At Maison Law, we offer representation to those who have sustained life-altering injuries at California state parks. With over 280 state parks located in California, it is true that there are many beautiful sights to see. However, there is also always a risk for injuries and fatalities due to accidents in these areas. If you have been hurt in a state park accident, it is crucial that you understand what legal options you may have. Please contact us today for a no-obligation case consultation.
Do I Need a Lawyer After an Accident at a State Park?
You may think that your injuries do not warrant a personal injury claim. Or, you may believe that a lawyer is not necessary if you file a claim because they come at an “expense.” However, Maison Law offers a no-obligation case review that comes at no expense to you. On top of this, we don’t get paid until you do, which means that there is no risk with filing a claim.
Hiring an attorney might be one of the most beneficial decisions that you can make after an accident to protect your well-being and the future of your claim. You may need an attorney if the following are true:
- The accident was completely caused by another party’s negligence
- Your accident required a hospital stay or follow-up medical care
- You were forced to miss time at work due to your injuries
- You were forced to miss out on other aspects of your life due to your injuries
It is crucial that you never delay if you are seeking legal help with your personal injury claim. In California, you only have two years from the time that you are injured to bring a claim before you are barred from doing so.
Common Accidents at California State Parks
State parks in California are commonly referred to as popular tourist areas. This means that many people will congregate in these areas at certain times of the year. It also means that an accident could happen within seconds due to a wide array of reasons. Some common accidents at state parks include the following:
- Slip and Falls: A slip and fall can occur within seconds in a state park due to a wide array of reasons. These include uneven sidewalks, paths, steep terrains, or slippery surfaces at pools and lakes.
- Drowning: State parks typically have access to major bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, and even pools. Lifeguards are supposed to be posted in these areas so that swimmers can be kept safe from harm. However, a drowning incident can still happen within seconds, causing injury or even taking a life.
- Boating Accidents: Many state parks have lakes and rivers where boating is a popular and well-loved activity. A boating accident can happen due to many different reasons, causing extensive harm to those involved.
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: State parks are also home to many high-traffic areas for both pedestrians and motor vehicle drivers. This means that accidents involving cars can happen anywhere and at any time.
If any of these accidents occur and injuries result, seeking medical attention is one of the most important things that you can do. This is the best way to protect your health and well-being following an accident, as well as document what happened to you.
Liability After a State Park Accident
Government entities are responsible for overseeing areas of state parks. Though government entities have certain protections from lawsuits under the law, they still have a responsibility to keep visitors safe from harm and hazards. If you have been hurt at a state park and it was due to the government’s disregard of your safety, you could hold an entity responsible for the harm that you have suffered.
To be successful in a state park claim against the government, you will need to prove some of the following aspects:
- The state park where the accident occurred is government-owned
- The government agency in charge of the park’s upkeep failed to maintain the property or did nothing to fix an adverse issue
- You were injured in an accident on state park lands due to the government’s failure to protect you
- You suffered damages as a result of the accident
Because it can be confusing and complex to deal with a government personal injury claim, it is crucial that you speak with a legal advocate during these challenging times.
Contact a California Premises Liability Lawyer Immediately
After you have been hurt in an accident at a California state park, it is likely that you will have questions and concerns regarding your accident. Bringing a personal injury lawsuit against the government can be difficult.
At Maison Law, our California premises liability lawyers are here to help you protect your rights after you have been hurt in an accident on state park property. Property owners can be found liable when they have not upheld their duty to keep you safe. We will stand by your side as you pursue a claim against the government, working toward compensation you need. Please contact us today for more information on how we can help you, as well as a no-obligation case consultation.
