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California

Boating Accident Lawyers

When you’ve been hurt in a boating accident, choose Sam & Ash Injury Law — California’s trusted legal team. We fight relentlessly for ‘What’s Right,’ and provide caring, approachable counsel, available 24/7 to support you.

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Award-Winning Attorneys

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Our Clients Win More

$500MM

Recovered for accident victims across Nevada and California

24/7

Availability to answer your questions & offer a free case review

16+

Practice areas handled by our experienced legal team

98%

Success rate for clients we represent in personal injury claims

We’re Here To Help

Boating should be fun — not life-threatening. But when someone acts carelessly on the water, the results can be devastating. Collisions, capsizing, and reckless driving often lead to serious injuries, and too often, the people responsible try to avoid accountability.

If you were hurt in a boating accident, we’re here to help. We’ll investigate what happened, determine who’s at fault, and fight to recover the compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing.

Filing A Claim For A Boating Accident

In California, you typically have two years from the date of a boat accident to file a personal injury claim. If the injured person is a minor, the deadline may be extended. If a government agency is involved, you must file an administrative claim within six months. The agency has 45 days to respond; if denied, you have six months to sue. If there’s no response, you have two years from the accident date to take legal action.

Boating accident claims are complex and time-sensitive. Starting early allows us to investigate thoroughly, gather evidence, and assess the full impact of your injuries. At Sam & Ash Injury Law, we’ll calculate the total value of your claim — including medical bills, future care, lost income, reduced earning capacity, and pain and suffering—and fight for everything you’re owed.

Multiple parties may be held responsible depending on the circumstances. While criminal charges like boating under the influence may apply, you must file a civil claim to seek compensation. Potentially liable parties include the boat operator, owner, crew members, or even passengers whose actions caused harm. Defective boats or equipment may lead to claims against manufacturers or maintenance providers.

The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can determine who’s at fault and begin building your case.

What To Do After

If you’ve been injured in a boating accident, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your claim for compensation:

Responders will secure the area, control the situation, and prepare an official report, ensuring proper documentation for any necessary follow-up.

Take photo and video of the scene. Store reports, important items, and any records securely so nothing useful to your case is lost or misplaced.

A prompt exam can uncover unseen injuries and create important documentation for your claim

Attend all follow-up appointments, complete recommended treatments, and participate in any necessary therapies.

If the incident occurred in public, notify nearby people, business owners, or file an incident report.

Do not wait to get the legal advice you need. We can start investigating the accident, preserving evidence, and protecting you from day one.

Record detailed notes about how the accident occurred and track symptoms, treatments, and recollections related to your recovery process.

Refrain from posting about your incident—anything posted online could impact your claim.

 

Common Injuries From A Boating Accident

  • Amputations
  • Broken bones
  • Burns
  • Carbon monoxide poisoning
  • Concussion
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Electric shock
  • Hypothermia
  • Internal organ injury
  • Lacerations
  • Shock
  • Shoulder dislocation
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Sprains, strains 

Common Causes And Types Of Boating Accidents

Causes:

  • Boat operation inattention
  • Operator inexperience
  • Improper lookout
  • Machinery failure
  • Excessive speed
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Force of wake caused by a boat’s speed
  • Violation of navigation rules
  • Hazardous waters
  • Hazardous weather 

Types:

  • Falling overboard or within the boat
  • Being ejected from the boat
  • Sinking, capsizing, flooding/swamping, or grounding the boat
  • Striking a submerged object
  • Collision with another boat or object above the water
  • A person being struck by the boat, its propeller, propulsion unit, or steering machinery
  • Water skiing accident or other mishap involving a towable device
  • Fire or explosions on the boat from boat equipment
  • Carbon monoxide exposure
  • Electrocution due to stray current on a boat

You May Be Entitled To Maximum Compensation

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