San Diego
Boating Accident
Attorney
From operator negligence and equipment failure, to hazardous weather conditions, there are numerous factors that can be attributed to boating accidents. These accidents can result in serious injuries such as drowning, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and more. Boat and jet ski operators have a legal duty to operate their vessels safely and responsibly, and failure to do so can result in liability for any resulting injuries or damages.
The Hulburt Law Firm helps boating accident victims recover maximum compensation for their injuries. Our personal injury attorneys have represented accident victims suffering from propeller lacerations, head injuries, and more. Our attorneys have the experience, skill, and resources to achieve life-changing results for you and your family.
Open motorboats, personal watercraft and cabin motorboats were the vessel types most involved in reported incidents in 2023.*
Our Approach
Throughout the process, we keep you informed, answer any questions you may have, and provide ongoing support. We limit the number of cases we take on so that we can dedicate the time and attention needed for each case.
With the Hulburt Law Firm by your side, you can focus on your recovery while knowing that your legal claims are being taken care of. If you or a loved one has been involved in a boating accident, contact us today for a free case review.
Navigate the Law
Understand and manage the complexities of your case with an expert legal team on your side.
Gather Crucial Evidence
Our legal team collects crucial evidence to present a compelling case.
Negotiate Settlements
We handle negotiations with insurance companies and opposing parties in order to achieve the highest settlements possible.
Representation in Court
Our experienced attorneys provide skilled representation if your case goes to trial.
Case Results
Our attorneys have a proven track record of achieving extraordinary results.
A sudden tire failure caused an SUV to fishtail and crash into a tree on the side of a San Diego County highway, killing a beloved husband and father.
A San Diego I-5 freeway collision resulted in brain and spine injuries.
A passenger seatback collapsed in a rear-end collision, causing the occupant life-changing spinal injuries and paralysis.
Campus security was speeding and collided with a student’s vehicle, killing her.
The driver's head restraint broke off when he was rear-ended at high speed on the 15 freeway, causing the driver to suffer a spinal cord injury and paralysis.
Adults served minors alcohol at a party. A minor then drove drunk and crashed, killing a passenger.
Boating accidents on San Diego’s bays, harbors, and coastal waters can happen in an instant and often for more than one reason. Operator inattention, speeding, alcohol or drug use, and inexperience are some of the most common factors. Collisions may occur when someone is focused on music or passengers instead of other vessels, fails to keep a proper lookout, misjudges distance, or ignores basic navigation rules and “no wake” zones. When you combine those behaviors with crowded holiday weekends or night boating, the risk of serious injury increases dramatically.
Other crashes are tied to issues beyond the operator at the wheel. Defective or poorly maintained equipment, improper loading, missing life jackets, and inadequate lighting or signage from marinas and rental companies can all contribute to a dangerous situation. Sudden weather changes, strong currents, and wakes from larger vessels can also turn an already risky choice into a catastrophic event.
After a serious incident on Mission Bay, San Diego Bay, or offshore, it is not always obvious what really caused the collision or capsizing—or who may be responsible. A careful investigation often reveals that multiple factors and multiple parties played a role, from negligent operators to rental outfits, tour companies, or others involved in the trip.
How It Works
Free Case Review
During your free case review, we listen to your story, collect preliminary information, and provide an honest evaluation of your case’s strengths and potential challenges.
Detailed Investigation
Once the scope of work is signed, our team gets to work conducting a thorough investigation to build a strong foundation for your case including accident scene examinations, analyzing accident reports and witness statements, investigating the involved vessels’ maintenance records, navigational logs, and any available black box data, and reviewing the weather and water conditions that may have contributed to the accident.
Expert Collaboration
To strengthen your case, our firm collaborates with experts, including maritime experts, accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, and economists in order to reconstruct the scene, provide detailed assessments of your injuries and necessary treatments, and calculate the full extent of your financial losses.
Comprehensive Legal Strategy
Based on our investigation and expert collaboration, we develop a tailored legal strategy involving identifying all liable parties, determining claims, and calculating damages.
Settlement Negotiation
Our goal is to ensure you receive full and fair compensation for all your losses. We thoroughly assess the damages you have suffered, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and loss of consortium (compensation for the impact of your injuries on your relationship with your spouse or family).
Litigation & Trial Representation
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we take your case to court. Our trial attorneys have extensive courtroom experience and are skilled at telling your story, presenting evidence and expert testimony, cross-examining witnesses, and making compelling arguments to the judge and jury.
California Boating Accident Law
Boating accidents in California are governed by a combination of federal and state laws, as well as regulations established by agencies such as the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the California Department of Boating and Waterways. Here are some key laws and regulations that apply:
California Harbors and Navigation Code
California Boating Safety and Education Act
Federal Navigation Rules
California Vessel Registration Laws
California Boating Under the Influence (BUI) Laws
Accident Reporting Requirements
Speed and Wake Regulations
The Hulburt Law Difference
In-Depth Investigations
Forget surface-level research and mediocre inquiries. We dive deep to conduct extensive investigations and gather evidence in order to build your strongest case.
Tech-Forward Approach
We use technology to your advantage. By using video and photography, scene recreations, and graphics, we tell your story in a visually-compelling way that other law firms cannot match.
Maximum Compensation
Defense attorneys and insurance companies know us and respect us. We assess the full extent of your damages and pursue all responsible parties in order to maximize the compensation you deserve.
The Right Experience
Catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases are rarely simple. We have taken on the largest corporations, insurance companies, and defense firms in the country and won.
Genuine Care
We understand how important it is to have a compassionate and considerate lawyer. From providing regular case updates to ensuring clients are adequately prepared for each step of the case, we continually demonstrate our care for all of our clients.
Boating Accident
FAQs
What are the common causes of boating accidents in California?
Is a license required to operate a boat in California?
How does the assumption of risk doctrine affect boat accident lawsuits?
Can I sue a boat rental company if I signed a liability waiver?
What should I do immediately after a boating accident?
Who can be held liable for a boating accident?
What types of injuries are common in boating accidents?
What compensation can I receive for a boating accident injury?
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a boating accident in California?
Do I need to report a boating accident to authorities?
Can I still pursue a claim if I was partially at fault for the boating accident?
How can a boating accident attorney help me?
What are some safety tips to prevent boating accidents?
Request a Free Case Review
Simply fill out the form or call 619.821.0500 to receive a free case review. We’ll evaluate what happened, your injuries, and potential defendants to determine how we can best help you.
The Hulburt Law Firm specializes in catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death cases in San Diego, California.
