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.

Orange County Woman Killed in Boating Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

Chanisar Dechakaisaya, a 25-year-old woman, was killed in a California boating accident after she was struck by another boat at Lake Silverwood, California. According to a news report in the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, Dechakaisaya was in a watercraft heading toward the shoreline, the afternoon of August 9, 2009, when she was struck on the right side by a 2000 Yamaha three-seater heading east. Officials are looking into what caused this fatal boating accident.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Chanisar Dechakaisaya, for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved this woman. Please keep them in your prayers.

California Boating Accident Statistics

According to the California Department of Boating and Waterways (Cal Boating), there were 55 boating accident fatalities in California in 2007, of which 20 were alcohol-related. In 2007, 804 boating accidents occurred in California, ranking it first among all states, followed by Florida with 668. Florida is the only state with more boating accident deaths (77) than California and more registered recreational vehicles – a little over a million. There are 964,881 registered recreational boating vessels in California.

Based on this news account, it's not clear what caused this boat crash. At this point it's hard to tell whose fault this collision was. If this accident was the fault of the other boater, then he or she can be held liable for the accident and Dechakaisaya's wrongful death. I would also be curious as to whether there was any alcohol involved in this accident. If the other driver was impaired, he or she could be held criminally responsible as well. Some other factors that come into play in boating accidents include lack of training, failure to take safety precautions such as wearing life jackets, product defects, dangerous conditions and recklessness or negligence.

Boating Accident Liability Issues

In such cases where a boating accident results in a fatality, families of deceased victims would be well-advised to contact a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, who will stay on top of the investigation and determine the facts of the case. If there is negligence or wrongdoing involved, the negligent parties should be held accountable. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free, comprehensive and confidential consultation to victims and/or their families.

Los Angeles Woman Killed in Boating Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

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.

California Boating Accident Injures Four is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal