Boating activities can be exhilarating. Texas’ location along the Gulf of Mexico makes it ideal for boat and sporting activities. Although most of them go without an incident, some are tragic. Accidents in waterways can be catastrophic even for the most experienced. When an accident happens, the stage is set for personal injury lawsuits. Unfortunately, many people lose out on record-breaking settlements because they don’t know their rights.
Under Texas laws, anyone who suffers bodily harm due to the reckless behavior of another person or party may be financially accountable for the losses that follow. However, the settlement process isn’t easy. State and federal governments highly regulate the lakes, rivers, and oceans in the U.S so, you require a knowledgeable attorney to handle your injury claim. Our Harlingen boat accident lawyers are qualified to handle different types of claims that arise from boating accidents.
What Constitutes as a Boat Accident in Texas?
Not all boat collisions or accidents are eligible for compensation, let alone reporting to the necessary authorities. Nonetheless, some scenarios make it mandatory for these crashes to be constituted as serious crashes. Specifically, the United States Coast Guard requires the following to be reported:
- When someone is killed
- When someone suffers serious bodily harm
- When there is considerable damage to the vessels or property
Reporting boating accidents helps in accessing emergency services like first aid and acts as proof that you were indeed in an accident. Local authorities will carry out independent investigations, and you may retain the report for claim purposes.
For a free legal consultation with a boating accident lawyer serving Harlingen, call (832) 449-8230
Obtaining Compensation Following a Harlingen Boat Accident
Substantial financial losses often characterize the aftermath of a tragic boat crash. You may face extensive medical and rehabilitation costs, while not going to work. As with most car accidents, boat crash victims have the right to fair compensation. They may bring a personal injury lawsuit against the party responsible for their injuries. By doing so, they stand a chance to collect damages such as:
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Lost future earnings
- Pain & suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Rehabilitation costs
There are two basic ways a boat accident victim in Harlingen may obtain compensation. They are:
Negotiations with Insurance Companies
Negotiations begin a few days into the accident when an insurance adjuster makes an initial settlement offer. Even if they don’t do so, your attorney may write a demand letter to the insurance company stating the facts of your case and the monetary demands they want to be met. An aggressive Harlingen boat accident lawyer will end the statement by clearly stating that they may proceed to court if the demands are not satisfied. Most insurance companies don’t want this to happen, so the next course of action will be contacting your attorney for negotiations. If successful, your case is settled, marking the end of the injury claim process.
Proceeding to Court
Although most injury claims settle before trial, not all of them yield a satisfactory outcome. If your attorney feels the settlement offers made by insurance companies are not fair, they may proceed to court. During the trial, a jury listens to both parties before making a determination. The court process is complex, thus demanding for an average person to maneuver. There are legal fees to be paid, depositions to be made, and evidence to be provided. Putting all these together requires a trial-tested Harlingen boat accident lawyer. If successful, a court process may yield higher compensation compared to an out-of-court settlement.
Worker’s Compensation
The Worker’s Compensation Act equally protects workers in the maritime industry. If you suffered harm at work, you may be eligible for this type of compensation from your employer regardless of fault. Unfortunately, it only covers lost wages and medical expenses, so you may need to file an injury claim against another party at fault but not your employer. A seasoned Harlingen boat accident lawyer should explain how this act works and how you can maximize your compensation.
Harlingen Boating Accident Lawyer Near Me (832) 449-8230
Contact a Lawyer if You Have Been Involved in a Boat Accident in Harlingen
Our firm’s experienced Harlingen boat accident lawyers have represented hundreds of boat accident victims in the Texas area. Through our experience, we have learned that most boat accidents stem from negligence. We are ready to review the facts of your claim and determine the party to sue for your injuries and losses. We will meet you at a place of your convenience, so you don’t have to worry about coming to us if you are severely injured. Contact our team today.
Call or text (832) 449-8230 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form