California Watercraft Accident Attorneys
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Bisnar|Chase has successfully represented numerous people injured in watercraft accidents since 1978. This experience has resulted in giving us the legal expertise, financial resources to handle our clients' cases in the most effective manner. We have the dedication and commitment to making sure we do everything possible to achieve the maximum results in each client's case.
There are close to 1,000,000 watercraft registered in the State of California including pleasure boats, sailboats, powerboats and personal watercraft such as jet skis. California also has the second highest accident rate involving watercraft in the United States.
The most common boating accidents are collisions with other boats, “slip and fall” on the boat, sinking, and boat disappearance. Owners and operators have a responsibility to pilot the craft in a safe and lawful manner and to ensure the safety of passengers at all times. Boating injuries usually occur because of a reckless or careless operator, operating the vessel under the influence, boat malfunction, or an inexperienced operator.
If you have been injured as a result of a boating accident, you may be able to file a claim against the owner or operator of a private boat, personal watercraft or even commercial vessel if you can establish negligence. Generally this means that you must prove that the operator was negligent, that his negligence caused the accident, and you were injured as a result.
It is crucial that you document the accident immediately.
- Report the accident to the police or Coast Guard.
- Get boat registration and insurance information from the negligent party.
- Get the names, addresses and phone numbers of any witnesses.
- Seek medical attention right away.
- Never volunteer any theories on the cause of the accident.
- Make sure you consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible.
Bisnar|Chase is knowledgeable on all legal issues covering accidents on the water and has the experience and resources to properly handle lawsuits against the owners and operators of private boats, personal watercraft and commercial ferries.
