Houston has numerous recreational and commercial boating opportunities, providing residents and visitors with waterways for fun and relaxation. Unfortunately, others’ negligence can lead to boating accidents in which people are injured or even killed.
Learn more about the common causes of Houston boating accidents, why fault matters, and who to contact if you need legal information about seeking compensation for your injuries. Meet with our seasoned and knowledgeable boat collision attorneys at KGS Law Group today for more information.
The Types of Negligence that Can Lead to a Boating Wreck
Negligence refers to the failure of a person or entity to take reasonable actions to avoid causing harm to others. While this is certainly not an exhaustive list, some common types of negligence that can cause boating accidents in Houston include the following:
Operator Inattention
One of the leading causes of boating collisions is operator inattention, which refers to the boat operator’s failure to observe what is happening around the vessel properly. This includes other vessels, navigational hazards such as rocks or piers, and changing weather conditions.
Operator Inexperience
The boat operator must understand how to navigate the vessel correctly to keep others onboard and in the waterway safe. When someone is inexperienced in navigating a boat, this can lead to errors that cause injury to themselves and others.
Speeding
The Texas Wildlife Department prohibits boaters from operating a water vessel at unreasonable speeds or at speeds that would make it difficult for the operator to stop in time to avoid a collision or would produce a dangerous wake.
Boating While Impaired
Boat operators are subject to the same 0.08 blood alcohol content as drivers on Houston roadways. They can face hefty fines and imprisonment if found to be boating while impaired. More importantly, operating a boat while under the influence can significantly increase the risk of a collision.
Lack of Maintenance
Boat owners are required to have a current registration for their vessel and to keep it maintained well enough to navigate the waters safely. Boats used in Houston waterways must be equipped with navigation lights, life vests for all passengers, fire extinguishers, mirrors, and other safety features.
The Importance of Determining Fault in a Boating Collision
Federal maritime and state personal injury laws require boat owners and operators to comply with several regulations to keep others in the waterway safe. Violating these laws can result in legal liability, which is the responsibility for compensating others for the harm done to them because the operator breached their legal duty of care.
Some of the financial and psychological costs that can be compensated through a boating accident claim include the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Permanent loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
A Houston lawyer could determine which of the common causes of boating accidents caused your incident and begin compiling a list of damages to pursue compensation.
Contact KGS Law Group When You Are Injured By the Common Causes of Houston Boating Accidents
Boating accidents are not uncommon in Houston, and they can produce significant injuries and impacts on every part of a person’s life. Let our experienced personal injury attorneys help you understand your legal options for seeking compensation and the services we can provide to assist you in the claims process.
At KGS Law Group, we prioritize your physical and emotional health by handling the legal process so you can focus on recovering from your injuries. Contact our compassionate team today for a free case evaluation and to review the common causes of Houston boating accidents.