Boating is a prized California pastime. The Sacramento area is home to stunning lakes and rivers for recreational boating and water sports. However, it’s important to remember that boating comes with risks. Even the most experienced and cautious boaters can suffer serious injuries if someone fails to act responsibly on the water.
Individuals who suffer injuries in California boating accidents may be entitled to compensation for their medical bills and other losses. Knowing what to do in the aftermath of an accident can protect your legal rights. Here are some tips from Demas Law Group.
What to Do After a Boat Accident
Steps to take after a boat accident include:
- Take photos of the scene. Get pictures of the damage to vessels, where the accident occurred, weather conditions, visibility in the area, and your injuries.
- See a doctor right away. You need to treat visible injuries and get checked for hidden injuries that may present with no obvious symptoms.
- Follow your doctor’s treatment recommendations. Failure to comply with your doctor’s orders can damage your future injury claim.
- Keep records of your expenses and lost income. Document all of your accident-related costs.
- Speak to a boating accident lawyer. Boat accidents can be legally complex. A knowledgeable attorney can identify what went wrong and help you pursue maximum compensation for your injuries.
Reporting a Boating Accident in Sacramento
Under California law, a boat owner or operator must report an accident that resulted in:
- Death or disappearance of a person
- Injury requiring attention beyond first aid
- Damage to any vessel or property with a repair or replacement cost exceeding $500
- Loss of any watercraft, regardless of value
Accidents must be reported to the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways. Reports must be filed within 48 hours of an accident resulting in:
- Death that occurs within 24 hours of the accident
- A person’s disappearance
- An injury requiring treatment beyond first aid
However, individuals have 10 days to file a boat accident report if the accident:
- Involved the complete loss of a vessel
- Caused property damage exceeding $500
- Resulted in death more than 24 hours after the incident
Completed and signed boat accident forms should be mailed to:
California Division of Boating and Waterways
Attn: Boating Accident Unit
PO Box 942896
Sacramento, CA 94296-0001
You can also file a report online.
Who is Responsible for a Boating Accident?
Numerous parties could be liable for a boat accident, including:
- The boat or watercraft operator
- An adult supervising a minor operating a boat or watercraft
- The boat’s owner
- Vessel lookouts
- The boat rental or charter company
- Mechanics
- The boat manufacturer
- Manufacturers of parts or equipment used on the vessel
Who Can Operate a Boat in California?
An operator must be at least 16 years old and possess a California Boater Card (CBC) to drive a motorized vessel with 15 or more horsepower. Individuals between the ages of 12 and 15 may operate a motorized vessel so long as they are supervised by someone 18 or older who holds a CBC.
How a Lawyer Can Help with Boating Accident Claims in Sacramento
You shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s recklessness on the water. A boat accident lawyer from Demas Law Group can help you pursue maximum compensation for your losses. Call or contact us today for a free consultation.
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