Houston Boat Accident Lawyer

The various rivers, lakes, and bays near Houston offer people many exciting opportunities to get on the water. Whether people take out a sailboat, go waterskiing, or swim in a lake, participating in aquatic activities is a great way to beat the heat. Sadly, with all this fun and excitement comes danger. People are always at the mercy of the decisions of others, and unfortunately, these decisions are not always sound. A boater who does not use proper lighting, who disobeys the rules of the waterway, or who boats while drunk can inflict life-altering injuries.

A Houston boat accident lawyer may be able to help when another boater’s negligence causes harm. A skilled personal injury attorney could explain a boater’s obligations to keep others safe and to pursue compensation for injuries.

In addition, if you were harmed while working on a commercial boat, please consult our maritime injury attorney page.

Negligence and Boating Accidents

Many boaters do not understand the duties that they assume to keep other people safe. In many ways, responsible boating is the same as responsible driving. Boaters must be sure to follow the rules of the water and keep their attention on their surroundings.

Many waterway laws exist to protect the well-being of all people. Rules that control maximum speeds, navigational buoys, and regulations that require running lights at night are all things that promote safety. A boater who violates these rules and is involved in an accident may be negligent per se for all resulting damage. A Houston boat accident attorney could determine if a boating violation may be viable evidence in a civil claim.

Other boating collision cases require a more in-depth examination of the actions of the involved parties. Ultimately, courts in Houston use the concept called modified comparative negligence to assign fault for accidents. According to Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 33.003, courts will evaluate the actions of every person involved in the incident to assign fault. If a defendant successfully argues that a plaintiff was negligent or did not do enough to prevent a crash, a jury may reduce or even eliminate a plaintiff’s award at trial. A Houston boat accident attorney could help to prove that a defendant was the sole responsible party for the incident.

What Forms of Compensation May a Plaintiff Pursue?

Every plaintiff needs to take special care to demonstrate to what extent the defendant’s negligence caused their life to change. Every negligent defendant is liable for the full consequences of their actions, even if they did not intend to cause any harm. Because of this, plaintiffs must present demand compensation packages that fully detail how the incident has affected their lives.

Naturally, the core portion of a claim for damages stems from physical losses. Broken bones, separated joints, spinal cord damage, and traumatic brain injuries are all common results of boating collisions. A liable defendant must provide payments for all physical harm.

It also benefits plaintiffs to evaluate their other losses. These can include emotional traumas such as pain or PTSD, a loss of quality of life, and even lost income from being left unable to work. A settlement or trial is the only opportunity to set things right. A boat accident attorney based in Houston could take the lead in pursuing claims for their appropriate value.

Contact a Houston Boat Accident Attorney Today

Every person who suffers personal injuries because of the negligence of others deserves the compensation needed to set things right. Boat collisions are no exception to this rule. Every boater needs to follow the rules of the road and take appropriate care to protect others. Failures to take these steps can result in claims of negligence.

A Houston boat accident lawyer could work with you to gather evidence, explain the laws that govern safe boat operation, and measure your losses to submit accurate and persuasive demand packages. If these packages fail to bring fair compensation, a lawyer could file a complaint in court to protect your rights. Reach out to our law firm today to learn more.