Sandra Door, 29, was killed in a boating accident on the Colorado River near the Interstate 40 Bridge in Needles, California, The Orange County Register reports. Door, a resident of Garden Grove, and her passenger were on a personal watercraft the afternoon of September 26, 2009, when she suddenly steered into the path of a Mastercraft vessel. San Bernardino County sheriff's officials said the operator of the Mastercraft could not avoid the collision. Door and her passenger were thrown into the water. Door was pronounced dead shortly afterward, but her passenger and the operator of the Mastercraft were not injured.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Sandra Door for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. It's extremely fortunate that her passenger did not suffer any injuries. I offer my deepest condolences to Door's family. Please keep them in your prayers.

Boating Accident Causes

A majority of boating accidents in California involve recreational vessels such as personal watercraft. There are a number of reasons why fatal boating accidents could occur. Alcohol is usually a major factor in many watercraft accidents. Many boaters do not realize that boating under the influence is against the law and dangerous as well. Some people who operate watercraft such as jet skis do not have the training or skill it takes to operate them. Numerous crashes are also the result of a product defect, which possibly may be the cause in the case of this tragic accident. Only a detailed investigation will reveal what actually happened on the Colorado River that day and why exactly Sandra Door lost control of the personal watercraft. It is also important to investigate whether the operator of the Mastercraft was negligent in any way.

California Boating Accident Statistics

According to the U.S. Coast Guard's 2007 boating statistics, the number of boating-related deaths fell from 710 in 2006 to 685 in 2007. But the number of boating accidents increased from 4,967 to 5,191. The number of boating related personal injury accidents rose from 3,474 to 3,673 and damages increased from $43 million to $53 million during that period. Also, according to this report, more than two-thirds of all fatal boating accident victims drowned.

Door's family would be well-advised to seek the counsel of an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will analyze all aspects of this boating accident and determine whether there was negligence involved – be it on the part of the other boat operator or the manufacturer of a defective product. Where there is negligence or wrongdoing involved, families of deceased victims may be able to file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation to cover funeral expenses, loss of wages and other related damages.

The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.