Receive Due Compensation for Injuries from Boating Accidents
Boating accidents can happen as a result of operator inexperience, impairment by alcohol or drugs, weather conditions, or equipment failure. If you have suffered a personal injury in a boating accident due to someone else’s negligence, the Law Firm of Roger 'Rocky' Walton, P.C. in Arlington, TX can represent you and help make sure your legal rights are protected.
Common Causes of Boating Accidents
While unforeseen events can occur, understanding the risk factors and causes of boating accidents can help you and your loved ones avoid them. Some of the most common causes of boating accidents include:
- Drugs or Alcohol: Drinking alcoholic beverages can severely impede reaction time. In the same way that a driver can be arrested for DUI, a boater can be arrested for Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) in the state of Texas.
- Sun Exposure and Alcohol: Many people incorrectly assume they will have the same tolerance for alcohol while out on the water. However, due to dehydration and sun exposure, intoxication can occur more rapidly and with less alcohol. Put simply, if you will be operating a boat, do not drink alcohol.
- No Brakes: Boats do not have brakes. Therefore, the vessel can only be maneuvered to avoid an accident, rather than be stopped. Some boats can run in reverse, which can slow the impact. However, it is often not enough to avoid injury.
- Inexperienced Boaters: Waterways have rules just as highways and interstates do. It is important for every person who will be operating a boat to attend a boater safety course. Having a full understanding of these regulations can help avoid accidents and injuries.
- Weather: Inclement weather can lead to accidents while on the water. In addition to storms, extreme heat and sun can lead to heat exhaustion or fainting, which can certainly result in injury.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligence of a boater, we can help you recover damages and losses due to medical bills and pain and suffering.
Common Boating Accident Injuries
Boating accidents can lead to several types of injury and trauma, ranging from mild to severe. Some of the most common boating injuries include:
- Bone Fractures: One of the most common injuries, bone breaks or fractures can result in serious bodily harm and significant medical expenses.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries: Often caused by slips and falls, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can be catastrophic, resulting in cognitive impairment, chronic pain, incontinence, reduced mobility, or loss of physical sensation. TBIs can be devastating for the victim and his or her family.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: When the neck is struck—either by an object or as a result of a fall—a spinal cord injury (SCI) can occur. An SCI can result in paralysis.
- Wrongful Death: As with any traumatic accident, fatality is always a possibility. If a loved one has died due to the negligence of another party, we can help you receive compensation.
Negligence and Liability
It can be challenging to prove negligence in a boating accident. In many cases, both boaters are partially at fault due to the physics and momentum of the water. If you were one of the boaters, you can file a claim against the other boater. However, to win the case, you must prove that the other operator was responsible for over 50 percent of the accident.
The type of boat can also be a factor. For example, a motorboat can be controlled more efficiently than a sailboat. If these two boats collided, the operator of the motorboat would likely be at fault. For this reason, it is important to closely follow the rules and guidelines set in place by the state of Texas.
If you were a passenger who suffered damages or injury, you are not at fault. Therefore, you have the option of filing a claim against both parties.
We Will Negotiate for You
At the Law Firm of Roger 'Rocky' Walton, P.C., we will fight for the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys will negotiate with your health insurance companies and medical providers to recover as much as possible.
Schedule a Consultation with Us Today
If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligence of a boater, we can help you recover damages and losses due to medical bills and pain and suffering. To schedule an appointment, call or text our law office at (817) 429-4299 or contact us online.
