Four people were injured in a California boating accident the evening of July 31, 2009 after a power boat crashed into the shore along the Colorado River near Lake Havasu, California. According to a news report in the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, 44-year-old James Davidson was thrown from the boat near a location called the Sand Bar, San Bernardino County sheriff's officials said. Davidson was reportedly headed south on the river when he lost control and crashed onto the shore. Davidson and his three passengers were transported to a local hospital. None of the injuries was life-threatening. Officials are not yet sure whether alcohol played a role in this boat accident.

I'm relieved that this boating accident did not result in any catastrophic or fatal injuries. I wish all the injured victims the very best for a quick and complete recovery. Please keep them in your prayers.

Boating Accident Statistics

According to the U.S. Coast Guard’s statistics, the most common causes of boating accidents are alcohol use, careless or reckless operation, passenger behavior and excessive speed. Also according to their findings, more than two-thirds of all fatal boating accident victims drowned. Of those victims 90 percent were not wearing a life jacket. A majority--about 86 percent of the operators who were killed or injured in boating accidents--had not received boating safety instruction.

Based on the most recent report by the Department of Boating and Waterways, there were 55 boating accident fatalities in California waters in 2007, half of those in Southern California. Twenty California victims were found to be under the influence of alcohol. Also, nearly half of the alcohol-related fatalities in the water in 2007 were boat passengers.

Boating Accident Causes

In this particular case, it is not clear what exactly caused the boating accident. Officials aren't sure whether alcohol was involved. Although speed may be a factor, that is not certain either. In such boating accidents, it is important to look into whether there were other factors involved such as a defective product. If a boating accident was caused by a defective product, then the manufacturer of that product could be held liable for the accident or injuries caused. In cases where another negligent boater caused the accident, that individual could be held liable. If the boating accident was caused by a dangerous condition in the harbor, the agency responsible for maintaining that area could be held liable. In California any claim against a governmental agency must be filed within six months of an accident or injury.

If you have been injured in a California boating accident, please contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer to find out more information about your legal rights and options.