Long Beach Boating Accident Attorney

One advantage of living in Long Beach is easy access to the ocean. Thousands of boats are visible each day bobbing up and down in the water, with people enjoying the weather and company of family and friends. With so many boats riding the waves, things can get crowded. And with crowded waters, accidents are bound to happen, with victims rushed ashore so they can get to the hospital.

El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers can help anyone hurt in an accident. You are not required to negotiate for compensation on your own. Instead, reach out to our firm and schedule a free consultation with a Long Beach boating accident attorney. In a face-to-face or virtual consultation, we can go over your accident and discuss what your potential compensation could look like.

Boating Accident Injuries

Boat accidents are dramatic events that leave innocent people with significant injuries:

• Head injuries suffered when their boat collides with another vessel or dock
• Back and chest injuries suffered in a crash or after a boat runs aground
• Burns suffered after a fire broke out on the boat
• Respiratory injuries if a boater inhales fumes or smoke
• Fractures sustained in any type of collision
• Brain injuries stemming from near-drowning accidents

Dozens of people die in California boating accidents each year. These are tragic events, but non unusual. Someone who is momentarily knocked unconscious won’t be able to swim if thrown overboard. Please call our firm if you or a loved one were injured in any type of boating accident.

Steps to Receiving Compensation After a Boat Accident

Victims and their families should understand the steps involved in obtaining a settlement following one of these accidents:

1.       Searching for a lawyer. California does not require that you hire an attorney, but it’s enormously helpful. Your lawyer can undertake all the legal tasks, including filling out insurance forms. You should begin your search as soon as you can.
2.       Understanding the accident. What caused your collision or fire? Our firm carefully reviews all evidence. You should share your memories with a lawyer and answer any questions they have. If hired quickly enough, we might even inspect the vessel and interview other witnesses.
3.       Reviewing the relevant law. Many boat accidents are analyzed somewhat like car accidents. We need to know who is at fault for the collision or other accident.
4.       Analyzing medical evidence and financial losses. We seek financial compensation in a boat accident settlement. The amount we request depends on many factors, including your out-of-pocket expenses.
5.       Engaging in settlement negotiations. Our firm always strives to obtain a fair settlement without the need for a trial. This way, we can secure compensation much faster, allowing you to pay bills and move on with your life. We effectively negotiate thanks to our experience and ability to see the case through the eyes of the defense.
6.       Heading to court (where necessary). We might file a lawsuit against the defendant in the nearest court for compensation. This move will protect your rights going forward.

Who Is Legally Responsible for Your Boating Accident?

Liability is the legal term for responsibility. The liable person or business will need to pay compensation to injured victims. Here are some examples:

• Your boat operator. If you were injured riding in a boat, then the person at the helm could be to blame. They could have hit a wake wave intentionally, been negligent or distracted, or taken other dangerous maneuvers. They might even crash because they were drinking while behind the wheel.
• A different boat operator. The waters are choked with vessels. A different boat might have struck yours, in which case the operator of that vessel is probably liable.
• The boat owner. You might have rented a boat or taken someone else’s vessel out onto the water. A defect on the boat could have led to a crash or fire. You might be able to hold the owner liable for not fixing a defect.
• Boat manufacturer. The boat could have had a defect when it was sold to the public. The manufacturer might be liable for a design or manufacturing defect which made the boat dangerous.

Relevant evidence in a boat case includes any pictures you can take of the vessel, as well as witness statements. Dramatic boat accidents might be caught on phones or video.

Can You Really Receive Compensation?

Yes. If someone is liable for the accident, they should pay for your:

• Emergency medical treatment, including surgery or emergency room care
• Prescription medication, wheelchairs, and other devices
• Doctor’s visits and diagnostic tests
• Lost income or wages until you can return to work
• Property damage, including damage to your watercraft
• Bodily pain and suffering, including chronic pain and sleeplessness
• Depression, anxiety, and other mental health struggles

Our firm will also check if you can pursue punitive damages to punish the defendant. Someone who was boating under the influence has committed a grave wrong and should be punished.

Why You Need Our Legal Help

The settlement process is confusing for many. There are many issues our law firm can help with:

• Identifying the correct defendant. You might have been enjoying drinks in a boat when suddenly you’re tossed overboard. You have no idea who or what is to blame, and now you are too injured to undertake an exhausting investigation. Let us help.
• Finding insurance to cover the accident. It’s easiest to bring an injury claim when the defendant has insurance to cover accidents. We can investigate to find applicable policies.
• Pulling together a personal injury claim. Trying to obtain compensation is much harder than it should be. Our firm has the resources you need to bring an effective case.

Give El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers a Call

Our firm has obtained generous settlements for injured victims, with more than $100 million secured for our clients. These cases begin with a phone call. Please dial (213) 985-1120 to speak with a member of our team about your accident and injuries. We can then discuss the next steps and, if hired, begin mapping out an individualized case strategy tailored to your needs.