The state of California is very rich in water resources. Actually, its shoreline extends over 3,400 miles of clean ocean water and its inland waters measure up to 8,000 square miles. These natural treasures give the people an immense avenue to enjoy water recreations such as boating, fishing, skiing, kayaking and other types of water sports and leisure. However, these abundant natural resources may also trigger tragic boating accidents that have caused thousands of victims and their families to suffer much.

For the past few years, the number of boats registered yearly have sum up to almost 900,000. Because of the state government’s constant water safety campaigns, the boating misfortune figures have been constantly decreasing. Unfortunately, hundreds of individuals still die due to these boating accidents. In addition, it is estimated that 90%-95% of these accidents are fatal. Only in 2000, the number of recreational boating accidents has reached 7,740 involving at least 11,000 water vessels. These incidents have left 791 casualties and 4,355 injured people.

Boat accidents would not have happened if only the boat operators have followed the standards of sailing and have exercised their duties with deep sense of caution. The statistics shows that most of these disasters are by the boat operator’s negligence and inexperience. Furthermore, over 80% of the entire boating casualties happened on those vessels where the operators have not gone through a boating safety course.

Meanwhile, the excessive alcohol intake on the part of the boat operator can also be attributed for the accounts of boat accidents. In fact, these cover 30% of the total number of fatalities in boat accidents. For these reasons, the law implements stiffer penalties to the misbehaved operator. These may include fines, imprisonment, community service and substance abuse counseling among others.

The following are some of the types of recreational boating accidents:

• Capsizing

• Vessel and other structure collisions

• Falling overboard

• Accidental fire

• Explosions

• Electrocution

• Boat or passenger disappearance

• Flooding and sinking

• Skier Mishap

On the other hand, the victims (or their surviving families in cases of deaths) are given the rights, under the prevailing California law, to file their lawsuits against the liable individuals or companies. They can acquire a justifiable amount of compensation if they can prove the guilt and negligence of the defendants in performing their duties. More so, to have stronger boat accident claims, they should gather sufficient evidences including expert testimonies. In these undertaking, they certainly need the legal aid of a qualified boat accident lawyer who has the expertise in handling these types of cases. A proficient legal counsel will guide and represent them in all the procedures of filing the petition that includes attending case hearings. Employing duly qualified and competent lawyers will increase their chances of having their claims granted.

Finally, before having a trip in a boat, a person should be aware and properly prepared of the possible boating scenarios. Be sure that sufficient safety equipment and gadgets are positioned on the vessel. Anything can happen while traveling on waters so be attentive.