The lakes and rivers in the area offer many great opportunities for recreational boating. Whether these involving fishing, sailing, or simply spending some relaxing time on the water, there is no shortage of chances for individuals to enjoy themselves. Unfortunately, the poor decisions of others could lead to significant injuries while on the water. A boat driver who chooses to ignore navigational buoys, boats while drunk, or operates the vessel at a high speed could place everyone at risk of serious harm.
If you or a loved one were injured due to the reckless and negligent actions of another on the water, a Fort Worth boat accident lawyer may be able to help. They could work to evaluate the actions of the negligent party and help to pursue claims for compensation. It is best to speak to a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer to learn about the type of damages an individual may be eligible to recover.
The Responsibilities of Boaters in Fort Worth
All boat operators assume a duty to protect all individuals that they may encounter while on the water. This duty extends to other boaters, swimmers, people on docks, and even their own passengers. All boaters carry this duty regardless of the type and shape of their vessel. A skilled boat crash attorney in Fort Worth could hold the defendant accountable for the plaintiff’s injuries and damages if their negligent actions caused the incident.
Boaters must be sure to follow the rules of the water. These rules prohibit excessive speeding, require all boaters to follow navigational buoys, and prohibit boaters from operating while drunk or distracted.
Many boat wrecks cases are similar to car accident cases. Like car drivers, since boaters have a duty to operate their vehicles in a safe manner, a failure to do so that results in a collision that opens the boater to civil liability.
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Common Injuries in Boating Crashes
Boating accidents can lead to many of the same injuries that are common in car wrecks. Individuals may sustain injuries such as:
- Broken bones
- Head trauma
- Internal injury
- Spinal cord damage
- Death
Many plaintiffs suffer losses that go far beyond the need for medical attention. Many injuries are so severe as to affect a person’s ability to work. A claim can demand reimbursement for these lost earnings. In addition, watercraft collisions are often traumatic experiences. A dedicated lawyer in the Fort Worth area could help to demand non-economic damages for mental anguish or suffering endured by the plaintiff because of a boating wreck.
Fort Worth Boat Accident Lawyer Near Me (817) 775-5364
Determining Liability for a Collision on the Water
To recover compensation for injuries and damages, a Fort Worth attorney must prove that a defendant’s negligent actions caused the watercraft crash.
The State of Texas follows the modified comparative negligence law to determine fault in personal injury cases. According to Texas Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §33.003 the courts will assign a percentage of blame for an accident to all parties involved. Even if the plaintiff is partially liable for the collision, they are still able to recover compensation from the other party. The plaintiff’s total compensation award will be reduced by their percentage of fault. If the court finds the plaintiff to be more than 51 percent at fault for the collision, they may be ineligible to recover compensation for damages.
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Speak to a Boat Accident Attorney in Fort Worth Today
All boaters have an absolute duty to protect any other person who they may encounter on the water. This includes a duty to follow all rules of the water and to operate their vessels in a generally careful manner. When an individual sustains an injury while on the water, the negligent party could be held responsible for damages.
A Fort Worth boat accident lawyer could help you to pursue your claim for fair compensation. They could fight by your side to gather evidence concerning the incident, to properly value your claim, and to demand fair payments from defendants and any representative insurance companies. Call our office today to schedule a consultation.
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