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Sugar Land is known for its booming economy and rapid job growth, making it one of the fastest-growing cities in the state. With its abundance of lakes and waterways, residents of all ages flock to these destinations for recreational activities. However, the rise of boat accidents in Sugar Land and surrounding areas is concerning, and it is important to know your legal rights if you or a loved one has been involved in such an incident.
If you have been injured in a boat accident, state and local laws provide a way for you to file a claim against the person or company responsible for the accident with the help of a personal injury lawyer. Additionally, any other party that contributed to the incident may also be held liable. It’s worth noting that boat accidents don’t just happen when two boats collide. Hazardous conditions in the water or the boat manufacturer’s failure to follow safety standards could lead to an injury and a valid boat accident claim.
At our law firm, we understand the importance of holding responsible parties accountable for their actions. Our Sugar Land boat accident lawyers are available to discuss your case and determine the best way forward. Don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with a trusted personal injury attorney if you have been involved in a boat accident in or around the area.
We frequently see boat accidents in movies or television, but they happen every day throughout the country, including in Sugar Land. While they can occur at any time of day, most boat accidents happen during daylight hours when visibility is best and more people are out on the water.
Boat accidents can be dangerous no matter the type of boat involved. The most common types of boat accidents include:
Just like motor vehicle accidents that occur on the highways of Sugar Land, where a car loses control and collides into other vehicles, boats are also prone to collision with other watercraft. Maritime statistics show that the majority of boat accident injuries and deaths arise from such collisions. Boats can weigh as much as cars and lack the safety precautions that cars have. When these heavy objects collide and passengers are not secured in safety harnesses, serious injury can result.
There are many dangerous objects on waterways, such as rocks, buoys, or jetties, and many of them are not movable. When a boat collides with one of these objects, it can be similar to a vehicle colliding with a building. Boats are not stable in these situations, and this can result in serious injury or even fatalities. If passengers are not proficient swimmers, the results can be catastrophic.
Heavy storms can cause waterways to be rocked by huge waves, and when this happens, the boat’s stability decreases, leading to drowning. Boat users are always advised not to be in the water during heavy storms, especially with inexperienced boat operators. If a boat company has failed to follow such warnings, resulting in injury, our Sugar Land boat accident attorneys can help you with your claim for damages.
Boat occupants are also prone to injuries while in transit. This usually happens when the boat makes a sudden movement or hits a wake from another boat. Passengers may end up with serious injuries when they knock their heads on hard objects within the boat, which can result in brain injury or worse.
Boat accidents can happen for various reasons while navigating waterways, some of which may seem common, while others may be alarming. The major causes include:
Anyone who has the responsibility of transporting people on the waterways must meet all legal maritime requirements. Boat riders must be licensed and experienced to ensure safe and professional water transport. Working with our Sugar Land boat accident attorneys will help you determine whether the boat operator had all the required licenses to be on the waterways.
Speeding is a significant problem not only on the road but also in water transport. The same theories that explain why you should never speed behind the wheel of your vehicle also apply when operating a boat. While traveling at high speeds, boats are unable to stop or turn quickly, which may lead to accidents. Determining fault requires the help of maritime authorities, and to make your claim most effective, it is advisable to have an experienced lawyer.
Many intoxicants, whether prescribed by doctors or not, come with basic warnings that must be adhered to by users. For example, many warn users against operating machinery, as they may cause drowsiness or blurred vision. Intoxication from alcoholic drinks often leads to poor judgment. Passengers may fall while on board, and boat operators may lack the required attention.
Any machine requires regular maintenance, especially when used for commercial purposes, where a higher standard of care is needed when taking care of others. If a boat company fails to carry out basic safety and maintenance checks, and an accident occurs as a result, you may sue them and receive compensation for damages incurred. Boat machinery that requires regular repairs includes lights, steering systems, propellers and motors, and all boats must have proper and functioning safety devices.
Every entity has rules and regulations that ensure smooth operation and safety for those involved. Boat riding is no different. Boat operators are required by law to observe navigation rules to ensure their safety. Failure to do so can be disastrous. Competent boat riders must know when and how to pass other watercraft, yield, maneuver through obstacles, and more.
Not all boat accident injuries require the help of a legal professional. For instance, if you only sustained minor injuries that did not require medical attention, hiring a lawyer may not be necessary. However, if you suffered significant or life-threatening injuries such as broken bones, head injuries, soft-tissue injuries, or trauma, it is vital to seek the help of a Sugar Land boat accident lawyer. Contact our office today for professional guidance and representation.
Max was so Helpful and Professional!
By: Ruby A.
I called for a potential claim and Max was so helpful and professional. Gave me great information that I could use on my own and was very friendly and personable. I would not hesitate to contact him or reference him for any future claims.
Rating: / 5 stars
Lone Star Injury Attorneys, PLLC
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