[09-22-2023] Calaveras County, CA – One Passenger Injured Following Drunk Boating Crash in Copperopolis

One passenger was injured following a drunk boating crash in Copperopolis, Calaveras County, as reported on Friday, September 22, 2023.

According to the Calaveras Sheriff’s Office, the incident happened on a privately owned beach within Lake Tulloch, west of the O’Byrnes Ferry Bridge.

A 21-year-old boat driver named David F. crashed a 23-foot 2001 International boat that had two other occupants, both underage.

One juvenile passenger sustained minor injuries and was released after receiving treatment on the scene.

The driver was found to have been boating under the influence, or BUI, when he was driving at 30 mph before hitting the shoreline.

The authorities arrested the 21-year-old Felton resident, and they have not released any further details about the crash.

Renowned Calaveras County Boat Accident Attorneys Specializing in Drunk Driving Accidents

Considering the many factors involved, obtaining compensation for a collision involving a boat can be difficult. If you or a loved one was injured in a watercraft-related crash, seeking advice from a boat accident lawyer is important.

You can rely on our renowned Calaveras County boat accident attorneys specializing in drunk driving accidents at Arash Law, under the direction of Arash Khorsandi, Esq., to safeguard your legal rights and effectively represent you in these court proceedings. Our firm has recovered more than $500 Million in settlements and verdicts for our clients.

If you want to speak with one of our lawyers, please call (888) 488-1391 or fill out the “Do I Have a Case?” form.

What to Do After Boat Accident

It can be stressful to be involved in a watercraft-related crash. However, you can still obtain justice by protecting your rights for proper compensation. The following tips may help you avoid reducing the value of your personal injury claim:

1. Prioritize Your Health: Ensure safety for yourself and others involved in the boat crash. Seek immediate medical attention to assess injuries that you may have sustained.
2. Contact the authorities: You will need their official report of the boating incident to support your claim.
3. Obtain all the vital information: You need to gather the eyewitnesses’ names and contact information and the information of the other parties involved.
4. Submit a claim to the insurance company: You need to only state the facts about the accident and avoid exaggerating any details when speaking with insurers.
5. Stay off social media: You must avoid posting anything related to the incident because insurers can use your statements and activities online to minimize the compensation for your claim.
6. Retain legal assistance: You should consult a good boat accident lawyer before accepting a settlement offer from an insurance adjuster.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Boating Accident Statistics

In 2021, the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways reported 593 watercraft-related crashes and collisions, resulting in 256 injuries and 44 fatalities, in California. In these boating accidents, 670 operators were reportedly involved. Only 40 people had a California Boater Card.

This is larger than the number of watercraft-related accidents recorded in 2019. That year, California saw 450 boating accidents, with 207 injuries and 41 fatalities.

Calaveras County only recorded seven boating accidents in 2019. All of these resulted in injuries, while no fatality was reported.