Boat Injuries And What You Need To Know

• October 2, 2024
• Boat Injury

Broken bones, lacerations, spinal damage, and brain injuries are all possible outcomes that can occur should a person fall victim to a catastrophic accident. Injuries of this degree often lend themselves to life-altering changes, and depending on the accident itself, can even result in the wrongful death of your loved one. Though personal injury protections exist to prioritize an individual’s rights and safety, it takes a skilled attorney to help injured individuals obtain every bit of compensation owed. In today’s blog, your Dallas, TX catastrophic injury attorneys discuss what to know in the event a person or group of people become injured due to no fault of their own on boats.

Boat Accident Causes

It goes without saying that rules and regulations are in place primarily to ensure individual safety during standard operation. With respect to boats and boating accidents, in particular, there are a few specific situations that may increase the likelihood of experiencing a boating injury. For instance, in the open water, it may seem as though ‘anything goes.’ In all actuality, it is similar to driving in that, in order to avoid catastrophe, drivers must remain vigilant and conscious of other boaters. 

Some common examples of accident causes while on the open water include improper lookout, speeding, mechanical failure, operation error, or negligence as a result of intoxication. Operating heavy machinery should never be done under the influence of alcohol or other substances, and driving a boat is no exception. To learn more about the personal injury protections surrounding boating accidents, pick up the phone and speak to a member of our team.

Laws Covering Texas Boating Accidents

Because boating accidents typically occur while on the open water, you may be wondering just what area of law governs injuries that occur in the field. Generally, Texas law will apply to boating accidents  that occur within the borders of the state of Texas. However, accidents that occur out at sea or in what is defined as navigable waters will be governed by Maritime law. Keep in mind, however, that the unique facts surrounding your individual case are what will ultimately influence what laws apply. To obtain the best advice for your matter, we recommend reaching out to an experienced team of boat injury and catastrophic injury attorneys.

Looking at Liability

Liability is, in short, another person or party’s responsibility to maintain safety and well-being. Proving liability in a Texas boating accident will typically require the prosecution to demonstrate that the defendant was negligent and showed a disregard for other people’s safety. The judge will look at four elements to determine liability, including the duty of care, if there was a breach of the duty, cause(s) of the injury, and of course, the damages involved.

Speak With Our Team

When injured in a boating accident that wasn’t your fault, don’t wait to seek advice from an experienced boat injury attorney. Contact Crain Brogdon LLP in Dallas, TX by calling (214) 522-9404 to schedule a free initial consultation with our team and learn more about your options today.

Attorney Quentin Brogdon

Quentin Brogdon has over thirty years of experience and expertise in the field of personal injury trial law. He is board certified in both personal injury trial law and civil trial advocacy. Quentin has received an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest possible rating. This rating reflects an attorney’s ethics and abilities according to reviews from fellow attorneys. [ Attorney Bio ]