As a popular destination among vacationers of all ages, one of the primary draws of Lake Havasu City is the large body of water by the same name that straddles the California-Arizona border. This 45-mile-long lake is well known for its recreational fishing and boating (with the area’s popularity increasing the risk of a Lake Havasu Boat Accident). The most recent study from The Lake Havasu Tourism Bureau estimated that 1.5 million people visit the lake every year.
Like many waterfronts, Lake Havasu continued to see tourists during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, as people began to look for outdoor entertainment during the indoor lockdown mandates. Unfortunately, this surge in popularity also led to boat accidents becoming a more common occurrence. If you have been injured in a boating accident, hiring an experienced boat injury lawyer for your case can be critical in obtaining the compensation you are due.
How common are Lake Havasu boat accidents?
Accidents on the water are not a new or uncommon problem at Lake Havasu (or in the state of Arizona in general). Arizona boating accident news reports indicate more than 100 watercraft accidents in the state, involving 158 vessels and 86 individuals reporting injuries in 2013 alone. Of those accidents, Lake Havasu accounted for nine, with two fatalities reported.
According to more recent Lake Havasu accident reports, this is an issue that has persisted over the years. For example, in one instance during July 2021, a California man on vacation in Lake Havasu was riding a jet ski when he collided with a boat. Local authorities have noted that more accidents occur on the weekends, when tourists who may not have the proper training or experience are out on the water.
What causes Lake Havasu boat accidents?
In most cases, the primary cause of a boating accident is operator error. Despite the stipulation that any boat pilots be properly trained in the vehicle’s operation, the Coast Guard reported that 77% of fatal boating accidents in 2020 involved a boat operator who had not received any training.
In addition, it is essential for the operator of a boat to pay attention to their surroundings at all times. Common distractions for boat operators which may result in accidents include:
- Mobile devices
- Other passengers
- Drugs and alcohol
As is the case with any motor vehicle, taking the wheel while under the influence can lead to fatal consequences; over the last 18 years, alcohol has been the number one reported cause of fatal boating accidents in Lake Havasu. One of the deadliest Lake Havasu boat accidents took place in 2018, when 53-year-old Brian Simmons was operating a 35-foot, twin-motor boat while under the influence. The incident resulted in two fatalities, and Simmons was convicted of manslaughter.
Can I file a boating accident lawsuit?
Even when practicing safe boating procedures, being out on the open water carries the risk of injury or death. In the unfortunate event of a serious boating accident, a successful lawsuit can help cover medical bills or loss of income from being unable to work, and may also help compensate for any pain or suffering experienced as a result of the accident.
However, pursuing a boat accident lawsuit is a difficult task to undertake on one’s own. This is not the same as filing an insurance claim, which is why hiring an experienced accident attorney is critical. Your attorney should have specific experience from working with previous victims of boating accidents, as well as the knowledge of lawsuit regulations that vary by state. For example, there is a statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit in Arizona; your attorney should be able to work within that timeline to help you navigate this process and reach a fair settlement.
Where can I find a Lake Havasu City personal injury lawyer?
If you’ve been involved in a Lake Havasu boating accident, and you’re looking for the right boating accident attorneys in Lake Havasu City, AZ to take your case, seeking the guidance of an experienced personal injury firm like Avrek Law is the first step toward receiving the compensation you deserve.
Avrek Law has more than 50 years of combined experience in the successful resolution of cases for clients who were wrongfully injured. Together, our team has recovered more than $1 billion in compensation in over 45,000 cases. View our locations or contact us for a free boating accident consultation to learn more!
