Southern California's coastline, lakes, and harbors attract millions of recreational boaters every year — and boating accidents cause devastating injuries including drowning, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord damage. Attorney Anand Desai represents boating accident victims throughout Los Angeles County and beyond, holding negligent operators, boat owners, and marinas accountable.
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Boating accidents present unique legal challenges that many personal injury firms are not equipped to handle. The applicable law may be California state law, federal maritime law, or both — depending on where the accident occurred and whether commercial vessels were involved. Evidence collection is complicated by the fact that accident scenes are on water, witnesses may be scattered across a body of water, and physical evidence may be submerged or destroyed. Insurance coverage issues are different from motor vehicle accidents, and liability may extend to boat owners, operators, rental companies, marinas, and equipment manufacturers.
At Anand Desai Law, we have represented personal injury victims for 20+ years, including boating accident victims throughout the Southern California coast, harbors, and inland waterways. Attorney Anand Desai — a former LA County Public Defender with 50+ jury trials and over 5,000 clients served — brings aggressive litigation experience and a thorough understanding of the laws governing recreational and commercial boating in California.
• Deep Local Knowledge — We represent boating accident victims in Marina del Rey, Catalina Island, Long Beach Harbor, Newport Beach, Lake Havasu, Castaic Lake, and every waterway in the Southern California region. We understand the local Coast Guard districts, harbor patrol jurisdictions, and the specific hazards that each body of water presents.
• Multilingual Support — Southern California's boating community is as diverse as its population. Our firm communicates in 11 languages: English, Spanish, Hindi, Punjabi, Gujarati, Thai, Tagalog, Russian, Armenian, Farsi, and Korean. We ensure every client can communicate with us clearly about the details of their accident.
• 24/7 Availability — Boating accidents often happen on weekends and holidays when people are on the water. Call us from the hospital, from the marina, or as soon as you are able. We can begin our investigation immediately to preserve critical evidence before it disappears.
• No Win, No Fee — Every boating accident case is handled on a 100% contingency basis. You pay nothing upfront, nothing during the case, and nothing at all unless we recover compensation for you. We advance all investigation costs, expert fees, and litigation expenses.
Call us or fill out the form. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and answer all your questions — at no cost.
We gather evidence, work with experts, handle the insurance companies, and build your claim for maximum compensation.
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Boating in California is governed primarily by the California Harbors and Navigation Code, which establishes the rules of navigation, operator responsibilities, and safety requirements for all vessels operating in California waters. Under Harbors and Navigation Code Section 655, it is unlawful to operate a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs — with the same 0.08% blood alcohol limit that applies to motor vehicles on roadways. Boating under the influence (BUI) is a leading cause of serious boating accidents in Southern California.
California law requires boat operators to exercise the same degree of care as a reasonably prudent operator would under the same circumstances. This includes maintaining a proper lookout at all times, operating at a safe speed for conditions, yielding right-of-way as required by navigation rules, carrying required safety equipment (life jackets, fire extinguishers, visual distress signals, and a sound-producing device), and ensuring that all passengers have access to appropriately sized personal flotation devices.
Under Harbors and Navigation Code Section 658, the owner of a vessel is liable for injuries caused by the negligent operation of the vessel by any person using the vessel with the owner's express or implied permission. This is similar to the permissive use doctrine in automobile liability — meaning that even if the boat owner was not operating the vessel at the time of the accident, the owner can still be held liable for allowing a negligent or intoxicated person to use their boat.
Our firm uses these statutes and navigation rules to establish operator and owner negligence in every boating accident case. When a violation of the Harbors and Navigation Code or the federal Navigation Rules causes an accident, that violation serves as strong evidence of negligence.
Boating under the influence is one of the most common causes of serious boating accidents in Southern California. The combination of sun exposure, heat, wind, wave motion, and the vibration of the boat's engine accelerates the effects of alcohol — meaning that a boat operator with a 0.08% blood alcohol concentration may be significantly more impaired than a car driver at the same level.
Under California Harbors and Navigation Code Section 655, operating a vessel with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher is a criminal offense. Law enforcement officers from the Coast Guard, county sheriff's marine units, and harbor patrol agencies conduct BUI enforcement patrols on busy waterways throughout Southern California, particularly on holiday weekends at Marina del Rey, Long Beach Harbor, Newport Harbor, and Lake Havasu.
In a civil personal injury case, evidence that the boat operator was intoxicated at the time of the accident is devastating to the defendant's case. It establishes negligence and opens the door to punitive damages under California Civil Code Section 3294, because operating a boat while intoxicated demonstrates a conscious disregard for the safety of others. Punitive damages are designed to punish egregious conduct and deter similar behavior, and they are awarded in addition to compensatory damages.
Our firm obtains blood alcohol test results, Coast Guard and sheriff's reports documenting the operator's condition, witness testimony about the operator's behavior before the accident, and bar or restaurant records showing alcohol purchases. When BUI is a factor in a boating accident, we aggressively pursue both compensatory and punitive damages.
Jet skis and other personal watercraft (PWC) are involved in a disproportionate number of boating accidents relative to their size and numbers. The combination of high speeds, quick maneuverability, and the fact that many PWC operators are inexperienced or untrained creates a recipe for devastating collisions. In Southern California, jet ski accidents occur frequently at popular destinations including Marina del Rey, Newport Beach, Long Beach, Catalina Island, and Lake Havasu.
California law imposes specific requirements on PWC operation. Under Harbors and Navigation Code Section 658.5, a person must be at least 16 years old to operate a personal watercraft, and operators born on or after January 1, 1986 must possess a California Boater Card showing completion of an approved safety course. PWC operators are prohibited from operating within specified distances of swimmers, docks, and other vessels, and they must wear a personal flotation device at all times while operating.
Rental companies that provide jet skis to tourists and recreational users bear a heightened duty of care. They must ensure that each renter receives mandatory safety instruction before operating the PWC, that the PWC is in safe mechanical condition, and that renters are warned about the specific hazards of the body of water where they will be operating. When a rental company fails to provide adequate instruction and an inexperienced renter causes a collision, the rental company can be held liable for the resulting injuries.
Jet ski accidents produce devastating injuries because of the high speeds involved and the lack of any protective enclosure. Riders and passengers are ejected on impact, often striking the water surface at high speed — which at sufficient velocity is comparable to hitting concrete. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, internal organ damage, and drowning are all common consequences. Our firm pursues claims against negligent operators, boat owners, rental companies, and PWC manufacturers when defective equipment contributes to the accident.
When a boating accident involves a commercial vessel — a charter boat, a party boat, a commercial fishing vessel, a ferry, a cargo ship, or any vessel operated for commercial purposes — federal maritime law may apply instead of or in addition to California state law. Maritime law is a distinct body of federal law with its own rules, procedures, and remedies.
Under the Jones Act (46 U.S.C. §30104), crew members injured due to the negligence of their employer or co-workers can bring a negligence action against the vessel owner or operator. The Jones Act provides broader protections than state workers' compensation, allowing injured seamen to recover full damages including pain and suffering. Under the doctrine of maintenance and cure, a vessel owner is obligated to provide an injured crew member with daily living expenses (maintenance) and payment of medical treatment (cure) until the crew member reaches maximum medical improvement — regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
For passengers on commercial vessels — such as tourists on a whale-watching boat, guests on a charter fishing trip, or passengers on a harbor cruise — general maritime negligence law applies. The vessel owner and operator owe passengers a duty of reasonable care under the circumstances, and they can be held liable for injuries caused by their negligence, the negligence of their crew, or unsafe conditions on the vessel.
Federal maritime cases must be filed in federal court under admiralty jurisdiction (28 U.S.C. §1333). The procedural rules and limitation periods differ from state court personal injury cases, making it essential to work with an attorney who understands the distinctions between state and federal claims. Our firm evaluates every boating accident to determine whether federal maritime law applies and whether additional remedies are available under federal statutes.
Marinas, docks, boat launches, and harbor facilities throughout Southern California present numerous hazards that can cause serious injuries to boaters, dock workers, and visitors. Slip-and-fall accidents on wet, algae-covered dock surfaces are among the most common marina injuries, but the range of hazards extends far beyond slippery surfaces.
Common marina hazards include deteriorating dock structures with rotting boards, exposed nails, and missing handrails; improperly maintained electrical systems that can cause electrocution (electrical shock drowning is a recognized hazard at marinas); fuel spills and chemical exposure at fueling docks; unmarked or inadequately marked water depth changes near docks and boat launches; and collisions caused by congested marina traffic without adequate traffic management.
Marina owners and operators are subject to premises liability under California Civil Code Section 1714 — the same duty of reasonable care that applies to all property owners. They must maintain dock structures in safe condition, conduct regular inspections, repair hazards promptly, and warn visitors of known dangers. Additionally, marinas that rent boat slips, provide fuel, or offer launch services may owe an enhanced duty of care to their customers as business invitees.
In Marina del Rey — the largest man-made small craft harbor in the United States and a major recreational hub for the Los Angeles area — our firm has investigated marina negligence claims involving deteriorating docks, electrical hazards, and inadequate signage. Long Beach Harbor, Redondo Beach Marina, and the harbors along the Catalina Channel are also common locations for marina injury claims. Our firm investigates every marina accident to identify the responsible property owner or management company and pursue full compensation for the injured victim.
Boating accident victims in California can recover the full range of compensatory damages available under state law, and in cases involving commercial vessels, the remedies available under federal maritime law may provide additional avenues of recovery. California does not cap non-economic damages in personal injury cases, meaning there is no artificial limit on awards for pain and suffering.
Economic damages include all past and future medical expenses — emergency rescue and transport (which in boating accidents often involves Coast Guard or helicopter evacuation, adding significant cost), emergency room treatment, surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, ongoing medical care, and any adaptive equipment necessitated by the injuries. Lost wages for time missed from work and lost earning capacity if the injuries prevent a return to the victim's occupation are also fully recoverable. For drowning cases resulting in death, California's wrongful death statute (CCP §377.60) allows the decedent's surviving spouse, children, and dependents to recover damages for loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and funeral expenses.
Non-economic damages compensate for physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, PTSD (particularly common in near-drowning survivors), fear of water, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement from propeller strikes or other traumatic injuries, and loss of consortium. Boating accident injuries are frequently severe because of the forces involved — high-speed water impact, propeller contact, crushing between vessels, and submersion — making non-economic damages a significant component of most boating accident claims.
Punitive damages are available under Civil Code Section 3294 when the defendant's conduct was particularly egregious. BUI accidents, reckless operation at excessive speeds, and knowing failure to maintain safety equipment are all circumstances that may support a punitive damage claim. Our firm pursues every category of damages available under both state and federal law. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Boating accidents in California are governed primarily by the California Harbors and Navigation Code, which establishes navigation rules, operator duties, safety requirements, and BUI prohibitions for all vessels operating in California waters. For accidents involving commercial vessels on navigable waters, federal maritime law may also apply — including the Jones Act (for crew members), general maritime negligence law (for passengers), and federal safety regulations enforced by the U.S. Coast Guard. The applicable law depends on where the accident occurred (state waters vs. navigable waters of the United States), the type of vessel involved (recreational vs. commercial), and the relationship between the parties. Our firm evaluates every boating accident case to determine which laws apply.
Boating under the influence (BUI) is a criminal offense under California Harbors and Navigation Code Section 655. It is illegal to operate a vessel with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher, or while impaired by drugs. In a civil personal injury case, evidence that the boat operator was under the influence at the time of the accident is powerful proof of negligence. It also opens the door to punitive damages under Civil Code Section 3294 because operating a boat while intoxicated demonstrates a conscious disregard for the safety of passengers and other people on the water. Punitive damages are awarded on top of compensatory damages and can significantly increase the total recovery.
Liability in a jet ski accident may rest with the operator, the owner of the jet ski, the rental company, or a combination of these parties. Under Harbors and Navigation Code Section 658.5, the owner of a vessel is liable for injuries caused by anyone operating the vessel with the owner's permission. Rental companies can be liable if they failed to provide required safety instruction, rented to an underage or unqualified operator, or provided a jet ski with known mechanical defects. The jet ski manufacturer may also be liable if a design or manufacturing defect contributed to the accident. Our firm investigates all potential sources of liability and insurance coverage in every jet ski accident case.
Yes. Boat rental companies owe a duty of care to their renters and to the public. They must ensure that each renter receives mandatory safety instruction, that the vessel is in safe mechanical condition, that required safety equipment is on board and functional, and that renters are informed about local navigation rules and hazards. A rental company that provides a boat to an inexperienced operator without adequate instruction, or that rents a vessel with known mechanical defects, can be held liable for injuries that result. California Harbors and Navigation Code Section 658 also makes the vessel owner (the rental company) liable for the negligent operation of the vessel by a permissive user.
Call 911 or the Coast Guard (VHF Channel 16) immediately if anyone is injured. Get everyone to safety — out of the water and onto a stable platform or shore. Provide first aid and wait for emergency responders. If possible, document the scene: photograph the vessels, the accident location, your injuries, and any visible damage or hazards. Exchange names, contact information, and insurance details with the other boat operator. Get contact information from witnesses. Report the accident to the harbor patrol or local law enforcement. Under California Harbors and Navigation Code Section 656, the operator must file a written accident report with the California Division of Boating and Waterways if there is death, injury, disappearance, or property damage exceeding $500. Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company before speaking with an attorney.
Boat insurance policies typically include liability coverage that pays for injuries the boat owner or operator causes to others, similar to auto liability insurance. However, boat insurance is not required by California law (unlike auto insurance), so some boat owners may be uninsured. Coverage limits and exclusions vary significantly between policies. Some policies exclude coverage for certain activities (such as racing or towing water skiers), for BUI incidents, or for commercial use of a recreational vessel. Our firm investigates all available insurance coverage in every boating accident case, including the boat owner's policy, rental company coverage, marina liability insurance, and any applicable commercial marine insurance policies.
For claims under California state law, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident under Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1. For claims under federal maritime law (applicable to accidents on navigable waters involving commercial vessels), the general maritime statute of limitations is three years under 46 U.S.C. §30106. However, if a government vessel or entity was involved, the deadlines may be much shorter — a tort claim against the federal government under the Suits in Admiralty Act must be filed within two years, and claims against California state or local government entities require an administrative claim within six months. Contact an attorney immediately after a boating accident to ensure all applicable deadlines are met.
Boating accidents produce a wide range of severe injuries. Drowning and near-drowning are the most life-threatening, and near-drowning survivors often suffer permanent brain damage from oxygen deprivation. Traumatic brain injuries result from being thrown from a vessel and striking the water surface, another vessel, or a dock structure. Spinal cord injuries can result from high-speed impacts or being thrown from the vessel. Propeller strike injuries — which occur when a person in the water is struck by a spinning propeller — cause devastating lacerations, amputations, and disfigurement. Broken bones, internal organ damage, hypothermia from cold water immersion, and burns from fuel fires or engine compartment explosions are also common. Our firm works with medical experts to fully document every injury and its long-term impact.
Yes. Our firm represents boating accident victims throughout Southern California and beyond, including accidents at Catalina Island, Lake Havasu, Marina del Rey, Long Beach Harbor, Newport Beach, and every waterway in the region. Catalina Island presents unique boating hazards including open-ocean crossing conditions, congested moorings at Avalon and Two Harbors, and limited emergency medical resources on the island. Lake Havasu on the California-Arizona border is one of the busiest recreational boating destinations in the western United States and sees a high rate of boating accidents, particularly on holiday weekends. Regardless of where the accident occurred, we investigate the circumstances, identify all liable parties, and pursue maximum compensation.
As a passenger, you have strong legal rights. You had no control over the operation of the vessel, and you relied on the operator to exercise reasonable care for your safety. If the operator was negligent — by operating recklessly, operating under the influence, failing to maintain a proper lookout, or violating navigation rules — you can file a personal injury claim against the operator and the boat owner. If you were on a commercial vessel (a charter, a cruise, or a party boat), the vessel owner owes you a heightened duty of care as a common carrier under maritime law. Our firm recovers compensation for boat passengers from the operator's boat insurance, the owner's liability coverage, and any other applicable insurance policies.
Anand Desai is a dedicated personal injury attorney serving Glendale and the greater Los Angeles area. A graduate of Loyola Law School with an undergraduate degree from USC, Anand has been a member of the California State Bar (#249768) since 2007, bringing 20+ years of legal experience to every case he handles.
Anand specializes in personal injury law, with particular expertise in car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, and catastrophic injury cases. His deep understanding of California personal injury law, combined with his tenacious negotiation skills, has helped him secure millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for his clients.
What truly sets Anand apart is his commitment to his community. His firm is one of the only law offices in Glendale that offers services in 11 languages, including Spanish, Armenian, Hindi, Gujarati, Korean, Tagalog, Farsi, Mandarin, Japanese, Vietnamese, and English — reflecting the rich diversity of the communities he serves.
“I fight for every client like they’re family. When you hire me, you’re not just getting a lawyer — you’re getting someone who genuinely cares about your recovery and your future.”
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