Sacramento Injury Attorney Blog

News reports that Operation Dry Water kicks off this weekend in an effort to prevent boating accidents caused by boating under the influence (BUI). From June 24 to June 26th, marine law enforcement will be out in force patrolling Sacramento and California lakes and rivers, searching for those BUI.

The show of force is part of an annual campaign focused on reducing the incidence of boating accidents. If you have been injured in a boating accident, it is critical to contact a dedicated Sacramento boat accident lawyer to discuss your rights and explore your next steps.

Statistics reveal that more than 17 percent of boating fatalities are relating to alcohol use. California law prohibits operating a boat with a blood alcohol level of .08 percent or higher. Despite laws restricting operating a boat wile drinking, California does not have an open container law prohibiting alcohol on board. As the result, often boating creates a "party atmosphere" leading to reckless and negligent behavior. Whether you are a driver or passenger, it's a good idea to remain sober while on board.

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According to San Luis Obispo news, two men were killed in a Northern California drunk driving crash. The drunk driving accident occurred after a 21-year-old man crashed his car on Avila Beach Drive. According to reports, Evan Green of Chico missed a left hand curve in the road, over-corrected and crashed through a fence. The vehicle then landed on its head, killing the right front and right rear passengers.

If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident, it is important to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer to protect your rights and determine your right to compensation.

Many people injured are unsure of their rights, especially when they are the passengers of a drunk driver. Drunk driving accidents can be devastating to all involved, especially when the accident includes friends or colleagues traveling together. Many times victims and their families are reluctant to take the necessary steps to preserve their rights to recover damages for the losses incurred.

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Earlier this month, a Butte County Superior Court jury returned a $30.9 million verdict against a boat driver and a boat manufacturer in a Lake Oroville boat accident. The accident occurred while a group was on the 24-foot-long wakeboarding boat. During a wakeboarding run, many passengers were sitting in the front of the boat. When the driver turned the boat around to recover the wakeboarder, water came into the boat. Two female passengers were swept off the craft and struck by the propeller.

According to news reports, the jury determined that the boat's design defects played a substantial factor in the accident and that MasterCraft should have reasonably foreseen how the X-45 was going to be used. As a result, the jury determined that the boat manufacture was 80% at fault for the accident, and the driver was 20% at fault.

If you have been injured in a boating accident or other recreational vehicle accident, it is important to speak to a knowledgeable Sacramento boat accident attorney to investigate all the circumstances surrounding the case and determine your next steps.

Although here the jury determined the driver was partly to blame, the jury was swayed by arguments that the design errors such as ladder holes in the hull, the hull design and the failure to perform adequate testing on the design of the boat were more significant contributions to the accident.

Continue reading "Butte County Jury Finds Boat Manufacturer Responsible In Lake Oroville Boat Accident" »

With Memorial Day marking the unofficial kickoff of summer, it is important to remember a few boating tips and to be aware of potentially new risks and hazards in the Sacramento area waterways. In fact, as stated by Sacramento County Parks Director Janet Baker, Sacramento's American River is a "different river" this year - with colder water and swifter currents than in previous years. As a result, officials are warning boaters to be wary of faster conditions in order to avoid being injured in a boating accident.

If you or a loved one is injured in a boating accident, it is important to contact an experienced Sacramento boat accident attorney to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

When people plan to spend the day boating, an accident may be the furthest thing from their mind. However, boating accidents can result in serious injuries or deaths so proper planning is critical. In fact last year alone, 570 boating accidents occurred in California, resulting in 236 injuries and 49 deaths.

Continue reading "Safety Precautions Necessary To Avoid Sacramento Boat Accidents" »