In the city of San Luis Obispo, a boating accident that is caused by careless operation can be especially serious. Boating safety education courses are available, but not everyone takes such a class. Despite not having taken a boater safety class, it is the responsibility of every vessel operator on California waters to operate their vessel in a careful way with regard to everyone’s safety.
Careless operation is a sort of umbrella term that covers a variety of maneuvers. To be considered operating carelessly, a boater must display a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others on the boat or on the water. The operator may be driving the boat at speeds too high for current conditions, may ignore posted wake restrictions, or disregard traffic on the water. When a boater’s careless operation causes an accident that results in injury or property damage, that operator may be held legally responsible.
When a person fails to operate a vessel in a prudent manner, they can cause serious injury to others up to and including death. In much the same way a person can be held liable if they cause a car accident, they can be held both criminally and civilly liable if they cause a boat accident.
Any person who has been involved in a boat accident should consult with an experienced maritime law attorney. A victim of a boat accident may be legally able to secure compensation for their injuries, lost wages, loss of enjoyment of life, and more.
