Westlake Village Boat Accident Lawyer

The vast California coastline, spanning nearly 850 miles, allows boaters to enjoy time on the open waters. Westlake Village residents often enjoy sailing, jet skis, and more, and while being on the water is a fun way to spend the day, boating wrecks are common and could happen to anyone.

Like any vehicle, operating a water vessel requires following safety rules, using caution and good judgment, and learning skills that come with experience. You could be eligible for compensation when you suffer bodily injuries and other losses while boating due to someone else’s carelessness.

Reach out to a Westlake Village boat accident lawyer today for help filing your claim. Our personal injury attorneys are dedicated to their practice and could assist you in the entire legal process.

Rules and Requirements for Boating

Regulations and restrictions exist to protect boaters and everyone else enjoying state waterways. The minimum age for obtaining a boater card for the lawful operation of a motorized water vessel is 16 years old.

Life Jacket Laws

Everyone aboard a watercraft must have life jackets available and easily accessible to them or risk receiving a citation from the California Coast Guard. The California Department of Parks and Recreation further instructs that boats over 16 feet long must have Type IV water safety devices within reach. This includes cushions, rings, or other devices intended for throwing into the water should they become necessary.

Enforcement of Regulations

State regulations require some boaters to compete in a state-approved waterway safety course to obtain their Boater Education Card. They must always have the card on them while operating watercraft, and failing to do so could result in penalties, including fines.

Adhering to the rules and guidelines is essential for ensuring recreational boaters safely enjoy their time on the water. Coast Guard officers dedicate their time and effort to patrolling the waterways to ensure everyone adheres to the rules to avoid wrecks. Contact our team of seasoned boat crash lawyers in Westlake Village today for more information on state boating regulations.

Causes of Recreational Water Vessel Accidents

Boat collisions can result from operator recklessness or sudden changes in the weather, leading to more dangerous waters. Some other typical reasons they occur include:

• Intoxicated boaters
• Inclement weather conditions
• Defective or missing equipment
• Causing wakes in a no-wake zone
• Lack of or improper navigational lights
• Excessive speed or other reckless actions
• Operator error or inexperience of the operator
• Overloaded water vessels carrying too many passengers

A Westlake Village boat crash attorney is skilled at investigating and determining the cause of damages and the liable party.

Steps to Take After Recreational Boating Wrecks

After a vessel collision, the operator’s first priority is checking the condition of passengers and others involved to determine if emergency medical care is needed. This is assuming the operator is not seriously injured themself.

When injuries or property damage occur, the next step is to notify the Coast Guard. The operator must also complete a report providing information regarding the harm anyone on board sustained and significant losses.

In addition, it is vital to collect the names, driver’s license numbers, addresses, and contact information of all boaters involved in the incident. Exchanging insurance information, taking photographs, and collecting witness statements are also crucial for recovering a settlement from the liable party. Reaching out to a seasoned boat wreck lawyer in Westlake Village could help ensure the protection of rights and a satisfactory outcome by covering all bases.

Meet With a Qualified Boat Accident Attorney in Westlake Village

Boat operator negligence can quickly turn tragic, leaving those on the waterway with severe, life-threatening, or fatal injuries. Much like drivers on state roads, water vessel operators must adhere to state law guidelines and prevent collisions or harm to others on the water.

When a person’s negligence causes harm to other people, the injured parties can seek legal action to collect monetary damages. Speak to a diligent Westlake Village boat accident lawyer today to discuss your recent incident and file a claim.