Watercraft Crash Reported at Woodward Reservoir
Injuries were reported after a watercraft crash at Woodward Reservoir in Stanislaus County on the night of Monday, May 31, 2021. The incident at Woodward Reservoir Regional Park near the Oakdale area shortly before 6:00 p.m.
Details on the Watercraft Crash at Woodward Reservoir Regional Park
According to the Modesto Fire Department (Modesto FD), a child who was on the shore was struck by a personal watercraft carrying an adult and another child. The child who was riding the watercraft received treatment and was released while the adult operator was taken to an area hospital.
The child who was struck on the shore was also transported to a local hospital as a precautionary measure. This child is expected to survive their injuries. Further details on the personal watercraft accident at Woodward Reservoir, including an update on the conditions of the injured parties and sequence of events leading up to the incident, were not immediately available.
Safety Precautions on Personal Watercrafts
The Personal Watercraft Industry Association (PWIA) has issued several precautions for operators of personal watercrafts because of the increasing incidence of accidents. Some of which include:
- An operator and passenger must wear a life jacket that is Coast Guard-approved
- Boater safety classes are recommended for anyone under 22 years old
- Personal watercrafts must only be operated during the day
- No one should ever operate a personal watercraft while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Those who disregard safety precautions on personal watercrafts may be held financially liable for damages incurred. This may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other resulting losses. For additional details on the personal injury claims process and the various types of factors that may impact the value of a case, watch the video below.
California Law on Watercraft Accidents
A watercraft or boating accident must be reported by operators under California law. Such reports must include vessel registration numbers, contact information, and names for all watercraft and parties involved in the incident. The operator or owner of the watercraft is also required to submit a written report to the California Department of Boating and Waterways (DBW) if the crash led to an injury requiring immediate medical care, the disappearance or death of an individual, and property damage to all personal property involved in excess of $5,000.
Who May Be Held Liable for a Watercraft Accident?
Below is a list of some of the potential negligent parties in a watercraft accident case:
- Operators: The driver of a personal watercraft is responsible for safe operation and exercising due care to others in the waterway. When an individual causes a watercraft accident, the operator may be held liable for resulting personal injury damages.
- Watercraft Company: Any employer of an employee that causes injury or damage in a watercraft may be held responsible for losses incurred. If the watercraft company failed to supervise or train the employee, that entity may also be held liable for the incident because of negligent hiring.
- Manufacturers: In some cases, there may be defects in the design and manufacturing of personal watercrafts. Despite the increasing incidence of accident-related injuries, manufacturers may not have yet addressed such issues. An attorney may work with an expert witness such as an expert engineer to determine crash causation and manufacturer negligence in a products liability claim.
A watercraft accident may occur as a result of several factors. Injured parties may face various challenges when bringing a claim for compensation, depending on the facts and circumstances involved. At our law firm, we have the experience, skills, and resources necessary to navigate the challenges involved in such cases. Schedule a free consultation with one of our injury lawyers to learn how we can help you and your family today.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Modesto
I’m Ed Smith, a Modesto personal injury lawyer. As much fun as a personal watercraft may be, unsafe operation may result in serious injury or even wrongful death. If you were hurt in a watercraft accident caused by another party or entity, you will need experienced legal representation for your case. Contact our law firm today to learn how we can help at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400. Our attorneys are available anytime to review the facts and circumstances of your personal injury case and provide free, friendly advice.
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