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Houston Boat Accident Lawyer

With more square miles of inland water than any other state and extensive coastal waters, Texas is the perfect place to enjoy a hot summer day for boating and fishing enthusiasts. The Lone Star State has over 300 lakes and approximately 5,000 square miles of fresh water to enjoy—not to mention the Gulf of Mexico. It’s no wonder there are over 580,000 registered boats in Texas.

While boating on lakes, rivers, and the ocean can be an exhilarating experience, many people do not realize that boats are just as potentially dangerous as cars and trucks. When boats are not handled properly, maritime accidents can occur, and a Houston boat accident lawyer from Denena Points, PC will be needed to help you navigate the legal waterways.

Houston Boat Accident Causes

Although some maritime accidents may be unavoidable, boat accidents can be caused by a number of things, whether inexperience, inattentiveness, lack of training, defective boat parts, shortage of safety equipment, or careless and reckless behavior.

Like cars and trucks, boats are motor vehicles and must follow federal and state rules and regulations. Waterways have speed limits, traffic lanes, and right-of-way rules just as cars do. When boat operators neglect these rules, they can compromise the safety of their own passengers as well as those on other watercraft.

Becoming distracted is a common occurrence on boats due to their recreational capabilities and the open-air environment they provide. It is easy for boat drivers to become temporarily unaware of their surroundings, leading to serious accidents.

According to the US Coast Guard, the top five causes of maritime accidents in 2014 include (in order):

  • Inattention by the boat operator
  • Improper lookout
  • Inexperience by the boat operator
  • Excessive speed
  • Alcohol consumption

The Boat Owners Association of the United States claims that alcohol plays a role in 50 percent of all boating accidents and that many accidents occur due to boat operators not receiving proper safety instruction.

Common Houston Boat Accident Injuries

Serious injuries or even death may result due to the negligence of others no matter how conscientious boaters may be while on the water. In 2014, the US Coast Guard tallied 4,064 accidents with 610 fatalities and 2,678 injuries. These accidents caused millions of dollars in property damage, as well. The 610 deaths in 2014 account for a 10.6 percent increase from 2013.

Maritime accidents often cause people to fall overboard into the water, which can result in the victim drowning. In 2014, drowning was the cause of death in 78 percent of boating fatalities, and 84 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets.

Several different types of injuries can occur as the result of a maritime accident, and a Houston boat accident lawyer from our firm can help you possibly recover financial compensation for your injury case. These injuries may include any of the following:

How a Boat Accident Happens

On Texas lakes and rivers, boat accidents can occur in several different ways, many of which result in minor to catastrophic injuries. Operating a boat recklessly can cause the boat to collide with another vessel or crash into a dock if alcohol or speeding was a factor. Additionally, boat parts can malfunction, causing the engine to explode or a propeller to break off.

If weather conditions change for the worse, it can become dramatically difficult to control the boat. This may lead to the boat capsizing, causing potential drowning, and in case of an emergency situation, there may be a lack of life jackets and rafts to accommodate all passengers. The boat’s owner should make certain there is enough safety equipment for all passengers, making them liable when a shortage leads to a death or injury.

Houston Boat Accident Compensation

The consequences of a maritime accident injury can be physically, emotionally, and financially devastating—not only for the injured person, but also for his or her family and loved ones. Your Houston boat accident lawyer may be able to seek compensation for any losses or injuries related to your boat accident:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages and income
  • Physical or emotional rehabilitation
  • Pain and suffering
  • Wrongful death

Denena Points: Your Houston Boat Accident Lawyer

Holding boat operators responsible is our priority when protecting your legal rights as a maritime accident victim. A Houston boat accident lawyer from Denena Points, PC will have the knowledge, experience, and the investigative resources to determine both the cause of the accident and who was responsible for your injury.

Our attorneys have helped many victims of boat accidents get the compensation they need for their medical bills, lost wages, and boat repairs. If you were injured in a boating accident that was due to the negligence of another, call our maritime accident lawyers at 713-807-9500 for a free consultation. Alternatively, you can also get the help you need by completing our online form below.