This page was written and reviewed by Michael J. Cefali, Esq. Attorney Cefali is a founding partner of Cefali & Cefali, APC, based in San Juan Capistrano, CA. He holds a Juris Doctor from Chapman University Fowler School of Law and a B.A. in Global Studies & Maritime Affairs from the California Maritime Academy. Widely recognized for his advocacy in personal injury law, he has secured multi-hundred-thousand-dollar settlements in motorcycle accidents, hit-and-runs, and red-light collision cases. He maintains a perfect 10.0 “Superb” rating on Avvo.
Beyond his legal practice, Mr. Cefali actively supports his community through the Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano, contributes to housing and meal programs for those in need, and enjoys fishing and spending time with his rescue dogs.
The date below reflects when this page was last reviewed for accuracy. Please see our Editorial Guidelines.
If you were hurt in a boating or jet ski accident on a lake near Hemet, California law lets you recover your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering from the boat operator, owner, or rental company whose carelessness caused it. A Hemet boat accident attorney can investigate what happened on the water, identify every insurance policy, and pursue the full value of your claim.
Cefali & Cefali represents people injured in boating accidents across the San Jacinto Valley and Riverside County from our office at 211 N. State Street, Suite 111, Hemet. Call (949) 325-7790 for a free consultation. You pay no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you.
Lakes Near Hemet Where Boating Accidents Happen
Hemet residents have several popular lakes within a short drive, each with its own rules, managing agency, and hazards:
Diamond Valley Lake, the large reservoir just southwest of Hemet, popular for fishing boats and rental boats from the marina.
Lake Hemet, in the San Jacinto Mountains off Highway 74, a smaller lake used for fishing and small boats.
Lake Skinner, a Riverside County park near Winchester known for fishing, sailing, and rental boats.
Lake Perris, a state recreation area where powerboats, water skiers, and personal watercraft share the water, especially on busy summer weekends.
Because several of these lakes are run by public agencies, a claim involving a dangerous condition, such as an unmarked hazard or a defective dock, may be subject to a six-month government claim deadline.
Common Causes of Boating Accidents
Operator inattention and failing to keep a proper lookout
Excessive speed, especially near other boats, docks, and swimmers
Boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Inexperienced operators, including renters with little time behind the wheel
Reckless jet ski operation, such as wake jumping and weaving through traffic
Towing accidents involving water skiers and tubers
Poorly maintained or defective boats, engines, steering systems, and life jackets
California Boating Laws That Affect Your Claim
Reckless Operation and Boating Under the Influence
Harbors and Navigation Code § 655 prohibits operating a vessel or water skis recklessly or negligently in a way that endangers people or property, and prohibits operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs. As on the road, a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or more is the general legal limit. A violation is strong evidence that the operator was negligent.
The California Boater Card
California now requires operators of most motorized boats, including personal watercraft, to carry a California Boater Card showing they passed an approved boating safety exam. People who rent a boat can usually operate it after completing the rental company's safety checklist instead. An operator without a card, or a renter who was never properly instructed, can point to negligence by the operator or the rental company.
Reporting a Boating Accident
Operators involved in an accident must stop, help anyone injured, and exchange information. Accidents involving a death, a disappearance, or an injury that needs more than first aid must be reported to the California Division of Boating and Waterways, generally within 48 hours, and accidents involving only significant property damage must be reported within a longer period. The report and the lake staff's or ranger's incident report become key evidence.
Rental Boat and Jet Ski Accidents
Rental boats and personal watercraft are a common source of serious injuries because renters are often inexperienced. A rental company may be liable if it:
Rented to someone who was intoxicated, underage, or clearly unable to operate safely
Failed to give required safety instruction
Rented a boat or jet ski with faulty steering, throttle, or kill-switch equipment
Did not provide properly fitting life jackets
Rental companies usually have customers sign a liability waiver. Under California law, a waiver generally cannot protect a company from liability for gross negligence or for violating safety laws, and it does not bind injured people who never signed it, such as passengers or people on other boats.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Boating Accident
The boat or jet ski operator, for careless, reckless, or impaired operation
The boat owner, who may be responsible for letting an unsafe person operate the boat
A rental company, for negligent rentals, instruction, or maintenance
A manufacturer, for a defective boat, engine, or safety equipment
A public agency, for a dangerous condition of lake property, subject to the six-month claim deadline
Boat owners often carry boat or homeowners insurance that may cover the accident. We check every available policy.
Common Boating Accident Injuries
Boating accidents can cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, propeller lacerations and amputations, burns from fuel fires, and near-drowning injuries that can cause lasting brain damage. Seriously injured people in the Hemet area are often taken to Riverside University Health System Medical Center in Moreno Valley, the county's main trauma center.
What to Do After a Boating Accident Near Hemet
Get medical help and make sure everyone is out of the water.
Report the accident to lake staff, park rangers, or 911, and ask for a copy of the incident report.
Exchange information with the other operators, including names, boat registration numbers, and insurance.
Photograph the boats, damage, life jackets, and your injuries, and get witness names.
Keep your rental agreement and any waiver you signed.
Talk to a lawyer before giving a statement to any insurance company.
Compensation and Deadlines
You may recover medical expenses and future care, lost wages and earning capacity, pain and suffering, and property damage. If an impaired operator caused the crash, punitive damages may also be available under Civil Code § 3294. If the accident took a life, the family may have a wrongful death claim.
Most injury claims must be filed within two years (Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1). Claims against a public agency that runs a lake generally require a government claim within six months (Government Code § 911.2). If you were partly at fault, California's pure comparative fault rule reduces your award but does not bar your claim.
Can I sue if I signed a waiver to rent a boat or jet ski?
Often, yes. A waiver generally does not protect a rental company from gross negligence or safety law violations, and it does not apply to injured people who never signed it.
Who pays for injuries in a boating accident?
Usually the at-fault operator's or owner's boat or homeowners insurance. A rental company, manufacturer, or public agency may also be responsible depending on what caused the accident.
Is boating under the influence illegal in California?
Yes. Harbors and Navigation Code § 655 prohibits operating a boat under the influence, with a general limit of 0.08% blood alcohol. An impaired operator's conduct can also support punitive damages.
Do I need a boater card to drive a boat in California?
Most operators of motorized boats and personal watercraft need a California Boater Card. People renting a boat can usually operate it after completing the rental company's safety checklist instead.
How long do I have to file a boating accident claim?
Generally two years from the accident. If a public agency that operates the lake may be responsible, a government claim must usually be filed within six months.
How much does a boat accident lawyer cost?
Cefali & Cefali works on a contingency fee. The consultation is free, there is no upfront cost, and you pay no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you.
Michael Cefali is a dedicated accident attorney based in San Juan Capistrano, California, committed to securing justice and fair compensation for accident victims.
A graduate of Newport Harbor High School, he went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Global Studies and Maritime Affairs from the California Maritime Academy, followed by his Juris Doctor from Chapman University School of Law.
Deeply invested in his community, Michael is an active member of the Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano, contributing to efforts that provide meals, housing, and support to those in need. Outside of his legal work and volunteer service, he enjoys fishing in Dana Point and spending time with his three rescue dogs—a Chihuahua, a Spaniel mix, and a Shepherd mix.
Driven by his strong belief in justice and fairness, Michael remains steadfast in advocating for individuals harmed by the negligence or inaction of others.
