While boating is a fun and popular recreational pastime, it is not without significant risks. Distraction, inexperience, lack of safety training, and intoxication all may contribute to boating accidents that result in injuries to others. An Arlington boat accident lawyer may be instructive in assisting those who have suffered injuries and help them seek compensation for their damages.
An experienced personal injury lawyer may be able to investigate the circumstances that led to a boating accident and determine whether you may be eligible to seek damages. Legal counsel also may be able to identify all potentially liable parties and gather the information necessary to build a strong claim for compensation on behalf of those who have suffered injuries in a boating accident.
What is the Most Common Cause of Watercraft Crash?
Alcohol is one of the most common causes of boating accidents across the nation. Many boats can operate at high speeds, but they take much longer to come to a complete stop. Even personal watercraft, such as Jet Skis and WaveRunners, must travel a substantial distance before totally stopping.
Impairment by alcohol or drugs directly affects reaction times, which can cause boat operators to be unable to stop quickly when traveling at high speeds. Under Texas law, individuals commit a crime when they operate boats or personal watercraft with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher. Not only is this a criminal offense that carries the potential for fines and a jail sentence, but it could result in civil liability if others are injured as a result of boating while intoxicated. An Arlington attorney familiar with nautical wrecks could review the claim and prove that the defendant’s negligence is the cause of the collision.
For a free legal consultation, call (817) 775-5364
Does Boater Distraction or Inexperience Contribute to Crashes on the Water?
Another common cause of boating crashes is boat operator distraction or inexperience. While boaters must take a basic boater education course to operate boats legally, inexperience still accounts for many boating accidents. Distraction due to boat occupants, music, and other noise all could cause boat operators to have a lapse in attention that can have devastating results.
Waterways have no traffic controls or lights, so many inexperienced boat operators in the same area, particularly during crowded holiday weekends, could result in disaster. Failure to travel at safe speeds or watch for other boaters may cause accidents that severely injure both boat operators and occupants. A knowledgeable boat collision attorney in Arlington may be able to represent the interests of boaters injured in these accidents in seeking compensation for those responsible for their injuries.
Arlington Boat Accident Lawyer Near Me (817) 775-5364
Drowning and Boating Accidents
Many fatal boating accidents are due to drowning. While many boaters are experienced swimmers who see no reason to wear life jackets, the potential to be knocked unconscious or otherwise injured is likely to impair the ability to swim. Although Texas law does require the use or presence of life jackets or personal flotation devices in some boats, many boat operators fail to abide by these laws, which can put both operators and passengers at risk.
For boats less than 26 feet long, children under age 13 must wear life vests while on boats. Boats less than 16 feet long must have one personal flotation device for each person on board, as well as a throwable floatation device, such as a life preserver. If the negligence of boat operators injures individuals, they may wish to consult a diligent lawyer in Arlington for information about their options.
Click to contact our Arlington Personal Injury Lawyers today
Contact an Arlington Boat Accident Attorney for Assistance
Catastrophic injuries in a boating accident could result in high medical bills, lost time at work, and physical and mental anguish. For individuals who have suffered injuries in boating accidents, there may be a means of compensation from negligent boat operators or other parties. An Arlington boat accident lawyer could answer your questions and address the possibility of moving forward with a personal injury action on your behalf.
There are time limitations on personal injury lawsuits in Texas, including those that arise from boating accidents. Due to these deadlines, injury victims should not hesitate to contact legal counsel as soon as practicable following a boating accident. Call now to schedule a consultation.
Call (817) 775-5364 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
