Boating Accidents

Boating is understandably popular all year round in Dallas, and there’s nothing better than heading out on a lake with friends. When boat operators follow the rules of the water and take proper precautions, boat trips usually end with many good memories. Unfortunately, some boat operators are reckless or inattentive, and they put everyone on the water at risk.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a boating accident, you need to speak to a Dallas personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. At Kraft & Associates, our knowledgeable Dallas boating accident attorneys can review your case for free and explain your legal right to compensation.

Contact us today to learn how we can help you after an accident on the water.

How Our Boating Accident Attorneys Can Help

When you work with one of our experienced boating accident attorneys in Dallas, you will have a strong advocate on your side fighting for the full and fair compensation you deserve. You can trust our skilled legal team to:

• Gather all the necessary evidence to prove who is responsible for your boating accident injuries
• Thoroughly document your losses to ensure we are demanding maximum compensation in your claim
• Consult with experts to craft a strong case
• Aggressively negotiate for a settlement that will cover all of your current and future expenses
• Fight for you in court, if a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached

Our boat accident attorney will manage every detail of your case, so you can focus on your recovery. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation, and let our team take the pressure off you.

How Boating Accidents Occur

According to the U.S. Coast Guard’s Boating Statistics, most boating accidents are caused by a boat operator’s negligence or recklessness. Negligence can take many forms, but the most common causes of boating accidents include:

• Operator inattention: Just like drivers in a car, boat operators can become distracted on the water. When they fail to notice signs of danger including wind, weather, and current changes, it can easily lead to an accident.
• Improper lookout: Someone on the boat should always be on the lookout for hazards in the water, such as other boats. Failing to have a proper lookout can result in a crash.
• Operator inexperience: There is a lot you need to know to safely operate a boat, including maritime law, navigation rules, and emergency procedures. When boat operators don’t have this knowledge, a day on the water can end in catastrophe.
• Speeding: Just like roads, most waterways have speed limits. Failing to remain within them is reckless and causes many crashes.
• Boating while impaired (BWI): Operating a boat requires extreme focus, quick reflexes, and the ability to make an informed decision. Boating while impaired slows reaction times, clouds an operator’s judgment, and is overall extremely unsafe.
• Defective equipment: There are times when boat accidents are caused by defective equipment. Boats are intricately designed, and there are a lot of moving parts that must work together. When one of these parts is defective, it can cause problems with the entire boat, resulting in a serious accident.
• Weather: Many people think that boat accident caused by weather was unavoidable. However, boat operators should always check the weather conditions before heading out, and remain on land when they are unsafe. If they don’t, it could be considered negligence.

If you have been hurt in a boat accident, you may be entitled to claim compensation for your injuries. To learn about your legal rights, contact a Dallas boat accident lawyer now.

Dallas Maritime Laws and Regulations

Maritime law, also known as boating law or admiralty law, governs vessels on waterways and those who operate them. Maritime law encompasses boats and other vessels carrying cargo, cruise ships, oil rigs, and even piracy. If you are 12 nautical miles from shore or more, you must follow federal maritime law. However, if you are less than 12 miles from shore, you must follow Dallas maritime law and regulations.

It is important that all boat operators understand and follow these maritime laws to ensure safety on the water. These rules include, but are certainly not limited to:

• Vessels must be registered with the local tax collector’s office before they are taken out onto the water.
• All accidents that result in injury requiring immediate first aid or property damage in excess of $2,000 must be reported.
• Certain speed boats must be equipped with automotive-type mufflers.
• All vessels must follow speed restrictions at all times.
• Any person under the age of 13 must wear flotation devices at all times while onboard.
• No one shall operate a boat while impaired.

Even those who have been boating for years must keep up to date with current boating laws. These laws are always changing, and boat operators could face serious consequences if they don’t follow them.

What Legal Recourse Is Available for Boating Injuries?

The amount of compensation that can be recovered after a boating accident in Dallas will depend on the extent of injuries suffered during the crash. Texas law allows accident victims to recover compensation for any economic and non-economic losses they suffered as a result of someone else’s negligence.

Economic damages are those that have a quantifiable value. If you have a bill or receipt for a loss, it is considered part of economic damages. This compensation can include:

• Current and future medical costs
• Current and future lost income
• Loss of earning capacity
• Physical therapy costs
• Medication expenses
• Travel costs to and from doctor’s appointments

Non-economic damages are losses that do not have an exact dollar value. This type of compensation includes:

• Emotional trauma
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium

An experienced Dallas boating accident attorney can evaluate your claim and help you demand the full amount of compensation you are entitled to receive.

Contact an Experienced Dallas Boating Accident Attorney

If you’ve been injured in a boating accident that was the fault of someone else, you must speak to a Dallas boating accident lawyer as soon as possible. At Kraft & Associates, P.C., we will guide you through every step of your claim and fight for full and fair compensation for your losses.

Boating accident claims are extremely complex, but our attorneys have the experience and resources needed to take on these specific types of personal injury cases. Contact us today for your free consultation.