Boating Accident Lawyer Fontana

Fontana Boating Accident Attorney Proudly Serving All of the Inland Empire

Fontana Boating Accidents AttorneyBoating on the beautiful lakes and rivers that Southern California has to offer is a treasured past time. Additionally, Inland Empire families enjoy traveling to the coast to take advantage of convenient access to the Pacific Ocean. When a pleasant day trip turns into a nightmare you may not know what to do next. You probably have a lot of questions. We understand that you need answers. When tragedy strikes on the water, the claim for compensation can be complicated. If you or a loved one was injured in water vessel-related incident, turn to a Fontana Boating Accident Attorney at Banner Attorneys.

About Boating Accidents

The U.S. Coast Guard reports that on average, over 4000 boating accidents occur each year.  Notwithstanding the deaths totaling in the hundreds and the injuries in the thousands, it is reported that OVER $40 million dollars of property damage are incurred as a result of recreational boating accidents. Private and public interest in boating and boat ownership is on the rise. California offers boat enthusiasts beaches, bays, rivers, and lakes to enjoy. With the mild, warm and sunny weather, it’s not surprising that boating is a favorite activity. When the number of boats on the water increases, so does the risk.

Over 15 Years of Experience Representing Victims

Whether you had an incident which occurred on a private or rented boat, commercial vessel, or jet ski, the legal professionals at Banner Attorneys understand the complex issues involved in these types of cases and have the experience to assist you in filing a claim. California personal injury law allows you to seek compensation for your mounting medical bills, lost wages, property damage, or wrongful death damages if you lost a loved one in a boating accident. You also may be able to recover for pain and suffering. Don’t trust just any law firm. We focus solely on personal injury and we’ve built our practice on providing the best possible legal representation to those injured by the carelessness or negligence of others,

Proving Negligence

In order to bring about a legal claim for compensation in a personal injury case, generally, the plaintiff must prove Negligence. This includes providing the four elements as follows:

  1. DUTY: The defendant (person or entity against whom the claim is made) had a duty to act or not act in a certain way.
  2. BREACH: The defendant breached (or violated) their duty to act in a reasonable manner or not act in a reckless manner.
  3. CAUSATION: The breach of the duty caused injury or damages to the plaintiff (party bringing the claim) including physical and emotional harm;
  4. DAMAGES: The Plaintiff, in fact, did suffer some monetary loss, physical or emotional injury as a result of the breach of duty by the defendant.

If you or someone you know has been injured while on a boat, and based on the conditions above, you may have legal recourse. That is where having a Fontana Personal Injury Attorney in your corner comes in. A dedicated team, like the one at Banner Attorneys, can advise you of the steps necessary to file, pursue, and litigate a boating accident lawsuit. It is important that you are able to focus on recovery.  Let Brian Banner handle all the legal matters related to your claim.  We will investigate the incident, collect and preserve pertinent evidence, get medical reports and expert opinions, and get your claim moving toward settlement or trial if needed.

Causes of Boating Accidents

While there are many variables which can contribute to a water vessel-related incident, here a few of the common factors:

  • Careless boat driving or poor judgment
  • The inexperienced or negligent operation of a boat
  • Capsized or sinking boat
  • Boating collision
  • Defective boat or boat parts
  • Poor maintenance
  • Alcohol-related crashes

Liability is not always clear in boating accidents. You need someone who is knowledgeable about the applicable laws and someone who will be a dedicated but aggressive advocate for you.  Sadly,  even if the responsible party admits to fault, their insurer may try to get you to settle for an amount that is well below the value of your claim. Insurers are generally only interested in their own bottom line and will attempt to get rid of you and your claim as quickly as possible, for the lowest amount possible. While a settlement may be tempting and seem like a lot of money at the time, it may not cover all the actual damages, the treatment you may need in the future, the cost of damages to your property, or punitive damages you may be entitled to.

Preventing Boating Accidents

  • Stay sober while operating a boat.
  • Check the weather forecast before boating.
  • Don’t exceed your boat’s recommended maximums.
  • Always wear your life vest.
  • Educate yourself on boating safety.
  • Inspect your entire boat before taking it out on the water.
  • Be cautious of propeller safety and use flagging systems when skiers are present.
  • Be sure you have a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher on board.

Seek Legal Guidance – Reach Out to a Fontana Boating Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one has been injured or even killed as a result of a boating accident in Fontana or in the surrounding Inland Empire areas, contact Banner Attorneys at (909) 681-1622 for a free legal consultation. We are here to help you when you need us most. Don’t leave your future to chance. Your family is counting on you, and you can count on us. We have years of experience helping people injured in boating accidents. Let us pursue the compensation you deserve. Call today.