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Boating accidents in San Jose and surrounding Northern California waters can be devastating. Whether your accident happened at Anderson Reservoir, Coyote Lake, or out on the Pacific Ocean, a San Jose boating accident lawyer can help you navigate the complex process of seeking compensation. Contact us today.
Boating is a great outdoor activity for all ages, and San Jose is an ideal spot for water sports of all kinds. However, accidents do happen, and the experience can be both painful and traumatic. Boating accidents can lead to injuries similar to a car accident but are further complicated because victims may then be adrift in the water as they await emergency services.
Places like Anderson Reservoir, Coyote Lake, Calero Reservoir, Lake Don Pedro, the Delta, Lake Tahoe, and Lake Berryessa are popular destinations for recreational boating activities including fishing, water skiing, canoeing, jet ski riding, sailing, and kayaking. In addition, San Jose is near San Francisco Bay, which provides access to the vast Pacific Ocean.
There are many rules and regulations that apply to boating, whether in the ocean or an inland waterway. You need a license for operating any boat with a motor exceeding 15 horsepower, including personal watercraft (PWC), and the same BAC laws apply for operating a boat as when driving a car — .08 for adults over the age of 21.
There are many rules and regulations that apply to boating, whether in the ocean or an inland waterway. You need a license for operating any boat with a motor exceeding 15 horsepower, including personal watercraft (PWC), and the same BAC laws apply for operating a boat as when driving a car — .08 for adults over the age of 21.
Following these rules is an essential part of a safe and enjoyable experience on the water, but the unfortunate reality is that many people ignore these rules and put themselves and others at risk of a boat accident.
If you or a loved one has been hurt or killed in a boating accident near San Jose, the San Francisco Bay Area, or in Northern California, contact our law firm as soon as possible to connect with an experienced attorney and discuss your legal options for seeking compensation.
Our law firm offers a free consultation with an experienced San Jose boat accident lawyer where you can discuss the specifics of your situation and get advice about your rights and options under California law.
Personal injury cases can be complicated, and while it may seem that filing a claim with an insurance company is as simple as connecting with the adjuster, the reality is much different. Insurance companies focus on settling claims against their policyholders as quickly and cheaply as possible, and your personal injury claim will likely be no different.
Working with an experienced legal team is the best way to fight for the compensation that you are rightfully owed while taking time to focus on getting the medical care you deserve and working towards recovery.
Read more below about boat accidents, and contact us to speak with a member of our team. Once you are working with a boat accident lawyer in San Jose, we will make sure that the at-fault party is held liable and that you won’t end up footing the bill for someone else’s negligence.
The first step in any personal injury claim is establishing liability by determining who — or what — caused the accident. Common causes of boating accidents include things like operator distraction, intoxicated boat operators, excessive speed, inexperience, or equipment failures that may be the result of manufacturing or workmanship issues or the owner’s failure to properly maintain a safe vessel.
Of course, these are only a few of the many different ways that a boating accident may happen, but most boating accidents are caused by at least one party.
California, like most states, uses a rule known as Comparative Negligence, which allows victims to assume partial fault while still being entitled to compensation. For example, if a boater is 20% responsible for a crash, then their final settlement or award will be reduced by 20%.
This rule ensures that victims are not barred from compensation if they are partially responsible, but the insurance company will use this rule to their advantage to reduce their liability and the amount they need to pay. Your lawyer will fight to ensure that you do not take on any more fault than is accurate.
Once your San Jose boat accident lawyer can clearly show that there is an at-fault party responsible for your boat accident, they will move forward with your claim.
As members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum® and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum®, we have proven our ability to negotiate and litigate on behalf of our clients successfully. Retain us to put our tactical strategies to work for you. These skills are what make our legal team such a formidable opponent in any courtroom or negotiation setting.