If you’ve been injured in a boating accident, you might be left with a lot of questions and no clear answers. Whether it happened on a jet ski, a yacht, or a motorboat, the impact can affect more than just your body. It can affect your work, your family, and your peace of mind.
At the Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti, our team knows how to help. As a trusted personal injury lawyer in Pasadena, Adrianos has experience with all types of watercraft, including motorboats, jet skis, yachts, and commercial boats. If someone else's mistake led to your injury, you may be able to file a claim and recover what you’ve lost. To get started, contact our attorneys today.
Injured on the Water? A Pasadena Boating Accident Lawyer Can Help
Getting hurt on the water isn’t something anyone plans for. But when it happens, you're suddenly left trying to figure out what went wrong and what to do next. Whether it happened at Lake Pasadena, the marina, or along the coast, it’s a serious disruption.
A local boating accident attorney like Adrianos Facchetti can help you understand your legal options and the next steps. As a personal injury lawyer based in Pasadena, he knows how to deal with insurance companies, investigate the accident, and help you file a personal injury claim that fits your situation.
What Causes Most Boating Accidents in California Waters?
Most boating accidents aren’t bad luck. They happen because someone made a poor choice or didn’t follow safety rules. It’s frustrating because many of these crashes could have been avoided.
“In 2023, the U.S. Coast Guard reported over 4,000 recreational boating accidents in the U.S., with the majority involving operator inattention or lack of training.”
Here’s what we see most often:
- Inexperience or no boating education
- Alcohol/drugs
- Speeding
- Inattention or distractions
- Mechanical failures
- Overloading
- Bad weather
- Navigational rule violations
- Night operation without lights
- Missing life jackets or fire extinguishers
Understanding what caused the crash matters. It helps your legal team prove fault and build a stronger case for compensation.
Accidents Involving Jet Skis, Yachts, and Other Watercraft
Boating accidents don’t just involve big boats. Serious injuries can happen on any type of watercraft, from a rented Jet Ski to a commercial fishing boat off the Southern California coast.
These are some of the vessels involved in the accidents we handle:
- Jet Skis / Sea-Doos
- Pontoon boats
- Fishing vessels
- Inflatable dinghies
- Kayaks, canoes, paddleboards
- Charter boats, ferries
Each one comes with its own risks and rules. A Maritime Injury Claims Attorney will know what to look for and how to move your case forward. If you’ve been in a boat accident near Pasadena, CA, talk to a Watercraft Collision Attorney who knows how to hold fault parties accountable and help you seek fair compensation.
Injuries You Can Claim After a Boating Accident
Getting hurt on the water can change your day, your plans, and sometimes your life. These accidents often involve more than cuts or bruises. They can leave you dealing with pain that keeps you from working, moving, or just enjoying your life the way you used to.
In a 2023 U.S. Coast Guard report, over 2,000 boating accidents led to serious injury. The most common include:
- Brain trauma
- Spinal damage
- Fractures
- Propeller lacerations
- Near-drowning complications
- Hypothermia
- Burns from onboard fires
- Amputations
- PTSD or lasting emotional trauma
If you've experienced any of these after a boat crash, you may be able to file a legal claim to recover your financial losses. That includes more than just bills. It covers things like loss of income, property damage repair, and changes to your quality of life.
How to File a Boating Accident Claim in Pasadena
Taking legal action after a boating accident may sound complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s a general roadmap to help you move forward.
- Get medical treatment right away
- Write down everything you remember about the accident scene
- Ask for contact info from any witnesses
- File an official report with the Coast Guard or local police
- Don’t talk to insurance agents or the insurance provider before speaking with an accident lawyer
- File your legal claim within the time limit California gives most accident victims two years
An experienced boat accident attorney can help you handle every step. They’ll deal with the insurance claim, the paperwork, and make sure your rights are protected.
Assigning Fault: Who’s Liable in a Boating Crash?
When you’re in a boat crash, it’s not always clear who’s at fault. But someone is responsible and figuring that out is key to getting financial compensation.
Most boat accident victims are hurt because of someone else’s poor decision. It could be a boat operator who was distracted or inexperienced. It could be a rental company that skipped a safety check. Or it might be a faulty part that caused the crash in the first place.
Here’s who might be legally responsible:
- Negligent boat operators
- Rental companies that skipped maintenance
- Manufacturers of unsafe equipment
- Event organizers who failed to follow safety standards
- Multiple parties if more than one mistake caused the accident
Your legal team will look at accident reports, witness statements, and all available evidence to hold the right people accountable. The goal is to make sure you’re not left handling the financial burden alone.
Why You Need a Pasadena Boating Accident Lawyer on Your Side
After a boating accident, insurance companies focus on saving their money not on what you really need. They may sound helpful at first, but their goal is to pay out as little as possible. That’s why trying to handle it alone can cost you more in the long run.
An experienced attorney will step in to take care of the details. We handle all the communication, so you don’t have to deal with insurance complications or pressure from claims adjusters. We collect evidence, review accident reports, and work with experts to understand exactly what happened. That includes marine engineers, safety specialists, and people who know how boats are supposed to operate.
With legal counsel on your side, you can focus on getting better while we focus on getting you fair compensation.
What to Expect: Damages You May Be Entitled To
Every case is different, but if you're injured in a boating accident, you may be able to recover both economic and non-economic damages. That includes:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost income from time away from work
- Loss of earning capacity if you can’t return to your job
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death benefits for surviving family members
You don’t have to figure this out alone. A valid claim can help you cover your losses and move forward with less stress about the cost.
Why Locals Trust Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti
People in Pasadena turn to Adrianos Facchetti when they need someone who knows the law and understands the community. As one of the Top Personal Injury Lawyers in Pasadena, CA, Adrianos and his team bring a mix of experience, care, and results.
Our legal team has helped clients win thousands of dollars in accident settlements, including those involving reckless behavior on the water. We’ve taken on complex claims, worked with expert witnesses, and helped people make sense of their rights under California’s boating safety rules. Whether it’s a minor injury or a wrongful death claim, we approach every case with the same attention and respect.
We also work on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay unless we win. And when you schedule a free consultation, we’ll take the time to hear your story and give you honest, direct legal advice with no financial risk to you.
FAQs About Boating Accidents
What if I wasn’t wearing a life jacket?
Not wearing a life jacket doesn’t automatically make you responsible. The key issue is who caused the accident and whether their actions led to your injuries. A personal injury attorney can still help you pursue compensation.
What if I was a passenger?
Passengers can file a claim just like operators. If someone else’s mistake caused the crash whether it was the driver, another boat owner, or a rental company you may have a valid claim.
Do I have to go to court?
Most boating accident claims settle without going to court. But if the insurance adjusters refuse to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer may recommend filing a personal injury lawsuit to protect your rights.
How much does it cost to hire you?
Our firm works on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay unless we win. You can start with a free initial consultation to see if your case qualifies.
What if I missed the accident report deadline?
There may still be time to take legal action, depending on the details. Speak with a boating accident lawyer right away. Waiting could affect your ability to file.
Book a Free Consultation With a Local Boat Accident Attorney
When you’re dealing with serious injuries or trying to sort out who’s responsible, talking to a lawyer early can make a big difference. The Law Offices of Adrianos Facchetti offers a free initial consultation, so you can get answers without any pressure or commitment.
As a Pasadena boat accident lawyer with years of experience handling cases like yours, Adrianos will help you understand your options and explain what your case might be worth. Our personal injury law firm handles everything from spinal cord injuries to complicated insurance claims and you don’t pay unless we recover money for you.
Don’t wait too long. The sooner you speak with a personal injury attorney, the better your chance of receiving maximum compensation.
