California Boat Accident Lawyer

Boating accidents in California often result in severe and life-altering injuries.
Collisions, falls overboard, propeller injuries, and drownings can occur in seconds and leave victims facing overwhelming medical, financial, and emotional consequences.

When a boat accident is caused by negligence, recklessness, alcohol use, improper maintenance, or failure to follow maritime safety rules, injured victims and their families have the right to pursue compensation under California and federal law.

The Law Office of Norman Gregory Fernandez represents boat accident victims throughout California, including injuries involving recreational boats, jet skis, ferries, charter vessels, and commercial watercraft.

Injured in a California Boat Accident?

A serious boating accident can change your life in an instant.
Collisions, falls overboard, propeller injuries, and drowning incidents often cause catastrophic harm and long-term medical needs.

If negligence played a role—unsafe operation, alcohol use, inadequate training, poor maintenance, or defective equipment—you may be entitled to compensation under California law and, in some cases, federal maritime law.

Boat Accidents in California

California has more registered recreational vessels than almost any other state.

With thousands of miles of coastline, lakes, rivers, and harbors, boating is popular year-round — and so are boating accidents.

Boat accident injuries often occur on oceans, lakes, rivers, bays, marinas, and harbors.

Unlike car accidents, boating cases may involve overlapping state law, federal maritime law, and Coast Guard regulations.

These cases require careful investigation and a firm that understands both personal injury law and maritime liability principles.

Common Causes of Boat Accidents

• Operator inattention or inexperience
• Boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Excessive speed or reckless operation
• Failure to follow navigational rules
• Mechanical failure or poor maintenance
• Overloading passengers
• Defective boat parts or equipment
• Dangerous water or weather conditions

Types of Boat Accident Injuries

Boat accident injuries are often catastrophic due to the lack of restraints, hard surfaces, and exposure to water.

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Drownings and near-drowning injuries
• Broken bones and crush injuries
• Propeller and amputation injuries
• Severe lacerations and internal injuries
• Burn injuries from explosions or fuel fires

Who May Be Liable for a Boat Accident?

Liability in a boat accident depends on how the incident occurred and who controlled or maintained the vessel.
Responsible parties may include:

• The boat operator
• The boat owner
• Rental or charter companies
• Tour or ferry operators
• Boat manufacturers or parts suppliers
• Maintenance or repair providers
• Commercial vessel operators

Compensation Available After a Boat Accident

Boat accident victims may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Long-term care and rehabilitation
• Wrongful death damages for surviving families

Frequently Asked Questions About Boat Accidents

Do boat accident cases follow the same rules as car accidents?

No.
Boat accidents may involve California law, federal maritime law, or both.
The applicable law depends on where the accident occurred and the type of vessel involved.

What if the boat operator was intoxicated?

Boating under the influence is illegal and significantly strengthens an injury claim.
Alcohol is a leading cause of serious boating accidents.

Can I still recover compensation if I was a passenger?

Yes.
Passengers injured in boat accidents often have strong claims against negligent operators, owners, or rental companies.

How long do I have to file a boat accident claim?

Deadlines vary depending on whether maritime law applies and whether a government entity is involved.
Waiting too long can permanently bar your claim.

Protecting Boat Accident Victims Across California

Boat accident cases require immediate action.

Evidence can disappear quickly, vessels can be repaired or sold, and witnesses can be lost.

Early legal involvement makes a critical difference.

Attorney Norman Gregory Fernandez has decades of experience handling serious injury and complex liability cases throughout California.

Our firm investigates accidents thoroughly, preserves evidence, and holds negligent parties accountable.

If you or a loved one was injured in a boating accident anywhere in California, do not wait to seek legal advice.

Call 800-816-1529 for a free consultation.

There is no fee unless we win.