Boat Accident
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Boat Accident?
| July 22nd, 2019
Although the Bay Area typically avoids the extreme heat that summer brings to other parts of California and the U.S., spending the day on the water is still a great way to cool off when temperatures rise. However, boating often involves alcohol and distractions—both of which can lead to serious accidents. If you or someone you love was recently hurt in a boating accident, you may have suffered serious, disabling injuries that require medical attention. That means big emergency room bills that you might not be able to afford. As with most types of accidents, you may be eligible to file a compensation claim against the person or party who caused the boat accident, but determining who is liable can be difficult. At Berg Injury Lawyers, our California boat accident attorneys know which parties are often responsible for boat accidents, including:- Boat operators—Boat operators can cause accidents when they’re impaired, distracted, or reckless.
- Boat passengers—Passengers can contribute to or cause accidents when they distract boat drivers or prevent them from safely operating their vessels.
- Boat owners—Boat owners are responsible for keeping their vessels maintained and sea-worthy. When they fail to do so, serious accidents can occur.
- Other boaters—If you were injured in a collision with another boat, the other boat operator may be held responsible for your injuries if their negligence caused the accident.
Boating Season Isn’t Over, and We’re Still Here to Help
| September 5th, 2018
Labor Day has come and gone, and for many people, that spells the unofficial end of summer. But warm weather and pleasant boating days will remain in the Bay Area for many more weeks. If you’re planning on taking your boat out, it’s important to be cautious and prepared for emergencies. A few things you can do to reduce your risks on the water include:- Never operating your boat after drinking alcohol—Driving a boat while intoxicated is just as serious and dangerous as driving a vehicle while impaired. If you plan on drinking, appoint a designated driver for your boat or leave it at the dock.
- Not heading out when visibility will be reduced—One component of safe boating is being able to see where you’re going. When visibility is reduced due to rain or fog, you’re more likely to be involved in a serious boating accident.
- Stocking your boat with necessary safety equipment—By law, you’re required to have life jackets for every person onboard your boat. You should also have a throwable floatation device that can be used in the event of an emergency. A fire extinguisher, a distress flag, and a radio or cell phone are also essential to call for help if necessary.
Stay Safe on Your Boat This Memorial Day Weekend
| May 21st, 2018
Memorial Day is Monday, May 28, and that means this upcoming weekend is one of the biggest boating weekends of the year. If you’re a boat owner, you may already have plans to spend the day on the water. But with so many other vessels around, it’s important to keep a few important safety tips in mind throughout the day, including:- Don’t operate your boat after consuming alcohol. Safe boating requires a sober mind and body. As with driving a vehicle, safely operating a boat and consuming alcohol just don’t mix. California’s legal limit for alcohol intoxication while operating a boat is 0.08 percent—the same as it is for driving a car, truck, or SUV.
- Avoid distractions while your boat is in motion. Boating is a social activity, and it’s common for boat owners to have multiple passengers on their boats when they take them out into the water. But the more passengers you have, the greater your risk of being distracted. When you’re operating your boat, stay focused on where you’re going and getting there as safely as possible.
- Stay home if the weather or water aren’t cooperating. Boating can be dangerous during inclement weather or in choppy and rough water. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and tide conditions before you head out on your boat, and if conditions look too rough, stay home—it could save your life.
Stay Safe on Your Boat This Summer.
| August 21st, 2017
Summer is winding down, but one of the major perks of living in Northern California is enjoying great boating weather for most of the year. Whether you’re out for a solo cruise or entertaining friends and family, it’s hard to beat a beautiful day on the water. But boats can be dangerous if you’re not cautious. Boats don’t have the same safety features as cars, trucks, and SUVs, which means accidents can put occupants at high risk of suffering serious injuries. To reduce your chances of being hurt on your boat or anyone else’s boat this summer and fall, follow these tips:- Never drive a boat while or after drinking alcohol. Boating while intoxicated is just as dangerous as driving a vehicle while intoxicated. When you’re over the legal limit, you’re more likely to lose control of your boat and collide with other vessels, docks, or sea walls.
- Pack enough life jackets for everyone on board. California law requires that all boats 16 feet or longer contain one life jacket for every passenger, as well as a rescue flotation device such as a ring, cushion, or horseshoe buoy. Life jackets are essential in the event of an emergency.
5 Boating Safety Tips
| January 25th, 2016
Boating is one of the best parts of living in San Francisco. From the Waterfront to open Bay, we have some of the most beautiful waterways in the country. However, before you get out on the water this year, consider the following boating safety tips to make sure your trip is both fun and safe:- Have a pre-departure checklist—There are several things to attend to as you’re preparing to depart. Make sure you don’t forget any step by developing and following a pre-departure checklist.
- Use lifejackets properly—Lifejackets should be worn as specified every time you set sail. Don’t make the mistake of assuming you’re safe inside the boat or simply don’t need a lifejacket. Hundreds of drownings each year could have been prevented if only the victim were wearing one.
- Avoid alcohol—Drinking and boating can lead to tragedy. Respect the water and refrain from drinking while operating any watercraft vehicle.
- Learn to swim—If you’re going to be out on the water, you need to know how to swim. There are a number of local organizations that offer basic swimming safety classes. You don’t need to be a professional swimmer, but you do need to know how to survive in the water.
- Consider the weather—Before you set out on a boating excursion, check the weather to make sure it’s safe to be out on the water. Just because the skies are clear when you set out doesn’t mean they’ll stay that way. If you do experience inclement weather on the water, don’t attempt to wait it out. Get to shore immediately.
