Boat Accidents
Jet Ski AccidentsGet a Free Consultation
Jet Ski Accidents
Boat Accidents
Get a Free Consultation
What should you know about boat accidents and jet ski accidents?
Fatal boat accidents in Texas consistently rank third, after Florida and California. Boating is very popular in Texas, which is 6th in the nation for registered recreational boats. Texas’ many inland fresh waterways and gulf coastal areas along with a mild climate make boating a common activity. Tragically, this also results in many serious jet ski accidents and boat accidents.
What is the leading cause of
personal watercraft accidents?
According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the following are the main causes for watercraft accidents.
Operator Inattention
Changing weather or water conditions can make boating hazardous. Operators who don’t pay attention to this can fail to take necessary precautions. In addition, you must pay attention to other vessels. To avoid accidents, you must notice when a jet skier is crossing in front of your vessel or an operator is entering a no wake zone.
Improper Lookout
When operating a boat, someone needs to watch out for swimmers, skiers, buoys or debris. Collisions with objects is a common type of boating accident. There are often water zones for swimmers that prohibit boats from entering. Sometimes a boat operator can use a navigator to help ensure safety.
Excessive Speed
When the operator drives too fast for water conditions, weather or the number of other watercraft, accidents are more likely to occur. Speeding doesn’t allow for critical reaction time to avoid collisions. Also, boats take longer to decelerate and stop than motor vehicles do.
Inexperienced Operator
Boats, jet skis and other water craft handle differently than motor vehicles. Lack of training or experience operating a watercraft can cause accidents. This is true whether sailing, water-skiing, jet skiing, operating a pontoon boat or catamaran. Operators also must be familiar with navigation rules and emergency procedures. They should require all their passengers to wear life jackets.
Drug/Alcohol Use
Operating a watercraft while impaired by drugs or alcohol is a leading cause of boating accidents. Drugs or alcohol diminish the operator’s mental judgment, balance and reaction time. Authorities estimate that 89% of alcohol-related boating accidents in Texas cause serious injury or death.
Operator Inattention
Changing weather or water conditions can make boating hazardous. Operators who don’t pay attention to this can fail to take necessary precautions. In addition, you must pay attention to other vessels. To avoid accidents, you must notice when a jet skier is crossing in front of your vessel or an operator is entering a no wake zone.
Improper Lookout
When operating a boat, someone needs to watch out for swimmers, skiers, buoys or debris. Collisions with objects is a common type of boating accident. There are often water zones for swimmers that prohibit boats from entering. Sometimes a boat operator can use a navigator to help ensure safety.
Excessive Speed
When the operator drives too fast for water conditions, weather or the number of other watercraft, accidents are more likely to occur. Speeding doesn’t allow for critical reaction time to avoid collisions. Also, boats take longer to decelerate and stop than motor vehicles do.
Inexperienced Operator
Boats, jet skis and other water craft handle differently than motor vehicles. Lack of training or experience operating a watercraft can cause accidents. This is true whether sailing, water-skiing, jet skiing, operating a pontoon boat or catamaran. Operators also must be familiar with navigation rules and emergency procedures. They should require all their passengers to wear life jackets.
Drug/Alcohol Use
Operating a watercraft while impaired by drugs or alcohol is a leading cause of boating accidents. Drugs or alcohol diminish the operator’s mental judgment, balance and reaction time. Authorities estimate that 89% of alcohol-related boating accidents in Texas cause serious injury or death.
Who is liable in a watercraft accident?
The following parties could be liable in a boating or watercraft accident:
- Boat owner. If the boat owner violated boating laws or failed to pay attention, they could be liable for the accident. The boat owner could also potentially be liable if they allowed an inexperienced operator to operate their boat.
- Boat passenger. A boat passenger who was reckless to the point of causing the accident could be liable. Examples might be riding on the bow, standing up in the boat or moving in a way that causes serious weight imbalance.
- Rental company. If the boat rental company fails to repair or do routine maintenance it can result in machinery failure. They would be liable for an accident caused by machinery failure and subsequent injuries.
- Defective parts manufacturer. If the company manufacturing parts produced a defective part, they could be held responsible. You would have to prove that the defective part caused the accident and resulting injuries.
Discuss your watercraft accident with an
Experienced Accident Lawyer
To protect your rights, it is vital to consult with an experienced accident attorney whenever serious injuries or fatality occurs. Personal injury claims can be complicated, and attorneys know what evidence is necessary to win a lawsuit. They also can judge whether the settlement offer will be adequate to meet your needs.
At the Law Office of Michael R. De La Paz, we help clients recover compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional losses, and property damages. You owe no money out-of-pocket because we base our services on contingency. This means when we win or settle the case, our legal fees are a percentage of the recovered compensation. We work to maximize the amount you receive.
Schedule a free consultation by calling (210) 225-HURT (4878) or toll free (800) 645-8553.
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Michael R. De La Paz
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The Law Office of Michael R. De La Paz has its principal office in San Antonio, Texas, however, we can represent your personal injury case no matter where you live in Texas, the U.S., or Mexico.
