Dallas Boat Accident Lawyer

The Lone Star State’s many lakes, rivers, and miles of coastline offer great opportunities for Texans to experience the fun of watercraft. Unfortunately, when others aren’t careful while on the water, it can quickly become a preventable tragedy.

If you have suffered boating accident injuries and another party was at fault, you have a right to seek compensation from them for your medical expenses, lost income, and more. The personal injury team at The Wilhite Law Firm can help you pursue every penny you’re owed. We will handle each detail of your injury claim so you can focus on recovering and getting your life back on track.

Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about how our experienced Dallas boating accident attorneys can help you.

Do Boating Accidents in Texas Occur Frequently?

Boat accidents happen in Texas far more frequently than you might think. According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), there were over 4,000 boating accidents in Texas in one recent year, resulting in over 600 deaths and 2,500 injuries. Even worse, there is evidence that these numbers are on the rise.

What Are the Common Causes of Dallas Boat Accidents?

While the specific causes of boat accidents vary, investigations often reveal one or more of the following factors:

• Operator inattention – Failure to keep a proper lookout for hazards or properly scan for passing boats raises the risk of accidents.
• Speeding – Exceeding safe speeds reduces reaction times while increasing impact forces and the likelihood of passengers going overboard in crashes.
• Alcohol or drug impairment – Intoxication slows reaction times and compromises coordination and decision-making abilities.
• Hazardous weather – Storms, fog, and choppy seas make navigation extremely treacherous.
• Overcrowding – An overloaded boat is harder to maneuver and at greater risk of capsizing. Insufficient seats or life jackets increase the danger in overcrowded boats.
• Poor maintenance – Engine defects, stale fuel, faulty parts, and other mechanical issues can leave boaters stranded or unable to avoid collisions.
• Night operation – Reduced visibility at night makes it more difficult for boat operators to avoid obstacles and other crafts on the water.

What Are the Most Common Injuries in Boating Accidents?

Because boaters often lack protection from any surrounding structure during accidents, they are particularly likely to suffer severe or fatal harm. Common boating injuries include:

• Blunt force trauma from the impact, ejections, or hitting the boat itself
• Lacerations and abrasions
• Fractures and spinal damage from hits or crush injuries
• Amputated fingers or limbs from propeller strikes
• Drowning or near-drowning
• Hypothermia from extended exposure to cold water

Those who survive boating accidents often require extensive medical intervention, possibly including surgeries, and sometimes develop permanent disabilities.

What Are the Boating Laws and Regulations in Dallas?

Key Texas boating laws and regulations include the following:

• Occupants of all personal watercraft (PWC) must wear lifejackets.
• Individuals born after September 1, 1993, must complete a Boater Education Course to operate a watercraft of more than 15 hp.
• You must report all boating accidents to TPWD or local law enforcement if they result in death, injury, or over $2,000 in property damage.
• You must not operate a PWC at night.

What Should I Do If I Am in a Boat Accident?

If you suffer injuries in a boat accident, you should:

• Follow all instructions from your doctor regarding medical care.
• Save all medical records and invoices.
• Gather evidence to prove your lost income due to your injuries.
• Contact an experienced Dallas boat accident attorney.

A boating accident lawyer in Dallas can investigate the accident, identify liable parties, calculate the value of your losses, and negotiate aggressively with the insurance company. They’ll work hard to demand fair compensation on your behalf while you focus on recuperating.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Dallas Boating Accident?

Multiple parties can share liability for a victim’s injuries and losses. Potentially liable defendants in a boating accident claim include the following:

• The boat operator – Recklessness, intoxication, excessive speed, and ignorance of navigational rules are examples of negligence that could leave the operator liable.
• Other negligent boaters – Collisions with other vessels can result from shared fault or the sole actions of another boater.
• Businesses that serve intoxicated boaters – Bars, restaurants, or other vendors who over-serve alcohol to boaters could share the blame for the accident.
• Manufacturers of defective boats or parts – If boat manufacturing or design flaws make vessels unsafe or prone to capsizing or fires, the makers could bear responsibility.
• Government entities – Failure to install signs, buoys, or lights to mark hazards could constitute negligence on behalf of government entities.

What Compensation Can I Recover for My Boating Injuries?

A Dallas boating accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation for:

How Long Do I Have to File a Boating Accident Injury Claim in Texas?

Texas law gives injury victims two years from the date of the boating accident to file a lawsuit. You might lose your right to seek compensation if you do not file by this deadline. The sooner you contact an attorney, the more time they will have to access the evidence and witness testimony necessary to develop the strongest case possible.

Contact a Dallas Boat Accident Lawyer

The compassionate lawyers at The Wilhite Law Firm understand how terrifying and traumatic it can be to suffer injuries in a boating accident. Our attorneys in Dallas are passionate about helping injured Texans secure the compensation necessary for their recoveries. Let us put our dedication to justice to work on your behalf, demanding the financial resources you need to rebuild your life after a tragic accident.

Contact us today for a free consultation with a Dallas boating accident attorney to learn more about your legal options.