Houston Boating Accident Lawyer

Boat Crash Injury Claims in Houston, TX

Boating is a popular pastime, enjoyed by millions of Texans. It is also an important part of the economy, with many people earning their living working on the water. Unfortunately, the open water is a dangerous place, and every year thousands of people are injured or killed in boating accidents.

Many people are surprised to learn that the vast majority of boating accidents are the result of human error. In fact, according to the US Coast Guard, over 70% of all boating accidents are due to the negligence of the boat’s operator. When an accident is caused by someone else’s negligence, injured victims can file a personal injury claim to recover their losses.

Our team at The Doan Law Firm, PLLC is ready to help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced boat accident attorney.

Causes of Boating Accidents

While many people think of boating as a leisure activity, it is not without its risks. There are many factors that can contribute to a boating accident, including:

• Operator inattention – According to the US Coast Guard, the number one cause of boating accidents is operator inattention. Just like motorists, boat operators can cause serious accidents when they are not paying attention to the task at hand. The open water can be a dangerous place, and operators need to be constantly vigilant to avoid hazards.
• Operator inexperience – Boating can be a lot of fun, and many people decide to take up the hobby without receiving the proper training. Operating a boat requires a certain amount of skill, and inexperienced boaters can quickly find themselves in over their heads. According to the US Coast Guard, operator inexperience is the second most common cause of boating accidents.
• Speeding – Boats are capable of traveling at high speeds, and many people like to take advantage of this. Unfortunately, speeding is a leading cause of boating accidents. The faster a boat is traveling, the more difficult it is to control and the longer it takes to come to a stop.
• Boating under the influence – Just like operating a motor vehicle, it is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Boating under the influence (BUI) is a leading cause of boating accidents, accounting for nearly 20% of all accidents.
• Equipment failure – Boating accidents can also be caused by equipment failure. Boats and other watercraft are complex machines with many moving parts, and when something goes wrong, the results can be catastrophic. If a boating accident is caused by equipment failure, the manufacturer of the boat or one of its components could potentially be held liable.
• Inclement weather – The weather can also play a role in boating accidents. Boats are not designed to handle rough weather conditions, and even a small amount of rain can make the deck of a boat dangerously slippery. According to the US Coast Guard, the weather was a contributing factor in nearly 10% of all boating accidents.

Types of Boating Accidents

Boating accidents can take many different forms. Some of the most common types of boating accidents include:

• Collisions with other boats – According to the US Coast Guard, the most common type of boating accident is a collision with another boat. Just like motorists, boat operators need to be aware of their surroundings at all times and be prepared to take evasive action to avoid a collision.
• Collisions with stationary objects – Boating accidents can also be caused by a collision with a stationary object. Docked boats, piers, and other objects can be difficult to see, and an inattentive boat operator can quickly find themselves in trouble.
• Grounding – Boating accidents can also be caused by a grounding. When a boat runs aground, it can cause serious damage to the hull, which can result in the boat sinking. Grounding is a common type of boating accident, particularly on unfamiliar bodies of water.
• Sinking – Boats can also sink due to equipment failure or other reasons. When a boat sinks, it can put its occupants in serious danger, particularly if they are not wearing life jackets.
• Capsize – Boats can also capsize, either due to operator error or due to a sudden change in the weather. When a boat capsizes, it can trap its occupants inside, making it difficult to escape.
• Swamping – Boats can also swamp, which occurs when the boat takes on water, but does not sink. Swamping can cause the boat to become unstable, which can put its occupants in serious danger.

Common Boating Accident Injuries

Boating accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, including:

• Broken bones
• Head and brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Drowning
• Electrocution

Who is Liable for a Boating Accident?

When a boating accident occurs, one of the first questions that victims have is: “Who is liable?” In many cases, it is the boat’s operator who is responsible for the accident. Boat operators have a duty to operate their vessel in a safe and responsible manner, and when they fail to do so, they can be held liable for any resulting injuries.

Boat operators can be held liable for a wide range of negligent actions, including:

• Operating the boat while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Speeding
• Inattentive driving
• Operator inexperience

In some cases, it is not the boat’s operator who is liable for the accident, but rather the boat’s owner. Boat owners have a duty to ensure that their boat is safe to operate, and when they fail to do so, they can be held liable for any resulting injuries. For example, if a boat owner does not properly maintain their boat and the boat’s brakes fail, causing an accident, the boat’s owner could be held liable for the accident.

When a boat accident is caused by a defective product, the manufacturer of the product could potentially be held liable. Boats and other watercraft are complex machines with many moving parts, and when something goes wrong, the results can be catastrophic. If a boating accident is caused by a design or manufacturing defect, the manufacturer of the boat or one of its components could potentially be held liable.

How Our Firm Can Help

Boat accident cases can be quite complex, and there are many factors that need to be taken into consideration. For example, if a boat accident occurred on a navigable body of water, the case may be governed by maritime law. Maritime law is a highly specialized area of law, and not all personal injury attorneys are familiar with its intricacies.

At The Doan Law Firm, PLLC, we have extensive experience handling boat accident cases, and we know what it takes to win. Our team can help you navigate the legal system and ensure that your rights are fully protected every step of the way.

Contact us at (800) 349-0000 to get started with a free consultation.