No products in the cart.
Houston Boat Accident Lawyer
40 Years of Experience- Hundreds of Millions Won No Fees Unless We Win
Were You Injured in a Boat Accident in Houston, TX?
Houston’s top-rated personal injury lawyers have been maximizing your compensation claims for over three decades. Let our experienced boat accident lawyers help your family! Boat accident injuries can be severe, including traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. Understanding compensatory damages is crucial for aiding in recovery and rebuilding.
Call (281) 587-1111 It’s advisable to talk with an experienced Houston boating accident attorney to understand your rights. Houston boat accident lawyer!
The vast majority of Texas boating accidents are caused by negligence.
Texas is a boater’s paradise with the square miles of inland lakes of any state in the union. Additionally, our coastline provides many more recreational opportunities for Texas boaters.
Like in car accidents, victims of boat accidents often have legal rights and options, and we offer a no-obligation consultation to answer questions and concerns after a boating accident.
Call us today for a FREE CONSULTATION.
For a FREE Consultation Contact Us Today
"*" indicates required fields
ABOUT GREG BAUMGARTNER
A Passion For Justice. The Experience For Win.
Greg Baumgartner, the founder of Baumgartner Law Firm, has spent the last 40 years helping accident victims. Greg is top-rated in personal injury and wrongful death cases, with a perfect 10 AVVO rating and is recognized as one of the best personal injury lawyers in Texas. He has won millions for accident victims in Houston and across Texas. You will not find a more experienced injury attorney. Greg holds dual law degrees and is also a graduate of the Trial Lawyers College.
You will not be a case number to us. Our legal team will treat you like family. We will use our personal injury law experience and winning record to maximize your compensation, We have the expertise and resources to handle the most difficult cases. Contact our law firm and let us fight for your financial compensation.
Call us 24/7. Let’s start fighting together,
Greg Baumgartner
CEO of Baumgartner Law Firm
How Can Our Houston Boat Accident Attorneys Help?
A Houston boat accident lawyer at Baumgartner Law Firm will help with your case. Our top-rated injury law firm can answer your questions and protect your rights. We have helped Texas victims for over 30 years. Boat accident victims must file a lawsuit within a set time. This helps them get money for their injuries and life changes after the accident.
Initial investigations after a boat accident are a crucial step to help preserve your legal options and rights.
While the Parks and Wildlife Department generally investigates severe injury or wrongful death, in the event of boat crashes, it’s essential to have your team investigate the accident thoroughly.
Our board-certified personal injury boat accident attorneys will investigate your case and generally will:
- Evaluate legal responsibility
- Identify Insurance policies
- Speak with fact, witnesses
- Use experts for liability and damages
- Conduct all negotiations with the insurers
- File a lawsuit when needed
Contact Us
FREE CONSULTATIONS
Contact the Undefeated Boat Accident Attorney in Houston with Decades of Expertise and a Proven Track Record
Negligence in Boating Accidents
Boat operators must follow all applicable local, state, and federal laws. The TPWD works with the U.S. Coast Guard to enforce these laws on Texas waterways.
The law enforcement agency is often called the “Texas Navy.” Like vehicle accidents on land, boating accidents are often caused by negligence.
A negligent act is one that the operator knew or should have known was unsafe and could harm or injure another.
Some of the most common causes of boating accidents include inexperience, inattention, reckless operation, speeding, operating while impaired, equipment failure, and weather. About half of the reported boating accidents were caused by intoxicated driving (BWI) on Texas waterways, which can lead to serious accidents.
People like to drink alcohol on boats. But the person driving the boat should never drink alcohol or use drugs. This helps prevent boating accidents. A boater who is not careful may have to pay for any damage or injuries from an accident.
The boat owner or operator must follow the Texas Water Safety Act and provide a safe vessel, including safety vests for all passengers. Failure to do so could be considered negligence.
How Alcohol Impacts Boat Operation
According to BUI Initiatives, as little as three drinks can put someone under 160 pounds legally under the influence to operate a boat in Texas.
According to the Coast Guard, a boat operator with a blood alcohol concentration above .08% – the legal threshold in Texas for those above 18 – is ten times more likely to be killed in a boating or jet ski accident than a person not drinking.
Drowning Accidents
It is well known that drinking impairs judgment and encourages risk-taking, which can be disastrous for swimmers.
Swimmers can swim out too far, take chances diving in shallow water, or even not realize they are in danger until it’s too late. Alcohol is a big part of many drowning cases.
Alcohol plays a big role in deadly boating crashes. The rate of fatal boating accidents with alcohol is higher than for cars. Nearly 2/3 of deadly boating crashes involve alcohol. Research shows that when boat operators drink, the risk of accidents goes up a lot.
Just as alcohol impacts a driver’s ability to control a car, it also affects a boater’s judgment, leading to tragic consequences.
Designate a responsible boat operator, keep your team and passengers safe, and enjoy summers on the water for years to come
What is Required After a Boat Accident in Texas?
According to Section 31.104 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, an operator of a boat after an accident is required to:
- Help other people as may be practical and necessary
- Exchange names, addresses, and identification of the boat in writing to any person injured or the owner of any property damaged in a boat accident.
You must report a boat accident to the department within 30 days. If someone dies in the accident, you must report it within 48 hours. In Texas, you have two years to file a boating accident claim. The claims process can be hard. You may need to deal with insurance companies and go to court.
Rules That Apply To Boating in Texas
Inexperienced operators often cause boat accidents. Anyone born after September 1, 1993, must receive boat operator education to operate a personal watercraft and certain motorboats.
Children younger than 13 must wear a life jacket in a boat less than 26 feet long.
Right-of-way and other rules apply to boat accidents in the state of Texas, just as they do to car accidents.
Enforcement of Boating Laws in Texas
The Texas Game Wardens provide professional water law enforcement, search and rescue, and water safety, coordinated with the U.S. Coast Guard’s recognized national standards.
The Texas Game Wardens are part of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Law Enforcement Division and are commonly called the ‘Texas Navy.’ They are tasked with enforcing the Texas Water Safety Act, which includes several requirements and rules that boaters must follow.
Boating accidents can also involve jet skis, such as those found in places like Lake Conroe.
If you have lost a family member or have a loved one severely injured in a boating or Jet Ski accident, call us to discuss your rights and options. We charge nothing for an initial case consultation.
Determining Fault and Liability for Boat Accidents
Finding who’s at fault in a boating crash in Houston can be tricky. Courts look at each case closely. They use what’s called “comparative negligence.” This means they give each person a fault percentage. The person with the highest percentage must pay for damages. Courts look at all the facts before they decide who pays.
Determining Fault in a Boating Accident
To determine fault in a boating accident, the court will consider a variety of factors, including:
- The Actions of the Boat Operators: The court will consider whether the boat operators were following boating safety regulations and operating their boats safely and responsibly.
- The Condition of the Boats: The court will consider whether the boats were properly maintained and whether any mechanical failures contributed to the accident.
- The Environmental Conditions: The court will consider whether the weather or other environmental factors contributed to the accident causes.
- The Actions of Other Parties: The court will consider whether other parties, such as passengers or boaters, contributed to the accident.
Injuries and Compensation
Boating accidents can result in serious injuries, including head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and broken bones. In some cases, boating accidents can be fatal. If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident, you may be entitled to compensation.
Injuries from Boat Accidents
Boating accidents can result in a variety of injuries, including:
- Head Trauma: Head trauma is a common injury in boating accidents and can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries can result in paralysis, numbness, and tingling and can be permanent.
- Broken bones are a common result of boating injuries in accidents.: Broken bones are a common occurrence in boating accidents and can necessitate surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
- Drowning: Drowning is a significant risk in boating accidents, particularly when the accident occurs in deep water.
- Emotional Trauma: Boating accidents can also result in emotional trauma, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately. You should also contact a Houston boating accident lawyer today to discuss your options for seeking compensation for your injuries. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Boat Accident Statistics in Houston
Boating accidents are a big worry in Houston. The city has many lakes, rivers, and coastal areas where people like to boat. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department reports over 200 boating accidents in Houston in 2020. These led to 15 deaths and more than 100 injuries. This shows why people need legal options. These scary numbers show why it’s key to follow safety rules and stay alert on the water.
Boat crashes in Houston often happen when drivers don’t pay attention, go too fast, or break safety rules. These facts show why skilled boat drivers matter, along with good training and staying alert. If you or someone you care about has been in a boat crash, talk to a Houston boat accident lawyer. They can help you understand your case and work to get the money you deserve.
Despite the recent slight decrease in boating accident deaths, it is still essential to know the facts.
Boating Accident Facts
- In cases where the cause of death was known, 77% of fatal boating accident victims drowned. Of the individuals who drowned, 84% were reported not to have a life jacket on during the incident.
- Only 20% of all deaths occurred on boats where the operator had received boating safety instruction. Additionally, only 13% of deaths occurred on vessels where the operator had received boating safety instruction from an experienced Houston boating accident course provider.
- An estimated 8 out of every 10 drowned were using vessels less than 21 feet in length.
- Operator inattention, improper lookout, inexperience, excessive speed, and machinery failure are the top five primary contributing factors in accidents.
- Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents; where the primary cause was known, it was listed as the leading factor in 16% of deaths.
- Twenty-two children under age thirteen lost their lives while boating in one year. Eight, or approximately 36% of the children died from drowning. Two children, or 25% of those who drowned, were wearing a life jacket as state and federal law required.
- Where data was known, the most common types of vessels involved in reported accidents were open motorboats (46%), personal watercraft (18%), and cabin motorboats (17%).
As one can see, there are many ways to reduce accidents and fatalities related to recreational boating activities. One of the most important ways is to receive proper operator training and obey all laws.
It is essential to ensure that life jackets are worn when boating and should always be on board to prevent accidental drowning.
Reporting A Boat Accident
Boating accidents may occur with any vessel, including motorboats, jet skis, canoes, kayaks, pontoon boats, sailboats, and other vessels.
An accident is an event or series of events that cause property damage, injury, or death. The U.S. Coast Guard lists some of the most common types of accidents as:
- Hitting a fixed object can be one of the leading accident causes in boating incidents.
- Collision with another vessel
- Running over floating objects, including swimmers
- Running aground, sinking or flooding
- Fire or explosion
- Mishaps that involve a person on a towable object can lead to serious boating injuries and require legal advice.
- Someone falling overboard
- Capsizing
The U.S. Coast Guard says most boat crashes happen due to careless actions. Federal law makes boat drivers report any crash that hurts someone, kills someone, or causes over $2,000 in damage. They must also report if a boat is wrecked or someone goes missing. Texas faces a big issue with people who drive boats without proper skills. Even though Texas law requires training, many untrained people still drive boats. These untrained drivers cause many of the accidents.
Jet Skiing Accidents in Texas
The ecstasy, adrenaline rush, and excitement of operating a Jet Ski on a hot day are unparalleled. Jet Skiers in Texas can find several places to enjoy their favorite water sport. J.P. Luby Surf Park, North Packery Channel Jetty in Corpus Christi, Lake Travis, and Lake Conroe are some areas where you can enjoy your Jet Ski.
Unfortunately, collisions can also happen, resulting in severe injury and damage. Personal watercrafts, such as Jet Skis, are popular across the United States, and each year, they are involved in recreational boating accidents. Besides Jet Ski, other personal watercraft brands include Ski-Doo and Waverunner.
What to Do After a Jet Ski Accident?
After a Jet Ski accident, the injury lawyers at Baumgartner Law Firm recommend taking the following steps.
Get to Safety: If you’re still in the water, safety should be your top priority. Contact the rental service or emergency rescue services in your area.
See a Doctor: Even if you escape with minimal physical injury, it’s essential to visit a doctor for a checkup.
Call a Jet Ski Wreck Lawyer: Contact a boating accident lawyer at Baumgartner Law Firm for immediate legal assistance. Call (281) 587-1111 or email us for a FREE injury accident consultation!
Compensation for Jet Ski Accidents in Texas
Compensation after a Jet Ski accident varies depending on several factors such as:
- Medical expenses due to injury
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of wages due to the accident
Each case is unique, and we recommend consulting with your personal injury attorney at Baumgartner Law Firm for proper legal representation. Negligence by boat operators can lead to the possibility of filing a personal injury claim to seek compensation for damages. With an experienced lawyer, you can also fight for additional damages for long-term pain and suffering, medical expenses, and loss of income.
Proving Negligence or Liability In A Jet Skiing Accident
However, establishing negligence and liability is the challenging part after a personal watercraft accident in Texas waters. Several factors must be considered to determine the responsible party.
- Was the operator appropriately skilled to operate the vessel?
- Did the operator’s actions or inaction cause the accident?
- Did the victim sign a liability waiver before taking the Jet Ski?
- Did the Jet Ski malfunction and cause the accident?
In most Jet Ski accidents, there is usually an “assumption of risk” since the operator or renter consciously chooses to rent a vessel and operate one while fully aware of the potential danger.
Liability waivers also complicate the situation further because they’re created to protect the Jet Ski owner. In most cases, the waiver protects the owner from being sued after a renter is injured in a boating injury incident. However, the liability waivers may be ineffective when the accident occurs due to the owner or manufacturer’s fault.
Our injury attorneys at Baumgartner Law Firm help you navigate these situations and file a claim against the liable party.
Potential Causes and Types of Boat Accidents
- Jet Ski Accidents
- Boating While Intoxicated Accidents
- Wakeboarding Accidents
- Inadequate Boat Maintenance
- Water Ski Accidents
- Inexperienced Boat Drivers
- Distracted Or Inattentive Operating
- Improper Lookout For Other Boats Or People
- Drunk Driving
Baumgartner Law Firm
Call an Award-Winning Boat Accident
Attorney in Houston for Help
Talk with a top-rated Boat Accident lawyer by calling (281) 587-1111
Fill out an online consultation request for a FREE consultation.
Common Reasons Behind Boating Accidents
Boating accidents can occur due to various factors, including operator error, equipment failure, and adverse environmental conditions. Some of the most common reasons behind boating accidents in Houston include:
- Operator Inattention: This is one of Houston’s leading causes of boating accidents, accounting for over 30% of all accidents. Distractions or lack of focus can lead to collisions and other dangerous situations on the water.
- Excessive Speed: Speeding is a major contributor to boating accidents, as it can make it difficult to control the boat and increase the risk of collision. Maintaining a safe speed is crucial for preventing accidents.
- Failure to Follow Boating Safety Regulations: Boating safety regulations are in place to protect boaters and prevent accidents. Failure to follow these regulations can significantly increase the risk of a boating injury accident.
- Equipment Failure: Mechanical failure can cause a boating accident, especially if the failure occurs while the boat is operating. Regular maintenance and inspections ensure the boat is in good working condition.
- Environmental Conditions: Weather conditions, such as strong winds and rough seas, can make boating hazardous and increase the risk of an accident. Boaters should always check the weather forecast and be prepared for changing conditions.
Understanding these common causes can help boaters take preventive measures and reduce the likelihood of accidents. If you have been involved in a boating accident, a Houston boating accident attorney can provide the legal support you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Houston Boat Accident FAQs
If you or a loved one suffered a Boat Accident, you are sure to have questions and concerns. The best way to answer your questions is to call us for a free consultation. Here are a few questions that our experienced Houston Boat Accident attorney is frequently asked.
How Can Our Houston Boat Accident Attorneys Help?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum
What is Required After a Boat Accident in Texas?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum
What to Do After a Jet Ski Accident?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum
Do I Have to Go to Court for My Case?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum
How Long Will My Boat Accident Case Take?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum
What are the Time Limits for Filing a Lawsuit?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum
How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Experienced Boat Accident Lawyer?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum
testimonials
Here’s What Our Boat Accident Clients are Saying
FREE CONSULTATION
Contact a Top-Rated Houston Boat Accident Lawyer For a Free Case Evaluation
Contact our Houston injury attorney for a free, no-obligation initial consultation. Our Houston law firm represents crash victims in Harris County and Southeast Texas. We have won hundreds of millions for Boat Accident victims and can help you, too!
Baumgartner Law Firm
6711 Cypress Creek Pkwy
Houston, Texas 77069
(281) 587-1111
NEED HELP? HAVE QUESTIONS?
"*" indicates required fields
“We will answer you within 24 hours via email or you can call us directly, we are always ready to serve. Thank “
