Two Teens Injured in Modesto Reservoir Boat Accident
Two teens were injured in a Modesto Reservoir boat accident on the afternoon of June 22, 2019. The incident occurred around 5:00 p.m. and involved two girls, ages 14 and 15. The two teenagers were riding together on a jet ski in the Modesto Reservoir when they were involved in a collision with a motorboat. The 14-year-old girl suffered bone fractures but is expected to recover. The 15-year-old was transported to the hospital for treatment of serious injuries. Officials have not yet released updates regarding the conditions of the girls injured in the boat accident.
Investigation of the Modesto Reservoir Boat Accident
The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department Major Accident Investigation Team was called to the scene of the boat accident. Authorities reported that the man driving the boat was arrested on suspicion of boating under the influence. It is unknown whether he will face additional charges for the boating accident.
What to Do After a Watercraft Accident
Challenging medical and legal issues may be involved in a watercraft accident. Like other types of accidents, the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department should be notified whenever a person has suffered injuries in a Modesto Reservoir boat accident. Those involved in such situations should also:
- Write down the sequence of events leading up to the crash and where it occurred
- Take photos of the injuries suffered and of the damaged boat
- Collect contact information from people who may have witnessed the boat collision
- File an incident report with authorities
- Seek medical care immediately
What Are the Most Common Causes of Boat Collisions?
A boat accident may involve watercraft such as sailboats, motorboats, jet skis, cruise ships, and ferries. They often occur through operator negligence or inattention such as speeding, crashing with other vessels, or colliding with submerged or fixed objects. However, they also can result from defects in the components, safety devices, or design of the watercraft. In these cases, the boat manufacturer may be held liable for losses incurred through a products liability claim.
Types of Boating Accident Injuries
A serious watercraft crash can cause catastrophic injuries that can affect every aspect of life. Many are injured each year due to slipping on wet boat surfaces, coming into contact with a propeller or capsizing. Some of the injuries commonly suffered through these incidents include amputations, spinal cord damage, disfigurement, and traumatic brain injuries. A wrongful death may also occur in some extreme cases.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
There is a specific amount of time an injured person is allowed to file a claim for damages. This is known as the statute of limitations, which is two years for personal injury in California. If this deadline is not met, the injured person may lose the right to recover compensation.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer?
Boat operators have a duty to exercise a high degree of care to prevent injuries to others. However, injuries often result from carelessness or negligence. When this happens, the driver of the boat may be held liable for subsequent damages. Tracing insurance coverage and sorting out liability for a California boat accident is something that should be done through the assistance of a Modesto personal injury lawyer. An attorney can help compile evidence, calculate damages, and handle negotiations with the insurance company on an injured person’s behalf. For details on what to look for in an injury lawyer, watch the below video.
Modesto Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto personal injury lawyer. Watercraft accidents often result in debilitating injuries or even death to those involved. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a boating accident in Modesto, please call me at (209) 227-1931 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice.
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