 2025

Number 1 Bicycle Accident Settlement California 2024

We were recently honored for our efforts in securing a $32,000,000 settlement for our client, which was selected as the #1 Bicycle Accident Settlement in California in 2024 by TopVerdict.com.

Easton & Easton was named a Tier 1 firm in Southern California by U.S. News & World Report — the highest ranking a law firm can achieve. Selection is based on client feedback, peer reputation, and professional excellence. When independent evaluators rank the best, we're at the top.

Gabe Mendoza, Alexandro Garza, John Oney, Billy Seidlitz, and Aaron Sinfield were selected to Super Lawyers Rising Stars — honoring the top 2.5% of attorneys 40 or younger in California. Three attorneys — John, Billy, and Aaron — were selected for the first time in 2027. The next generation of Easton & Easton is already among the best in the state.

Easton & Easton was voted "Best Personal Injury Law Firm in Orange County" by readers of the Los Angeles Times in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Three years in a row — chosen by the people we serve

Doug, Brian, Matt, Travis, and Saul were selected to Super Lawyers — a distinction earned by only 5% of California attorneys. Selection is based on peer nominations, independent research, and professional achievement. Doug Easton has been selected for 19 consecutive years. Matt Easton was also named to the Top 50 Orange County Super Lawyers for 2027. When you hire Easton & Easton, you're hiring attorneys in the top 5%.

10 Best Personal Injury Law Firms in all of Southern California

Easton & Easton was recently honored for securing a $26,000,000 settlement for our client, which was selected as a Top 10 Personal Injury Settlement in California in 2023 by TopVerdict.com.

Easton & Easton received the "People Love Us On Yelp" award in 2016 due to exceptional client satisfaction reviews.Our clients don't just hire us — they recommend us.

Personal Injury Settlements United States 2024

Easton & Easton was recently honored for securing a $32,000,000 settlement for our client, which was selected as one of the Top 20 Personal Injury Settlements in the entire United States in 2024 by TopVerdict.com.

Brian, Matt, and Travis Easton are lifetime members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum — a distinction held by less than 1% of U.S. attorneys. Membership requires securing a verdict or settlement of $2 million or more. When you hire Easton & Easton, you're hiring proven results - because Results Matter.

Doug Easton has held the "AV Preeminent" Rating for over 30 years, and Matt Easton received this prestigious distinction in 2015. The AV Preeminent rating is the highest possible rating for both legal ability and ethical standards, based on the legal profession's oldest peer review rating system — dating back to 1887. When your peers have trusted your ability and integrity for over three decades, that says everything.

Number 1 Bicycle Accident Settlement Los Angeles 2023

We were recently honored for securing a $26,000,000 settlement for our client, which was selected as a the #1 Personal Injury Settlement in Los Angeles County in 2023 by TopVerdict.com.

Brian Easton was selected to the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) in 2015. ABOTA is one of the most premier associations of trial attorneys and judges, requiring a proven track record of jury trials as lead counsel and approval by a majority vote of the ABOTA board. Membership isn't given — it's earned in the courtroom.

The National Top 40 Trial Lawyers Under 40

Travis Easton, Gabe Mendoza, and Brenda Kocaj were selected to the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 — an invitation-only honor recognizing the nation's top young trial attorneys. At Easton & Easton, experience and ambition work side by side.

Easton & Easton was honored for securing a $20,000,000 settlement for our client, which was selected as one of the Top 10 Personal Injury Settlements in the entire United States in 2019 by TopVerdict.com.

Nation's Premier Top Ten Attorney Personal Injury

Both Doug and Matt Easton have been selected as Top Personal Injury Attorneys by Avvo with scores of 10 out of 10 — based on skill, experience, results, peer evaluations, and client reviews. A perfect score. No room for higher.

Easton & Easton was honored to have been chosen by the LA Times Reader's Choice Poll as "The Best Personal Injury Law Firm in Orange County" for 2018-2020 (each year the voting took place).

Top 50 Personal Injury Verdicts in California 2016

We were recently honored for our efforts in securing a $1,850,000 verdict for a client, which was selected as one of the Top 50 Personal Injury Verdicts in California in 2016 by TopVerdict.com.

20+ prestigious awards and recognitions. Exposed to the harshest scrutiny. Earning the highest honors. Recognized by every major legal organization — year after year.

Awards/recognitions noted are from organizations recognized within the legal profession as bona fide.
No purchase was required for selection. Selection methodologies available upon request.

*Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Orange County Personal Injury Lawyer | Costa Mesa Auto Accident Attorney | Catastrophic Injuries

“We look for the human story behind every injury or wrongful death. We prepare our cases for trial; reaching out to the jury with the most compelling evidence possible for the best verdict possible. Insurance companies know this and come to the table prepared to negotiate in good faith. Call us to see how we can turn your story into fair compensation.”

Partner W. Douglas Easton

What Our Clients Say

“Client testimonials reflect individual experiences; results vary. No guarantee of outcome.”

Coming out of my first auto accident as an adult, a very difficult and scary time to navigate and understand, I was so incredibly thankful to have been put in contact with Easton & Easton. I honestly was lost with how to handle paperwork, doctors, medical costs and what next steps were, and from the moment I spoke with Travis Easton and my case manager Katie, my mind was put at ease. They have made the entire process stress free for me as I recovered, and I am so grateful for them and their genuine care for my case. Communication from the start has been fantastic, especially making clear what my expectations for the entire process would look like, and I truly believe they have my best interest at heart. 100% I would recommend their firm for anyone that is needing representation! Read more…

Sara McClelland

My experience with Easton & Easton has been amazing! Gabriel Mendoza and my case manager Katie have been so helpful and taken so much stress off my plate. They’ve been super informative and honest and given me very clear expectations. They’ve taken such a terrible experience (my accident) and eased my mind about the outcome. I can’t thank them enough!! Read more…

Caila Dean

Ive used them twice and never been disappointed. Read more…

Lisa Bluemel

The Easton & Easton Law Firm is amazing! The entire team is very helpful and caring. They were always there to answer all my questions. They directed me through the entire process and stayed with me every step of the way. This team is outstanding and were wonderful to work with. Because of the tremendous effort they put on my case they were able to win my difficult personal injury case. I couldn’t have asked for a better law firm to handle my case. They are the Best! Thank you for your patience, professionalism, & guidance! I definitely recommend this firm to handle your case. They go out of their way to fight for your rights. THANK YOU… Read more…

Sofia Sanchez

I could not be more pleased with the services provided by the Law Offices of W. Douglas Easton. The senior partner Mr. Easton took the time to meet with me and my wife while I was still in the hospital, where he gave my family hope that there was light at the end of a very long, and very dark tunnel. Matt Easton then worked my case, and because of his dedication, experience and expertise I received a settlement that was larger than I EVER thought possible. It was truly astounding! Matt and the entire team at Easton & Easton looked out for me throughout my recovery, and in the end they gave me my life back. Five stars is not enough. Thanks Matt! Thanks Easton & Easton! Read more…

Dan Campbell

Brian and everyone at Easton and Easton are simply the BEST at what they do. Brian is thorough, easy to talk to, and truly cares about his clients. If you want a family of attorneys with perseverance and determination to fight for you, give Easton and Easton a call. I am glad I did. Read more…

Kyle Keith

What an amazing law firm, talk about going above and beyond to make such a painful experience go so well. I have referred a co-worker and a family member to them as well and everyone had such a great experience as I had. Read more…

Logan Ross

I can’t say enough amazing things about my experience with Travis Easton at Easton & Easton. Travis and his entire team (Katie, Amy, Dee, Michelle, & Araceli) are phenomenal. It provided me a lot of comfort to know I was being so well taken care of. I was especially impressed that every document for the case was perfectly written and specific to me. Nothing was generic, which shows the level of care and attention they put into each individual case. I had such a great experience and would highly recommend Travis Easton and his firm to anyone going through a personal injury. Travis took a bad situation and made the best of it for me. Thank you again, I’m forever grateful!!
-Allee

Ashlee A.

Retaining Easton and Easton was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! From the initial consultation to our final meeting, they were nothing short of exceptional. I was forced to retain their services after firing my previous attorney for not handling the case properly. I dealt with Gabriel and Brian (partner) exclusively throughout the case. They did as promised and were great communicators throughout the entire process. I will recommend them to anyone I know going through a personal injury case. They were ultimately able to untangle the mess caused by my previous lawyer and get a result that I was extremely happy with. Their staff is exceptional as well and provided top notch customer service. Amera was also extremely helpful and easy to deal with as well.

Jeffrey N.

I was in a pretty bad car accident and decided to have Easton & Easton represent me, Travis Easton to be specific. Travis Easton and his paralegal made the whole process effortless. They were so understanding and helpful! The entire thing was a gigantic mess, yet Travis managed to make it run like clockwork. I would HIGHLY recommend Easton & Easton! If you are ever in need of a personal defense attorney Easton & Easton is the firm to represent you!

Mark B.

They are the best law firm in Orange County period. Choosing them to represent me was the best decision of my life.
My life changed in a matter of seconds after a catastrophic spinal cord injury that left me disabled. Brian Easton and his team worked on my case non stop for 3 years and provided me the justice I deserved. I couldn’t have been more content.
I was treated with utmost respect and I felt like I was being represented by a close family member. The responses to my questions were quick and clear. What E & E has done for me is phenomenal.
My sincere thanks to Brian, Matt, Travis, Doug, Gabriel and Amera. They are what they are because of their dedication to provide high quality and professional service to their clients.

Vamsi P.

Brian Easton and his team, Gabe Mendoza and Amera Hajali, helped me during a very difficult time in my life. I had a significant injury from a car accident, and wound up seeking out Easton & Easton when I was having difficulties getting help from my doctors. The Easton team took a lot of stress off of me while acting as my advocates to help me get the care I needed, and saw my case all the way through to a healthy settlement.
They are the BEST!

Jennifer P.

I have nothing but good things to say about Easton and Easton. Brian handled my case professionally and communicated with me effectively throughout the process. He made sure that the process was effortless and as hands free as possible. This was super important for my busy schedule. I highly recommend Easton and Easton if you are ever found in a situation that you need an attorney.

Claudia C.

I would highly recommend Easton & Easton.
I was rear ended on my home and pushed into a semi-truck. I was not sure how to go about even using an attorney.
Brian, Gab and Amera were so good about helping me thru the process and representing me.
I was able to concentrate on getting myself better knowing they had my back, taking care of the details and keeping me informed along the way

Linda M.

The best Law firm by far. I would highly recommend Easton & Easton, LLP and ask for Gabriel Mendoza and staff. He and his colleagues did and exceptional service. Thank you for everything. Job well done!

Ericka P.