Boating Accident Attorneys

Los Angeles Boating Accident Attorneys Fighting for Justice and Compensation

Boating accidents can lead to devastating injuries or even loss of life, leaving victims and their families grappling with physical pain, emotional trauma, and overwhelming financial burdens. Whether the incident occurred during recreational boating, a jet ski outing, or while operating a commercial vessel, victims deserve experienced legal guidance to navigate the complexities of maritime law and personal injury claims. At Impact Attorneys, our seasoned Los Angeles boating accident attorney are here to provide that support. Led by Shawn Gleizer and Ellery Gordon, our firm is committed to holding negligent boat operators, rental companies, and manufacturers accountable.

Boating accidents present unique challenges compared to traditional motor vehicle crashes. Often, there are few eyewitnesses, limited video footage, and in many cases, key evidence may sink or be lost in the water. These circumstances require a knowledgeable legal team that understands not only personal injury law but also maritime regulations and liability issues that apply specifically to boating and watercraft operations. At Impact Attorneys, we have the experience and resources to handle these cases with the urgency and precision they demand.

What Types of Watercraft Are Common in Boating Accidents?

In Los Angeles and surrounding coastal areas, boating accidents can involve a wide range of watercraft. These include motorboats, sailboats, personal watercraft such as jet skis and Sea-Doos, cruise ships, ferries, and even large commercial freighters. Accidents may also involve collisions between watercraft and swimmers, paddle boarders, or others enjoying the water.

Each type of vessel presents its own risk factors, and the legal implications can vary depending on ownership, usage, and whether the incident occurred in public or private waters. Regardless of the type of watercraft involved, if someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Our Los Angeles boating accident attorney will investigate the circumstances and determine liability to build a strong claim on your behalf.

Common Causes of Boating Accidents in Los Angeles

Boating and watercraft accidents are often caused by inattention, carelessness, or a failure to follow safety protocols. In some cases, operator negligence is the sole factor, while in others, it may be combined with defects in the vessel itself. Common causes include speeding, boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol, operator inexperience, mechanical failure, poor maintenance, and lack of required safety equipment such as life jackets or signaling devices.

Weather and water conditions can also contribute to accidents, especially when boaters fail to adjust for rough waves, limited visibility, or strong currents. Additionally, some accidents are the result of rental companies failing to provide proper instructions or functioning equipment. At Impact Attorneys, we leave no detail unexamined—we gather evidence from witness statements, GPS data, maintenance records, and maritime reports to understand exactly what went wrong and who is responsible.

Injuries Associated With Boating Accidents

Injuries sustained in boating accidents can be extremely serious, with long-term consequences for the victim’s health, mobility, and overall quality of life. Drowning and near-drowning incidents are among the most life-threatening outcomes, often leading to oxygen deprivation and permanent brain damage. Spinal cord injuries and severe back or neck trauma can result in partial or complete paralysis. Traumatic brain injuries, including concussions, are common in collisions and falls on board. Victims may also suffer nerve damage, neurological complications, and significant soft tissue trauma.

Other frequent injuries include broken or fractured bones, torn ligaments, and crush injuries, particularly to the hands and feet. In some cases, victims endure serious burns from fire or friction-related incidents. Tragically, wrongful death is also a possible outcome, especially in cases involving capsizing, high-speed collisions, or delayed rescue. Our team works closely with medical experts to understand the full scope of your injuries so we can accurately calculate your damages and fight for fair compensation.

Legal Liability in California Boating Accident Cases

Liability in boating accidents is typically based on negligence. This means that the responsible party failed to act with reasonable care under the circumstances. Boat operators have a legal duty to navigate safely, maintain a proper lookout, and adhere to state and federal boating laws. When they breach this duty—by speeding, operating under the influence, or failing to provide safety equipment—they can be held financially accountable for the injuries they cause.

In some instances, boating accidents result from product defects, such as faulty engines, malfunctioning steering systems, or improperly installed safety features. In these cases, manufacturers, distributors, or maintenance providers may be held liable through a product liability claim. California’s comparative fault law may apply as well. Even if you are partially at fault for the incident, you can still recover compensation, although your total award may be reduced proportionally. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate and identify every responsible party to maximize your recovery.

Why You Need a Boating Accident Attorney in Los Angeles

Boating injury claims are legally complex and require a firm that understands both the nuances of maritime law and the insurance strategies often used to minimize payouts. When you’re injured on the water, time is critical. Evidence can disappear, witnesses may become unavailable, and the vessel may be removed or repaired before a proper investigation occurs. At Impact Attorneys, we act swiftly to preserve critical evidence, interview witnesses, and consult with maritime safety experts.

Our team handles all communication with insurance companies and opposing counsel, allowing you to focus entirely on your recovery. We fight tirelessly to recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, rehabilitation expenses, and more. In cases of wrongful death, we assist grieving families in seeking justice and holding negligent parties fully accountable.

Call the Los Angeles Boating Accident Attorneys at Impact Attorneys

Boating accidents can occur in an instant, but the consequences can last a lifetime. Whether you were injured while operating a vessel, riding as a passenger, or swimming in an area where boats are active, you have legal rights—and our team is here to protect them. At Impact Attorneys, we offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us unless we win your case.

Call us now at 818-659-0642 to speak directly with a knowledgeable Los Angeles boating accident attorney, or fill out our online form to get started. Let us help you get the answers, justice, and compensation you deserve.