HOUSTON PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY

Houston Boat Accident Injury Lawyers

Boating is a popular recreational activity in the Houston area – and not just along the Gulf Coast. Every
summer, thousands of Houston area families flock to places like Lake Conroe, Clear Lake, Buffalo Bayou
in downtown Houston, and Lake Livingston.

Most people who own boats operate their watercraft responsibly and with respect for the laws that
govern boat operation. Unfortunately, accidents only require the irresponsible or negligent behavior of
a single individual to result in tragedy.

If you were injured in a boat accident or you lost a loved one in a boating incident caused by someone
else’s careless or reckless actions, call the Weycer Law Firm. Our team is committed to fighting for
Houston families who have been affected by boat accidents.

Common Causes of Boating Accidents

Boating accidents are a tragically common occurrence in the Houston area. The Texas Parks and Wildlife
Department (TPWD), the agency responsible for tracking and reporting boat accidents in Houston,
releases an annual report on boating accidents, injuries and deaths. Harris County consistently has one
of the highest rates of boating injuries and deaths in the state.

There are some operator behaviors that significantly increase the risk of boat accidents. It’s unsurprising
that many of the most common causes of boat accidents are similar to the common causes of car
crashes.

• • Operator Inattention: Distracted boat operators who are busy talking to passengers, looking at their phone or simply not paying attention, can easily miss important signals, obstacles or other boats, leading to collisions and accidents.
  • Operator Inexperience: Boating requires specific knowledge and skills that many novice operators may lack. Inexperience can result in poor decision-making, difficulty handling the boat in rough conditions and an inability to react quickly and appropriately in emergencies.
  • Excessive Speed: Just like on the road, speeding on the water can be dangerous. High speeds reduce reaction time and make it difficult to navigate around obstacles, other boats and swimmers.
  • Alcohol Use: Operating a boat under the influence of alcohol is illegal and dangerous. Alcohol impairs judgment, coordination and reaction time, significantly increasing the risk of an accident.
  • Weather Conditions: Sudden changes in weather can turn a pleasant day on the water into a dangerous situation. High winds, rough seas and poor visibility can all contribute to accidents. A boat operator’s experience and ability to handle the situation also plays a role in weather-related crashes. An operator who takes a boat out on choppy waters during a storm, or fails to take appropriate precautions, like bringing life jackets, could be liable for injuries, even if their accident was technically caused by weather conditions.
  • Mechanical Failure: Regular maintenance is essential to ensure a boat is seaworthy. Mechanical failures, such as engine malfunctions or steering issues, can lead to injury accidents or even deaths, especially if they occur far from shore.
  • Collision with Fixed Objects: Colliding with docks, rocks, buoys or other fixed objects can cause serious damage to a boat and result in injuries to passengers.

Injuries Suffered in Boating Accidents

The injuries people sustain in boat accidents are not dissimilar from the types of injuries people involved
in car, truck or motorcycle accidents experience. Sudden impacts can throw passengers and boat
operators into hard surfaces or windows, leading to broken bones, head injuries, spine injuries and
lacerations.

What sets boat accidents apart from car accidents is the added risk for drowning and hypothermia.

Drowning is one of the most dangerous injury types for boat passengers. Even a temporary lack of
oxygen to the brain in a near-drowning event can leave a person with permanent brain damage and
reduced cognitive faculties.

Hypothermia is also a real concern during certain parts of the year and in some conditions. Prolonged
exposure to cold water can be life threatening, especially in scenarios where emergency response to a
boat crash is slow. The condition can also make it more difficult for people involved in boat crashes to
remain conscious and attentive while they’re in the water and waiting for rescue.

Holding Negligent Boat Operators and Responsible Parties Accountable for Boat Accident Injuries

Boat accident injuries can have long-term consequences for individuals and families. Drownings,
catastrophic head or spine injuries, and severe burns or amputations can leave people disfigured or
permanently disabled. Even those who don’t suffer permanent injury may still have high medical costs
and lost wages.

It’s vital to collect evidence and build a case that clearly establishes who the responsible party was.
Being able to prove who was at fault will allow those who were injured to pursue compensation from
the liable parties and their insurers.

Boat owners in Texas are not required to have liability insurance. If the person who caused your boat
accident injury doesn’t have boat insurance, you may still have options for compensation.
The boat operator’s home or renters insurance can sometimes be a source for compensation, as well as
any third parties who are partially at fault, like the boat rental company, boat manufacturer or the
designer of safety equipment.

A personal injury attorney experienced in maritime accidents can discuss your options and help you
understand where you may be able to find compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and pain and
suffering.

Seek Justice for Your Injuries After a Boating Accident in or Near Houston, TX

At the Weycer Law Firm, we know the challenges injured people and families face after a boating
accident. Our experienced maritime attorneys are here to help you navigate the legal complexities and
fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today at (713) 618-4545 for a free consultation and let us help you protect your rights.