Houston Boat Accident Lawyer

With its 360-mile coastline and a large amount of inland water, Texas is a popular place to go boating. Registered boats number nearly 650,000 in the state, so thousands of people could be out boating in state waters on any given day. Unfortunately, these high numbers mean that accidents also happen, resulting in severe injuries or fatalities.

If you suffered injuries in a boating accident, the personal injury attorneys at Fleming Law can help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact our office today for a free consultation with a Houston boat accident lawyer.

What Are the Leading Causes of Boat Accidents?

Errors by boating operators are among the top causes of boating accidents. Those who operate boats must receive proper training and obey boating rules on the water. Boat operators are responsible for the safety of those on board and must watch for potential dangers due to other boaters, objects in the water, or bad weather.

Some of the leading causes of boat accidents include the following:

• Inattention – According to the U.S. Coast Guard, inattention is the number one cause of boating accident injuries. Operating a boat is similar to driving a car in that the operator must pay attention to their surroundings, including other boaters, piers, and other obstacles that might pose a threat. Distraction often leads to collisions that result in injuries and even death.
• Inexperience – The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) offers certification courses online for operators to learn about the state laws, safety equipment, and navigation rules. Anyone born on or after September 1, 1993, must complete the course to operate a boat.
• Speeding – Excessive speeding reduces a boat operator’s ability to maneuver the watercraft and slow down in time to avoid collisions.
• Impairment – Boaters who drink or use drugs while operating a boat are putting themselves and others at risk of a collision. Impairment due to alcohol or drugs causes slowed reaction times, decreased coordination, and a lack of judgment.
• Mechanical failure – Lack of proper maintenance on a boat can lead to mechanical failure, causing an accident. Common mechanical failures include propeller damage and overheated engines. In some cases, defective equipment can cause an accident.

What Are the Most Common Injuries from a Boat Accident?

Regardless of why a boating accident occurs, these collisions often leave victims with serious injuries.

Common boating accident injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Bone fractures
• Soft tissue trauma
• Spinal cord injuries
• Burns
• Amputations
• Drownings or near-drownings

What Are the Texas Laws Regarding a Boat Accident?

Boat operators involved in accidents must report the collisions to their local game warden, local law enforcement agencies, or the TPWD. The report must be provided within 30 days of the accident if it resulted in:

• Injury requiring treatment beyond first aid to any person
• Property damage exceeding $2,000
• A missing person

If a boat accident causes a fatality, the collision must be reported within 48 hours. Contact our Houston boat accident attorney today.

Who Could Be Held Liable for My Houston Boating Accident?

Liability in a boating accident often depends on several factors.

Those who might be at fault for a boating accident include:

• The operator of the boat
• The boat’s owner
• A negligent passenger
• A boat rental company
• The boat’s manufacturer
• Mechanics who worked on the boat

A boat accident attorney in Houston can investigate the incident to determine who is liable for injuries and other accident-related losses.

What Types of Compensation Can I Receive from a Boat Accident Claim?

Those who suffer injuries in a boat accident caused by someone else may have the right to compensation for their personal and financial losses.

With a successful boat accident claim, you could demand compensation for the following:

• Medical costs associated with treating your injuries, including emergency medical services, ambulance rides, hospital stays, prescriptions, surgeries, and other medical procedures
• Rehabilitative and physical therapy expenses and medical and mobility equipment
• Future medical expenses if your injuries result in a disability or permanent impairment that will require lifelong medical treatment
• Lost income if you cannot work while healing from your injuries or must work in a part-time or light-duty position that pays less
• Loss of future earning capacity and benefits if your injuries prevent you from returning to work or seeking gainful employment
• Physical pain and suffering due to your injuries or medical treatments
• Emotional distress, including depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from your accident injuries
• Loss of enjoyment of life if your injuries prevent you from performing daily tasks or participating in hobbies

What Is the Deadline for Filing a Boat Accident Claim in Texas?

In Texas, the statute of limitations gives victims two years from the date of a boat accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in civil court. If you file your suit after the deadline, you could lose your right to seek compensation in civil court. You should speak to a boat accident attorney immediately to ensure you meet critical deadlines in Houston.

How Can a Boat Accident Lawyer Help Me?

A Houston boating accident lawyer with Fleming Law can handle all the details of your case, giving you the time and space you need to recover from your injuries. Let our firm investigate the accident, gather and preserve helpful evidence, determine who is liable, and identify all potential sources of compensation for your losses. We can also negotiate with the insurance companies and fight for a fair settlement. If negotiations fail, our boating accident lawyers in Houston will take your case to court and present a compelling argument at trial.

Contact a Houston Boat Accident Attorney

Our attorneys at Fleming Law have significant experience handling boat accident cases and recovering the compensation injury victims deserve. Let us pursue the financial relief you need after a boating accident in Houston. Contact our office today for a free consultation with one of our Houston boat accident lawyers.