Boating has become a popular recreational activity over the years, not only in League City but nationwide. The freedom of cruising on the water is unparalleled. However, amidst the enjoyment of fishing and other boating activities, it’s crucial to recognize the potential for catastrophic accidents resulting from boater negligence. While the law mandates that everyone on a boat must wear safety gear like a life vest for protection in case of emergencies, it doesn’t guarantee 100% safety.
If you or a loved one has suffered harm in a watercraft accident, the law grants you the right to file a personal injury claim for the damages incurred. Understandably, such accidents are devastating in various ways. For instance, the injured victim may require medical treatment, which comes at a cost. Legally, the negligent party is responsible for covering these expenses, along with any other related losses you may experience.
At Lone Star Injury Attorneys, our dedicated personal injury attorneys understand the confusion and anxiety that follow a watercraft wreck. Therefore, we believe that you shouldn’t have to struggle with the complex and tiresome legal process when filing a lawsuit. Our League City boat accident lawyers can assist you in building a strong case against the party at fault.
If you sustained injuries in a boat accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you can seek monetary compensation by filing a claim. There are various legal options available to you after a boating accident, and it’s your lawyer’s responsibility to select the one that ensures maximum compensation. For instance, you may file a claim against the driver of the boat you were on or another vessel that collided with yours.
You needn’t worry if you were injured while aboard a friend’s boat, as their insurance company will be liable for the losses incurred. Furthermore, the captain is not always the party at fault. Another driver or a mechanical defect could have caused the accident. In such cases, you have the freedom to sue the boat manufacturer, owner, and mechanic or maintenance company. Determining what actions to take or who to sue following a water vessel wreck can be challenging, so it’s advisable to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. According to the American Boating Association, there are 6.5 deaths per 100,000 registered boats in the U.S.
Understanding the circumstances surrounding your boat accident is crucial for determining liability. By doing so, you can narrow down the best party to sue for maximum compensation. Despite stringent safety measures, watercraft collisions can still occur due to various reasons. Some of these include:
Some boat captains and operators often engage in careless acts that jeopardize the safety of themselves and their passengers. It is the legal responsibility of all boat operators to ensure the safe operation of their vessels. This includes ensuring that passengers are seated appropriately while the boat is in motion, maintaining designated speeds, yielding to other boats, and keeping a safe distance from them.
All boat operators must ensure that they operate in safe weather conditions. They should check their safety equipment, understand weather forecasts, and review their float plans before departure. High winds and strong tides can create treacherous waters.
Regrettably, not all boat operators possess the necessary skills to safely navigate and operate their watercraft. As a result, it becomes challenging for them to navigate through treacherous waters, especially in the presence of strong winds and tides. If a boat operator has limited or no experience in driving a boat, their negligence may lead to an accident.
Similar to any other driver, boat operators are expected to maintain high standards of discipline while on duty. They should never operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Typically, the Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) should not exceed 0.08%.
Based on the aforementioned causes, a boat accident attorney in League City will determine the appropriate party to sue, which may include:
A skilled attorney can also defend you if the other party claims that you were partially negligent.
For years, Lone Star Injury Attorneys has been advocating for the rights of boat accident victims. Our League City boat accident lawyers possess the necessary resources and expertise to effectively handle your case. To discuss your situation and determine if representation is suitable for you, please contact us online or by phone at your earliest convenience.
