San Mateo Boat Accident Attorney Near You

Boating is a big part of life for San Mateo-area residents. Many of us choose to live here so we can be close to one of the world’s iconic bays and its related waterways. Unfortunately, not everyone is as cautious as they should be when they take to the water, which can result in innocent people getting hurt through no fault of their own.

If you’ve been injured in a boat accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you need a legal team that will fight to hold that person accountable and demand the compensation you deserve. Let Carcione, Henderson & Markowitz, LLP be the advocates you need.

CHM Law Firm has over four decades of experience protecting the rights of injured clients. We know how devastating the physical, mental, and financial ramifications of a boat accident injury can be, and we’re dedicated to seeking justice on your behalf. Our aggressive and dedicated attorneys have achieved multimillion-dollar recoveries. These victories did more than just provide our clients with rightful compensation; they also have helped contribute to safer industry standards.

Let us put our extensive experience, skills, and resources to work for you. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a San Mateo boat accident lawyer. You pay nothing unless we recover money for your accident claim.

Why Should I Hire an Attorney for My San Mateo Boat Accident Claim?

Boat accident claims can be a lot more complicated than they appear. Watercraft are subject to their own set of laws, and determining liability is often complex. That’s why you want to work with an experienced San Mateo boat accident attorney when pursuing your claim.

Your lawyer can help with the following:

• Assessing Your Case – An attorney can look at the specifics of your boat accident case during a free consultation and advise you on a course of action. If they determine you have a valid claim, they can pursue it on your behalf, typically at no upfront or out-of-pocket costs to you.
• Establishing Liability – Next, your lawyer will launch an in-depth investigation of the accident, recovering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and working with experts as necessary to determine who’s to blame. There are times when multiple parties are liable; while this could complicate matters, they could provide additional sources of compensation.
• Calculating Compensation – Your attorney will add your past expenses, project future costs, and place a fair value on the non-economic aspects of your case, such as the pain you’ve endured and the limitations you’re left with. Without a lawyer, you risk leaving the money you deserve on the bargaining table.
• Negotiating with Insurers – Insurance companies will employ various tactics to minimize your payout or deny your claim. That includes scanning your social media accounts for evidence to use against you, tricking you into signing over your health information, and trying to bully you into accepting a lowball settlement offer. Your attorney knows their strategies, how to thwart them, and how to negotiate for maximum compensation.
• Representing You in Court – Should the insurer refuse to make you a reasonable offer, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and represent you in court. Experienced representation can make a tremendous difference in achieving optimal outcomes in the courtroom.

Our San Mateo boat accident lawyers take the time to understand your story and how your injuries have affected your life and the lives of those you love. At CHM Law Firm, we take on a limited number of cases so that we can dedicate the time, attention, and resources needed to achieve optimal outcomes. When it comes time to negotiate, we will aggressively advocate for you and seek maximum compensation for all you’ve endured.

Don’t wait to put us on your case — reach out today for a free, no-obligation consultation and case review.

What Should I Do if I Am Involved in a Boating Accident?

Your actions in the days and weeks following your accident can potentially swing the entire case in your favor. Assuming you’ve already sought medical attention, your next steps should be the following:

• Report the Accident – California law mandates that the boat owner or operator report any boat accident involving injury, death, disappearance, or more than $500 in damage. In some cases, you have 48 hours, while others allow a 10-day window. If you haven’t reported already, do so as soon as possible.
• Gather Evidence – While an attorney can do much of this work for you, you can aid them in their investigation by taking photos and videos of the scene; collecting the information of involved parties and witnesses; saving all communications; documenting your medical bills and other expenses; and keeping a pain journal.
• Cautiously Inform Insurance – If you were hurt on a boat you own, your insurance provider needs to know about the incident. Alert the company, but exercise extreme caution with how much information you offer. Never admit fault, avoid recorded statements until you’ve spoken to an attorney, and never accept quick settlements.

Once you’ve taken those steps, contact a boat accident law firm. A lawyer can pursue your case on your behalf while you focus on treating your injuries and getting better. Remember, the sooner you contact an attorney, the more they can do on your behalf.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Boat Accident?

There are several potentially liable parties in every boat accident, and sometimes more than one is at fault. The most common liable parties include the following:

• Boat Operator – As the person responsible for its safe operation, the operator is most often at least partially liable for a boating accident. They could be liable for being distracted or impaired while operating their craft or for being reckless at the helm.
• Boat Owner – Owners are responsible for ensuring that the people they allow to operate their vessel are licensed as needed and adequately trained, and that their vessel is safe and well-maintained. When they don’t meet those responsibilities, they may be liable when an accident occurs, even if they were not operating the boat themselves.
• Other Passengers – Sometimes, accidents occur because another passenger distracts the operator or behaves dangerously. In that case, that passenger may be liable.
• Boat Manufacturer – Mechanical defects can result in serious boat accidents. When they do, the craft’s manufacturer may be at fault.

What Compensation Could I Recover from a Boat Accident?

If someone else is to blame for your injuries due to a watercraft accident, your boat accident compensation could include money for the following:

• Medical Expenses – Medical costs following a boating injury can include hospital bills, doctor’s visits, prescription medications, surgeries, medical devices, physical therapy or rehabilitation, and future medical bills incurred by the accident.
• Lost Wages – If you’re unable to work due to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost wages. That can include hourly wages or salary, sick days or vacation time, commissions, tips, missed raises or promotions, medical benefits, and future lost wages.
• Pain and Suffering – Boat accident injuries are not just incredibly expensive. They can also be painful, stress-inducing, and traumatizing. You may be entitled to compensation for the pain and suffering you’ve endured since your accident.
• Emotional Distress – The psychological damage of accidents like these is often comparable to the physical damage. Victims can experience depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms following an accident. The responsible party may be liable to compensate you for the emotional distress they caused.

What Are the California Boating Laws?

Boat accident lawsuits often center around the unique set of laws that govern watercraft. Key regulations that affect San Mateo boaters include the following:

• Licensing Requirements – As of January 1, 2025, California law requires all boat operators to carry a valid California Boater Card. This card shows that the holder has passed a state-approved boater safety test.
• Boating Under the Influence – Operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol is illegal. If the operator’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 percent or higher, they can be charged with a crime.
• Navigation Rules – California has inland navigation rules on the books about who has the right of way on the waters. Failing to follow these rules is illegal and can be evidence of negligence.
• Speeding – Speed limits vary depending on the waterway. They can be extremely low in tighter areas like harbors and far higher in open water. Breaking the speed limit may result in a liability claim.

What Are Common Causes of Boating Accidents?

Boating accidents in San Mateo occur for a variety of reasons, many of them due to negligence. Common causes include the following:

What Are Common Injuries Someone Can Sustain in a Boating Accident?

Boaters are usually unrestrained, which increases the risk of injuries like the following in the event of an accident:

Even a relatively minor boat accident injury can have serious, long-lasting consequences. If you’ve been hurt while on the water, reach out to an attorney for a free review.