Swimmer Critically Injured In Tomales Bay Boat Accident At Narrow Inlet In Marin County By The Inverness Yacht Club
MARIN COUNTY, CALIFORNIA (July 8, 2022) – A swimmer was critically injured after being run over by a boat in a narrow inlet of Tomales Bay by the Inverness Yacht Club.
Marin County police officials are saying that the boat accident took place around 3:30 p.m. on Monday. A California swimmer was in Tomales Bay when they were run over by a boat under unclear circumstances.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the swimmer. Rescue workers were able to regain a pulse on the swimmer who was then taken to the Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital in a helicopter.
Police said that the boat accident took place not far from the Inverness Yacht Club. One person familiar with the bay said that it is one of the most dangerous waterways in all of California.
A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Marin County Boat Accidents
Thousands of people are killed or seriously injured in boat accidents every year. According to Statista, “In the United States, 767 people died as a result of boating accidents and 3,191 people were injured in 2020. Over the past 16 years, this figure decreased by over one and a half thousand.” There are a number of steps that boat operators should take in order to avoid causing accidents.
- Depending on the type of boat being operated, a boat operator may need to get a license.
- All boat operators should be familiar with how their vehicle controls.
- All boat operators should abstain from alcohol and drugs.
There are rules for operating a boat in much the same way that there are rules for driving down the freeway. This includes right of way laws and speed limits. According to the California Department of Parks and Recreation, “California law requires a person to be 16 years of age or older and in possession of his/her California Boater Card to legally operate a vessel powered by a motor of 15 hp or more, including personal watercraft (PWCs).” If a boat driver hits a person in the water, they can be held at fault through a civil claim. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any boat accident.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.
Any person that is injured in a boat accident may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. Sadly, boat operators will often fight hard to deny liability for any collision with a swimmer. A boat accident attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Marin County Boat Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our best wishes to the swimmer injured in this Tomales Bay boat accident. It is our sincere hope that they will be able to make a full recovery. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of the victim.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a Tomales Bay boat accident? Our team of boat accident attorneys are here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that accident victims get the medical and financial support that they need in order to recover. Whether you just have legal questions or need more information about an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
