This past fall we wrote a post on a fatal boating crash that occurred at Bonelli Regional Park in San Dimas, California. The accident, involving a power boat and a jet ski, claimed the lives of three women. The three women, who were all related, were riding the jet ski on Puddingstone Lake when it collided with the speedboat.

Since the October accident, detectives with the Los Angeles County sheriff's homicide department have been investigating the incident. Their investigation was recently concluded and the results were forwarded to the county Department of Parks and Recreation, Lake Lifeguard Division. Those results along with accident reconstruction findings and statements from witnesses culled by the Lake Lifeguard Division will comprise the finalized report. The report is expected to be complete sometime this month.

As a part of the investigation, a camera that was mounted on the jet ski was sought to help determine the cause of the accident. Despite the use of divers who searched the bottom of the lake, the camera was not found. A lieutenant with the sheriff's Homicide Bureau indicated that alcohol was not a factor.

In addition to the three women's deaths, the four people who were aboard the speedboat were injured.

The laws regarding personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits are different for accidents involving vessels on the water. Such cases are governed by maritime law. Though the outcome in a successful maritime claim is often similar, the system is completely different. For this reason, anyone injured in a boating accident should consult a maritime attorney.

Source: Contra Costa Times, "Cause of deadly crash at San Dimas reservoir may be known soon," Lori Consalvo, Jan. 3, 2012