Setareh Law
December 29, 2024
Boating accidents can be dangerous. They can also cause serious damages and injuries, and many individuals have suffered injuries that might last forever. The most common injuries associated with boating accidents include head trauma and neck injuries. Below is some information on those and other injuries that might happen to you as a result of a boating accident in southern California.
Here are some of the most common boating accident injuries people suffer from:
Understanding Boating Accidents
Boating accidents can be devastating, resulting in serious injuries, property damage, and even fatalities. In Southern California, where the weather is pleasant year-round, boating is a popular recreational activity. However, with the increasing number of boats on the water, the risk of accidents also increases. It is essential to understand the causes of boating accidents and the steps to take in case of an emergency.
Boating accidents can occur due to various reasons, including operator error, equipment failure, and adverse weather conditions. According to the United States Coast Guard, the most common types of boating accidents in California include collisions with other boats or objects, grounding, fires, and flooding. In 2022, Californians reported 387 recreational boating accidents, resulting in 42 fatalities and 43 total deaths. These statistics highlight the importance of being vigilant and prepared while out on the water to prevent serious injuries and fatalities.
Injuries to the Head and Neck
A boating accident can cause the person to hit their head and cause a brain injury. This type of injury is serious and might result in permanent damage to the skull and brain. Injuries to the neck can also happen as a result of a boating accident. These injuries are serious, can affect your ability to breathe, swallow, or speak, and may require surgery. In some cases, these injuries are fatal, even with immediate medical attention. A boating accident victim may face long-term challenges due to head and neck injuries, impacting their ability to perform household tasks and requiring external assistance.
Blunt Force Trauma
Blunt force trauma is a very serious and painful injury. It can lead to severe bleeding and swelling, and it can also cause nerve damage, stroke, paralysis, and death. Collisions involving personal watercraft can lead to blunt force trauma due to the high-impact forces involved. Blunt force trauma is not always an injury caused by a collision with another object. It could also be an accidental fall that causes you to hit your head or neck on something hard, like the side of your boat.
Fractures
The bones in your body might crack or break during a boating accident. This can be a pretty serious injury and can make it hard to move normally. Fractures are common in accidents involving recreational boats. If this happens, you may need surgery or therapy to help fix the fracture. If you’re not able to get proper treatment for broken bones, it’s possible that they could heal improperly and leave you with permanent damage.
Sudden Loss of Consciousness and Drowning
This type of injury may occur when you lose consciousness in a boat due to the boat capsizing or hitting something. Inattentiveness or excessive speed by operators of other watercraft can also contribute to accidents leading to loss of consciousness and drowning. It’s possible to drown with this injury as well if you don’t receive immediate medical attention. This type of injury is very serious and can result in death.
Eye Injuries
A boating accident can cause a number of eye injuries, such as corneal abrasions and lacerations. Most boating accidents, including those causing eye injuries, are preventable and often result from negligence. If you or someone you’re with has been in a boating accident, it is important to get medical treatment immediately. In many cases, eyesight can be preserved with immediate emergency medical attention.
Common Causes of Boating Accidents
Boating accidents can be caused by a combination of factors, including:
- Operator inattention or negligence: This is one of the most common causes of boating accidents. Boat operators who are distracted or not paying attention to their surroundings can collide with other boats or objects, causing serious injuries and damage.
- Operator inexperience: Inexperienced boat operators may not be aware of the rules of the water or how to handle their vessel in emergency situations.
- Excessive speed: Speeding can increase the risk of accidents, especially in crowded waterways.
- Failure to follow safety regulations: Boat operators who fail to follow safety regulations, such as wearing life jackets or carrying safety equipment, can put themselves and others at risk.
- Equipment failure: Mechanical failure or malfunctioning equipment can cause accidents, especially if the boat is not properly maintained.
Understanding these common causes can help boat operators take necessary precautions to avoid accidents and ensure a safe boating experience.
Seeking Compensation After a Boating Accident
If you or a loved one has been involved in a boating accident, it is essential to seek compensation for your injuries and damages. An experienced boating accident lawyer can help you navigate the complex process of filing a claim and seeking compensation.
In California, boat owners and operators have a duty to ensure the safety of their passengers and other boaters. If a boat owner or operator breaches this duty of care, they can be held liable for any resulting accidents and injuries.
Damages in boating accident cases can include:
- Medical expenses: This includes the cost of medical treatment, hospital bills, and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages: If you are unable to work due to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages.
- Property damage: This includes the cost of repairing or replacing your boat or other property damaged in the accident.
- Pain and suffering: You may be entitled to compensation for the physical and emotional pain and suffering caused by the accident.
- Punitive damages: In some cases, you may be entitled to punitive damages if the at-fault party was reckless or negligent.
It is essential to seek the help of an experienced boating accident lawyer to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation you are entitled to. A free consultation with a lawyer can help you understand your legal options and the best course of action to take.
Contact a Southern California Boating Accident Lawyer
When it comes to boating accidents, you may face many serious injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident in southern California, you may face a large amount of medical bills and other financial damages. If your accident was caused by someone else, you can hold them accountable for the damages. Contact Setareh Law at (310) 659-1826 or by filling out the contact form to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team to learn what your options for recourse are. Our boating accident attorneys are here to help you! We also speak Spanish.
