Boating accidents often happen due to negligence. This can involve a boat operator’s failure to exercise reasonable care, leading to wrecks, injuries, and property damage.
If you or a loved one was recently injured in a serious boat collision, the personal injury attorneys at Williams Hart & Boundas can help. A Houston boat accident lawyer from our firm can investigate the crash, identify all potentially liable parties, and build a strong case to support your claim for compensation.
What Are the Leading Causes of Injuries and Fatalities in Boat Accidents?
While various factors can contribute to boat accidents, negligence plays a significant role in many preventable incidents. Common examples include the following:
- Excessive speed makes it difficult to react to sudden changes and increases the severity of collisions
- Failing to maintain a proper watch for other vessels, obstacles, or potential hazards can lead to crashes
- Mechanical failures, often stemming from poor maintenance, can leave boaters stranded and vulnerable to wrecks
- Engaging in dangerous or irresponsible behavior, such as wake jumping or erratic maneuvering, can endanger others
- Improper loading beyond a boat’s capacity or uneven weight distribution can lead to instability and increase the risk of accidents
- Boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a leading cause of fatal crashes due to impaired judgment, balance, and reaction times
- Failure to use proper safety equipment, such as life jackets, significantly increases the risk of fatalities, particularly in cases of falling overboard or capsizing
- Operator negligence and inexperience can lead to accidents caused by a failure to follow navigation rules and safety protocols, and a lack of knowledge or skill in boat handling can result in poor decision-making
Falling overboard, capsizing, or being incapacitated after a crash can lead to drowning or near-drowning, which can cause severe brain damage from oxygen deprivation. Collisions, falls on wet surfaces, or being thrown from the boat can cause bone fractures, damage the spinal cord, and cause head trauma.
Impacts with sharp objects, propellers, or debris can result in deep cuts, lacerations, and even amputations. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a boat collision, do not wait to contact an experienced Houston attorney who can safeguard your interests and fight for just compensation from the negligent parties.
Filing a Boat Crash Claim
If you have been involved in a boat wreck in Houston and need to file a claim, consider seeking legal assistance from a lawyer. If a boat accident results in a fatality, a missing person, an injury requiring more than first aid, or property damage exceeding $2,000, the operator must report it to law enforcement or the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department within 30 days (48 hours for fatalities). The wreck may also need to be reported to the U.S. Coast Guard, especially if it involves federal waters.
An attorney can gather all of this essential information and ensure that a report is filed if necessary. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Texas, including those arising from boat accidents, is generally two years from the date of the incident. To pursue a claim, you must prove that the other party was negligent, meaning they owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and directly caused your injuries and damages.
In a boating collision, several parties could be held liable, including:
- A passenger
- The boat operator
- The boat manufacturer
- The boat owner or rental company
Boat crash victims can be eligible to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses resulting from the accident. An attorney can investigate the incident, gather evidence, determine liability, and pursue all available avenues for compensation.
Request Your Free Case Review With a Houston Boat Crash Attorney
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, a Houston boat accident lawyer from Williams Hart & Boundas can represent you in court. We will present your case and fight for your right to maximum financial recovery. Our experienced legal team is familiar with boating collisions and the complexities of maritime law.
We can guide you through each phase of the legal process, whether at the negotiating table or in a courtroom. Contact us today and request your free case review to discuss your legal options.