Investigation Underway After Woman Seriously Injured in Hit-And-Run Tubing Accident Along Colorado River
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA (June 25, 2026) – A woman was seriously injured in a San Bernardino County tubing accident along the Colorado River.
San Bernardino County officials are saying that the incident took place around 7 PM not far from the Needles Bridge. The victim was apparently struck by a boat while tubing along the Colorado River.
The boater that hit the woman did not remain at the scene and is currently being sought by the police. The paramedics were called to the scene to help the injured woman. She was transported to a hospital in Las Vegas to receive treatment.
A full investigation into the tubing accident on the Colorado River remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for San Bernardino County Tubing Accidents
Boat operators have a legal obligation to use caution to avoid colliding with other boats and people in the water. According to A.R.S. § 5-346, “A. No watercraft which has in tow a person or persons on water skis, a surfboard or similar contrivance shall be operated in or upon any waterway unless such watercraft shall be occupied by at least two persons, an operator and an observer. B. The operator shall observe other watercraft traffic, swimmers and hazards and shall not tow a person or persons on water skis, a surfboard or similar contrivance so close to other watercraft, swimmers or structures as to constitute a hazard to life or limb of any person.” Boat operators should take a number of measures to avoid hitting people in the water.
- Boat operators should maintain their vehicle at a speed that would be unsafe given the prevailing water conditions.
- Boat operators should continuously scan the water ahead of them for swimmers and other potential hazards.
- Boat operators ensure that their vessels are periodically inspected and well maintained.
If a boat operator fails to slow down to avoid hitting any swimmer in the water, this could serve as evidence of negligence. When a boat operator leaves the scene of an injury collision, they could face criminal charges in addition to civil liability for the crash. Liability could potentially extend to several different parties. This includes the company that rented a boat to someone who is using it. A boat rental service could be liable for an accident under the legal theory of negligent entrustment.
Steps to Take After San Bernardino County Boating Accidents
Boating accidents remain a leading cause of preventable injury and death across California. According to Lassen County Times, “The analysis found that between 2018 and 2022, California experienced an average of 59.0 boating-related accidents and 5.8 boating-related fatalities per 100,000 registered recreational vessels.” Multiple steps should be taken after any person is injured in a boating accident.
- Victims should seek medical support as early as possible. Many of the injuries associated with boating accidents will not be immediately obvious.
- All of the medical records related to injuries and ongoing treatment should be documented.
- The license and insurance information of all the parties involved should be collected.
- Any person injured in a boating accident should contact an experienced personal injury attorney.
Boating accidents are often highly preventable. Part of the problem is that many people who are operating a boat on the water are not very experienced. They may not understand navigational rules or even how to operate their own vessel in a safe manner. Victims of boating accidents are protected by a number of laws. They are able to seek some measure of justice through a civil action.
Investigating San Bernardino County Boating Accidents
We at Carrazco Law extend our best wishes to the woman injured in this San Bernardino County boating accident. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong. The boater who fled the scene should do the right thing and come forward. It is never too late to do the right thing.
Do you need more information about a San Bernardino County boating accident? Our team of boat accident attorneys is here for you. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here to serve your needs. You can reach out to us anytime at (800) 541-3244.
