Protecting Your Health and Legal Rights | When You Must Report the Accident
Knowing the steps to take after a Texas boating accident can help maximize your chances of getting the compensation you need to cover all your losses. It can also ensure that you don’t run afoul of the law.
What Are the Steps You Need to Take after a Texas Boating Accident?
According to data collected by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), there are more than half a million recreational boats registered in the Lone Star State. Authorities also estimate another 350,000 unregistered watercraft. In 2024 alone, boating accidents in Texas accounted for 20 fatalities and more than 100 serious injuries.
In the immediate aftermath of any type of watercraft accident, you should stop the boat and do an assessment of all injuries sustained. Depending on the severity of the injuries sustained, you should administer basic first aid, if possible, or call for emergency assistance. In most instances, if you can do so safely, it’s best to stay right where you are and let emergency medical professionals come to you. When appropriate, use flares or other warning devices to ensure that other boaters see you.
Even if your injuries seem minor, you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible, whether at an emergency room, an urgent care facility or with your primary care physician. The sooner you seek medical treatment, the more options you’ll typically have and the better potential outcome you can expect.
To the extent possible, gather information about the accident:
- Collect contact information from everyone involved in the accident, as well as any witnesses
- Take pictures of anything related to the accident or injury, including damage to watercraft, injuries suffered, weather conditions or other relevant facts
When Are You Required to Report a Boating Accident?
Under Texas law, you must notify authorities within 30 days of any boating accident if any of the following applies:
- The accident involved a fatality
- A person is missing after the accident
- The accident required anyone to seek medical treatment beyond basic first aid
- The damages resulting from the accident exceeded $2,000
Let Attorney Michael R. De La Paz Protect Your Rights after a Boating Accident
At the Law Office of Michael R. De La Paz, we have more than 26 years of experience protecting the rights of personal injury victims in Harlingen, McAllen, Brownsville and Houston, across Texas and nationwide. We have a comprehensive understanding of the types of injuries commonly suffered in any type of boating or watercraft accident, and know how to effectively present your case to a judge and jury, if necessary. We will use our considerable experience, skill, knowledge and resources to help you get the outcome you want. Free call, text or chat, 24 hours a day, seven days a week–https://delapazlaw.com/.
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