This state offers boaters plenty of recreational opportunities to enjoy unlimited time out on the water. However, in the events accidents occur, the results can be severe and put everyone onboard the vessel at risk of serious harm.
If you or a person who is close to you has suffered injuries in a watercraft accident, you could benefit from reliable legal representation. A Pearland boat accident lawyer could deal with insurance companies on your behalf and help you navigate through the legal process. An experienced attorney could also go through all of your legal options and let you pick the best for your unique situation.
Causes of Watercraft Accidents
Accidents on the water commonly occur because of the boat operator’s carelessness or reckless conduct. Common causes for accidents involving watercrafts include failure to look out for other boats, inexperience with boating, reckless vessel operation or speed, boating while under the influence, and failure to pay attention.
If you sustained injuries because of a negligent boat operator, you could have the right to claim compensation in civil court. To go over the details of the watercraft accident and injuries, contact a well-practiced attorney in Pearland.
Common Boater Injuries
Boaters can suffer serious injuries in the event of a collision with another watercraft, boat capsizing, or falling overboard. Boating injuries can be severe, leaving a person with mounting medical bills, time off of work, and physical and mental anguish. Some of the common injuries found after a significant boating accident include:
- Fractured or broken bones
- Severe burns
- Traumatic amputations
- Severe soft tissue injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Drowning
The civil court will require that you show proof of your injuries to collect compensation for your damages. A Pearland attorney could help you collect and preserve evidence to prove you suffered harm in a boating accident.
Are Boaters Allowed to Drink?
Texas Penal Code Ann. ยง 49.06 states that it is illegal for any driver to operate a boat, vessel, or other watercraft with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher. If law enforcement stops a boat on any Texas waterways and a driver is operating a boat or other vessel while intoxicated, they could face similar penalties as drunk drivers.
The effects of drugs and alcohol are as dangerous, if not more dangerous, to recreational boat operators as they are to vehicle drivers. Unfortunately, they cause many accidents and injuries in recreational boating accidents. Any person who sustained an injury and suspected the boat operator was under the influence of drugs or alcohol should contact a lawyer in Pearland to discuss the details of the accident. Boater intoxication may be grounds for punitive damages.
Schedule a Consultation with a Pearland Boat Accident Lawyer
If another person’s reckless or careless behavior caused you to suffer harm on the water, call a Pearland boat accident lawyer to discuss your claim. A compassionate and experienced legal professional could advocate on your behalf and fight for your rights to full compensation while you recover from your injuries. We are here to help.