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Boat accidents cause untold property damage and injury to survivors, with unlucky ones losing their lives in the process. And because most victims are unaware of their legal rights, they fail to take advantage of existing laws to seek compensation for their damages. In the end, they incur huge financial losses from their own pockets seeking treatment for injuries suffered, repairing damaged property, and adjusting to their new life.
The silver lining in Texas personal injury laws is that victims of accidents caused by negligence can file a lawsuit seeking compensation for harm suffered. If you suffered brain injuries, broken bones, head injuries, or any other serious harm in a Conroe boat accident, you may qualify for compensation. Speaking to our knowledgeable Conroe personal injury lawyer can be your gateway to financial freedom, especially after losing a fortune following an accident.
Whether you were injured as a boat passenger or maritime worker, the law provides for a legal duty of care towards you. Even if you think you were partly to blame for your injuries, there is still a possibility that someone failed to maintain their duty of care towards you. For this reason, it’s necessary that you speak with a boat accident lawyer in Conroe from Lone Star Injury Attorneys as soon as possible about filing a claim for compensation.
Federal and State Laws Protecting Boat Accident Victims in Conroe
Cars, buses, motorcycles, and trucks plying different routes in Conroe and Texas as a whole are heavily regulated by multiple bodies. Similarly, boating in Texas is governed by several federal and state rules.
So, when an accident occurs and someone is injured or killed, several legal requirements must be met. Texas has the largest inland water all across the United States, making it the hub for boating activities, with over 580,000 registered boats.
Federal Laws
Generally, the federal government, through its maritime/admiralty law,s governs the operations of boats under navigable water bodies used for recreational purposes and those used commercially for the transport of goods. For example, if your loved one was a sailor and was killed on international waters, the Death on High Seas Act allows surviving family members to file a wrongful death claim for compensation.
Additionally, the Jones Act and the Division of Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act provide maritime workers with vocational rehabilitation and compensation when someone is injured while at work. On top of that, family members of the deceased are also compensated for wrongful death. Navigating through federal boat accident laws is not a walk in the park for an average citizen. To ensure that you understand the contents of these laws and ensure that you fully benefit from each, you should retain our skilled Conroe boat accident lawyer.
State Laws
Most boat accident cases in Conroe fall under the Texas Water Safety Act. This Act has multiple codes that stipulate different ways through which boating accidents should be addressed. For example, the Parks and Wildlife Code Section 31.105 demands that boat operators report accidents to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department or local police.
This report must be filed within 48 hours if someone is killed or 30 days for injuries from the date of occurrence. The report must be detailed on how the accident occurred, the number of parties involved, the time of the accident, the number of casualties, and any other necessary information.
For a free legal consultation with a boating accident lawyer serving Conroe, call (832) 449-8230
How are Boat Operators Required to Carry Themselves When Operating a Vessel?
Just like drivers, boat operators are expected to maintain their duty of care towards passengers and other parties while on the water. Failure to do so amounts to negligence, which is punishable under Texas personal injury laws. Specifically, boat operators must not be under the influence of alcohol or any other impairing substance according to Sections 49.06 of the Texas Penal Code and 31.104 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code.
On top of that, boat operators are required by the Parks and Wildlife Code Section 31.104 to stop and render necessary assistance to injured victims. As is the case with hit-and-run car accidents, fleeing the scene of a boat accident is tantamount to a felony, and civil action can be taken against the party at fault.
Conroe Boating Accident Lawyer Near Me (832) 449-8230
Common Causes of Boat Accidents in Conroe
There are many reasons why boat accidents occur. Sadly, most of these factors are preventable and stem from negligent actions and behaviors from multiple parties. They include:
- Operating a boat while under the influence
- Speeding
- Lack of proper training
- Poor weather conditions
- Mechanical failures
- Lack of boating experience
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Our Conroe Boat Accident Lawyers Can Help
If you have been injured in a Conroe boat accident, you are probably confused and freaked out. Lone Star Injury Attorneys are here to help. Our Conroe boat accident lawyers have handled similar cases before and understand how the process works.
It’s in our firm’s DNA to fight aggressively for the legal rights of our clients and will do what it takes to get you the compensation you rightfully deserve. Get in touch with us today.
Call or text (832) 449-8230 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form