Stockton Injury Lawyer Blog

With the Fourth of July weekend upon us, the U.S. Coast Guard is heightening its efforts to educate the public about wearing lifejackets while boating. In Lake County, California, the Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 88 has been passing out free lifejackets to Lake County youth and providing boat safety classes at elementary schools.

Such measures are necessary. According to the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC), California has the third highest incidence of boating deaths in the country, and is second for reported accidents. In 2008, 45 deaths and 520 injuries were reported.

California law requires children under the age 13 to wear a life jacket, and a jacket must be on board for each passenger.

The Lake County Bee reports the most common reasons for accidents include:

• Careless/reckless operation
• Operator inattention
• Operator inexperience
• Passenger/skier behavior

In fatal accidents, alcohol use is common.

Continue reading "California Ranks Third For Boating Deaths" »

Memorial Day weekend marks the traditional start of summer, and the Modesto Bee reports that local officials are speaking out against the dangers of boating on the Central Valley's waterways without a life jacket.

According to the National Safe Boating Council, 520 boating accidents were reported in California in 2008, along with 45 deaths.

California law requires anyone under the age of 13 to wear a life jacket while boating.

Other safety precautions include:

• Always ensure you are prepared. This means having the right safety equipment on board as well as basic first aid kits.
• Check the weather before you head out. Storms with thunder and lightening can crop up in an instant.
• Do not exceed your boat's capacity in weight or horsepower.
• Passengers should remain seated.

For a complete list of boating safety tips, see the California Department of Boating and Waterways.

Unfortunately, boating accidents can and do occur. When an accident does occur, certain circumstances such as significant personal injury or boat damage require that you must file a report.

Continue reading "Prevent Serious California Boating Accidents By Wearing Life Jackets" »

According to the Today New's Herald, a California man, Adnan Karaby, was injured after he fell off the bow of a pontoon boat and into the pathway of an oncoming motorboat. Karaby fell overboard after the pontoon boat encountered several waves. Fortunately, he wasn't seriously injured, although he sustained multiple lacerations to his leg and dislocated his finger.

In the Stockton area and throughout California, April 1 marks the official beginning of boating season. Following a few safety tips can help prevent boating accidents such as Mr. Karaby's, and help ensure the safety of California's waterways.

Some guidelines covering California state park waterways in the Stockton area include:

• Don't ride on the bow of any vessel.
• Have a personal flotation device for everyone on board the boat. Children under 12 must wear their life jackets.
• Obey speed limits - typically 35 mph in open areas and 5 mph in restricted areas.
• You must be 16 years old to drive a boat. Minors 12-15 can drive a boat if accompanied by an adult.

Continue reading "California Man Injured In Copper Canyon Boating Accident" »