Boat Accident Injury Attorney in San Gabriel

Attorney Jonathon Perliss
Written By
Jonathon Perliss

Boat Accidents

When a day on the water turns into a life-altering accident, you deserve an advocate who will fight for your rights and your recovery. At Perliss Law Firm, we understand the devastating impact a boating accident can have—physically, emotionally, and financially. With over 30 years of experience, our firm offers compassionate and strategic representation to help you pursue full compensation for your injuries.

Whether your accident occurred on a recreational vessel, fishing boat, or personal watercraft, we have the legal knowledge and courtroom experience to build a strong case on your behalf. We proudly serve clients in San Gabriel and throughout the surrounding areas of Los Angeles County, Riverside County, and Orange County.

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Understanding Boat Accident Injuries in California

Boating accidents can result in serious and even fatal injuries. Some of the most common causes include:

Operator negligence or inexperience
Boating under the influence (BUI)
Collisions with other vessels
Mechanical failure or poor maintenance
Speeding or reckless operation
Lack of safety equipment or life vests

Victims of boat accidents often suffer from traumatic injuries such as broken bones, spinal damage, head trauma, or drowning-related complications. In tragic cases, these accidents result in wrongful death.

If you or a loved one was injured due to another person’s negligence on the water, California law may entitle you to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. But pursuing these claims requires skilled legal navigation.

At Perliss Law Firm, we approach every boating injury case with equal parts compassion and strategy. We understand the devastation you’ve experienced, and we only want to make the next steps easy for you.

We handle the legal logistics, you focus on recovering and being with the ones you love.

Types of Watercraft Commonly Involved in Accidents

Boating accidents in California can occur on various types of vessels, and each presents unique legal challenges. Common watercraft involved in personal injury claims include:

Jet Skis and Personal Watercraft (PWC):

Known for their speed and maneuverability, these are frequently involved in high-impact accidents.

Motorboats and Speedboats:

Often rented by inexperienced operators, these vessels can cause severe collisions.

Fishing Boats:

Whether commercial or recreational, improper maintenance or negligence can lead to injury.

Pontoon Boats:

Popular for group outings but dangerous when overcrowded or improperly operated.

Understanding the type of vessel involved helps determine liability and applicable safety regulations.

At Perliss Law Firm, we use our 30+ years of experience and meticulous attention to detail to build the best legal strategy based on the vehicles involved.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Boating Accident?

Establishing fault in a boating accident involves identifying all potentially responsible parties. These may include:

The Boat Operator:

Under California law, boat operators are required to navigate their vessels safely and adhere to all applicable regulations. Negligent behaviors—such as operating under the influence, speeding, or failing to yield—can render the operator liable for any resulting accidents.

The Boat Owner (if different from the operator):

Owners have a duty to ensure their vessels are properly maintained and equipped with necessary safety gear. Failure to do so can lead to liability, especially if mechanical issues or lack of safety equipment contribute to an accident.

Rental Companies:

Companies that rent boats must provide watercrafts that are safe and in good working condition. They are also responsible for ensuring that renters are adequately informed about operating procedures and safety protocols. Negligence in these duties can make rental companies liable for accidents.

Manufacturers:

If a boating accident is caused by a defect in the watercraft or its components, the manufacturer may be held liable under product liability laws. This includes design flaws, manufacturing defects, or failure to provide adequate warnings about potential hazards.

Our team thoroughly investigates each case to identify all liable parties and pursue compensation from every available source.

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Office Hours - Mon-Fri: 9:30am to 5pm
Legal Disclaimer

The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. The Perliss Law Firm team is licensed to practice law in California. We invite you to contact us, but please be aware that contacting us does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until an attorney-client relationship has been established.

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Client Reviews

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Vincent R.
5 Stars

"I personally was recommended to Sanford Perliss. My situation was dire. After our first meeting I Immediately felt relieved, I knew I was in good hands. He handled the case diligently and with the utmost professionalism. I don't know where I would be without the help of this man.  Thank you Sandy, I will recommend you to anybody I know."

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Brian L.
5 Stars

"I can’t thank Perliss Law Firm enough for their outstanding representation. I felt confident I was in good hands from the moment I walked into their office. They explained every step of the process regarding my case and made sure I was fully informed about my options. Perliss Law Firm is professional and cares greatly about their clients. Highly recommend!"

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Jessica M.
5 Stars

"Perliss Law Firm’s attorneys are extremely experienced and skilled。 They treated me with respect and were always available to answer any questions I had. I am extremely grateful and would recommend their firm if you’re looking for a dedicated and trustworthy defense team."

Why Legal Representation Matters

Navigating a boat accident injury claim is different from a standard car accident case. These cases often involve overlapping federal and state maritime laws, multiple parties, and complex liability issues.

At Perliss Law Firm, we:

Investigate the scene of the accident and gather critical evidence
Work with accident reconstruction experts if necessary
Identify liable parties, including boat owners, rental companies, or manufacturers
Handle all communications and negotiations with insurers
Take your case to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached

Our team is committed to protecting your legal rights and securing the compensation you need to move forward.

Why Choose Perliss Law Firm for Your Boat Accident Case?

Perliss Law Firm is a multi-generational firm rooted in professionalism, trust, and results. Here’s what makes us the right choice for your boating accident case:

Decades of Experience:

Over 30 years of representing injury victims across California.

Bilingual Services:

We serve clients in both English and Mandarin.

Former Prosecutors:

Our unique legal insight helps us anticipate and counter defense tactics.

Client-Centered Approach:

We tailor every strategy to your unique situation and needs.

Aggressive Advocates:

We fight relentlessly to maximize your recovery.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a California boating accident, you deserve the best legal representation. 

At Perliss Law Firm, we fight for maximum compensation with proven strategies so you and your family can heal during this difficult time.

If negligence can be proven, your attorney can even argue for punitive damages, which penalizes drivers who caused an accident due to reckless driving, speeding, drunk driving, and more.

Don’t Wait—Take the First Step Toward Justice

Boating accidents can leave victims with lifelong consequences, and the time to act is limited. In California, the statute of limitations generally gives you only two years to file a personal injury claim. The sooner you consult with a knowledgeable attorney, the better your chances of a successful outcome.

Let us handle the legal burdens while you focus on healing.

Contact Perliss Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced boat accident attorney in San Gabriel, CA. We’re here to listen, advise, and advocate for those in need.

Schedule a
Free Consultation

Office Hours - Mon-Fri: 9:30am to 5pm
Legal Disclaimer

The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. The Perliss Law Firm team is licensed to practice law in California. We invite you to contact us, but please be aware that contacting us does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until an attorney-client relationship has been established.

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Schedule a
Free Consultation

Office Hours - Mon-Fri: 9:30am to 5pm
Legal Disclaimer

The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. The Perliss Law Firm team is licensed to practice law in California. We invite you to contact us, but please be aware that contacting us does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until an attorney-client relationship has been established.

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