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AVAILABLE 24/7 (866) 236-5474 Boats are commonly utilized by Burbank residents and those in the surrounding areas for recreation. While incredibly fun, watercraft present unique hazards to operators, passengers, and those around them. Severe injuries from boater negligence, defective parts, and other wrongful conduct may lead to serious harm.
If you were hurt in an accident on the water, a personal injury claim against a negligent boater may yield substantial awards for you and your family. An experienced Burbank boat accident lawyer could assist you in seeking the compensation you deserve.
Many people own boats and other forms of watercraft, including:
These types of boats are typically owned by individuals or families and used for private enjoyment. With this ownership comes an obligation to operate the vehicle safely and within applicable laws. Boat operators must take reasonable care, even those who are doing so for purely recreational purposes.
If they fail to do so and cause injuries, a claim against them may provide the victims with compensation. Many boaters are also insured, and the insurance company could be responsible for all or part of the claim. A Burbank lawyer with experience handling boating accident claims may help recover damages for an injured party.
In addition to recreation, some individuals and companies use their vessels for monetary gain. Examples include shipping boats, passenger boats, ferries, or other watercraft that perform a job. Injury cases involving commercial vehicles differ in that the injured plaintiff may also have a claim against the owner of the boat, not just the operator.
The concept of respondeat superior makes employers financially liable for the negligent acts of their employees. This legal theory may permit recovery from multiple parties to help ensure that a claim is fully paid. Because companies often have large asset pools and comprehensive insurance coverage, they may be a better source of compensation than individuals. An attorney in Burbank could examine all available sources of recovery to broaden the scope of a plaintiff’s boat accident claim.
Companies are expected to hire experienced or properly trained employees to operate boats. These large vehicles can do a great deal of damage and require specialized training to operate. Negligently hiring an unsafe operator may lead to financial liability for the company.
A company may also be responsible for negligent supervision of employees. This could include a lack of protective policies that guarantee the employee is operating the boat safely. It could also include forcing employees to work under unsafe conditions or long hours that cause exhaustion.
When a boat is meant to carry multiple passengers for profit, such as a ferry, harbor cruise, or a “booze cruise,” it could be considered a common carrier. Common carriers are held to a higher standard of care than other parties under California Civil Code § 2100.
They must use the “utmost care and diligence” to protect their passengers as well as others in their vicinity. Negligent acts by a boat operator may constitute ordinary negligence, or it may violate this heightened standard. A Burbank lawyer could fully investigate the cause of a watercraft crash to determine the applicable standard of care.
Every boat wreck case is different, as are the resulting injuries. Accidents on the water can lead to expensive and painful injuries, and they also carry a risk of drowning.
If you were injured in a watercraft crash caused by a negligent individual or company, you may be entitled to financial compensation. A Burbank boat accident lawyer could help you pursue the responsible parties for compensation. Get in touch today.
Benji Personal Injury – Accident Attorneys, A.P.C.
