Compensation for Boating Injuries
Spending time on the water with your friends or family during a weekend at the lake can be great fun. Most of the time boating is not only an enjoyable, but also a safe pastime when the proper precautions are followed. However, reckless or inattentive behavior on behalf of boat operators can put you, your friends and your family at risk. Boating accidents can happen to anyone and cause severe injuries or even death.
Boating regulations are in place for a reason, though they are often blatantly ignored or broken by boat operators. According to United States Coast Guard, most boating accidents are primarily caused by boat operator negligence, with operator intoxication being the most important contributing factor in boating accidents that involved fatalities. If you or a loved one has been injured in a boat crash, call our Dallas personal injury lawyers at (214) 231-0555 today for a free consultation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses.
Crowe Arnold & Majors, LLP has been helping the great people of the Dallas-Fort Worth area with their personal injury claims for over 25 years. When it comes to our clients, we understand the difficult times that can often accompany a serious personal injury. Wondering if you have a case? Read on!
Types of Boating Accidents We Handle
Here at Crowe Arnold & Majors, LLP, we’ve handled boat accident claims that have occurred in Grapevine Lake, Lake Ray Roberts, Lewisville Lake, Lake Texoma and many others. Give us a call at (214) 231-0555 if you’ve been involved by any of the following:
- Swimmers hit by boat
- Water skiing accidents
- Drunken boating accidents
- Jet Skis and personal water craft accidents
- Boat collisions
If you have experienced an accident that isn’t listed here, we can still help. Our law team has a vast amount of experience in this area. We’re ready to jump into action to help you receive the retribution you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do after I have been involved in a Texas boating accident?
After a boating accident, you should assist anyone who is in immediate danger without risking your own safety. Call 911 if anyone involved requires immediate medical assistance. You are required to contact Texas Parks & Wildlife or a law enforcement agency within 30 days of an accident in which the accident:
- Caused injuries that needed treatment beyond first aid
- Caused a person’s death within 48 hours of the accident
- Caused damage to a vessel or property for an amount higher than $2,000
What determines the amount of compensation I can retrieve after my boating accident?
The amount of compensation that can be retrieved depends on the injuries that were sustained and other economic and non-economic losses related to the accident, as well as the specific circumstances of the accident. Depending on your accident, you could retrieve compensation for the following types of damages:
- Incurred and future medical costs
- Loss of income
- Loss of earning capacity
- Emotional trauma
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment
- Loss of consortium
- Funeral expenses
An experienced Texas personal injury attorney can help you determine if any of the aforementioned damages apply to your case and prove that they were sustained due to your boating accident in order to get you adequately compensated for them.
When can a boat operator be held liable for a boating accident?
If a boat operator didn’t adhere to boating regulations when the accident occurred, they can be held liable for your accident. It’s important that if you have been injured or have lost a loved one after a boating accident caused by a negligent vehicle operator that you seek compensation for your damages. An experienced Dallas boating accident attorney can help you get compensated.
What are common causes of a boating collision?
Boating accidents are often caused by a boat operator’s negligence. Reckless, inattentive, intoxicated and inexperienced boat operators cause a significant amount of all boating accidents. Weather conditions, hazardous waters and equipment and engine failure are also contributing factors in boating accidents.
Do I need to contact a lawyer after my boating accident?
If any injuries or other damages were sustained during your boating accident you should consult with an attorney as soon as possible. They can help you gather evidence to determine the negligent party in the accident and retrieve compensation for your damages. Boating accident cases can be complex to navigate, which is why you want to hire an attorney who has experience with handling boating accident cases.
Building a Strong Case for Your Dallas Boat Accident
Our goal is to build a strong enough case so that the matter never has to be taken to court. Often insurance companies aren’t thrilled about having to pay on claims, and for this reason it is of the utmost importance to show them that you mean business. Don’t get pushed around, or accept less than adequate compensation. If the insurance company still decides that they don’t wish to settle, then we will be fully prepared to take the matter to court. In a court of law, we will present the facts and deliver convincing testimony for why you deserve the compensation you need in your personal injury claim.
Contact Crowe Arnold & Majors, LLP
If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident, give our office a call today at (214) 231-0555 or contact us online. We’ll be happy to discuss your case in a free consultation. Remember, we don’t collect money unless you win.
