McKinney Boat Accident Lawyer

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Boating accidents are serious occurrences. In many cases, these incidents occur due to the negligent, reckless actions of the boat operator or another person on board. If you are injured in a boat accident, you deserve justice.

The McKinney boat accident lawyers at Carew Garcia Bohuslav Law, PLLC are dedicated to helping victims of other peoples’ negligence. We can help you hold the at-fault party accountable and secure the compensation that you deserve.

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Why Choose Our McKinney Boat Accident Attorneys

  • Our attorneys have fought for the rights of injured people for over many years. We will leverage our skills and experience to help you recover the highest possible settlement.
  • Our firm employs bilingual attorneys who provide personalized service while delivering proven results. We will advocate for your best interests from consultation to settlement.
  • Boat accident injuries can be painful. Our boat accident attorneys in McKinney will handle all aspects of your claim on your behalf so that you can focus on recovery and treatment.

Boat Accident Causes and Statistics

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, a total of 4,439 boating accidents occurred across the country during 2021. These incidents resulted in 658 deaths, 2,641 injuries, and an estimated $67.5 million in property damage.

Below are some of the most common factors that contributed to 2021 boat accidents:

  • Operator inattention, which led to 677 accidents
  • Operator inexperience, which led to 506 accidents
  • Improper lookout, which led to 454 accidents
  • Machinery failure, which led to 305 accidents
  • Excessive speed, which led to 298 accidents
  • Alcohol use, which led to 247 accidents
  • Navigation rules violations, which led to 204 accidents

Common Accidents and Injuries Related to Boating

Boating is more popular than ever in Texas, but boating comes with inherent risks. Adding alcohol, party atmospheres, and other factors to boating increases those risks. Some common boating accidents include the following:

  • Swimming accidents while swimming to an undocked boat
  • Passenger falls from vessels
  • Boats colliding and causing casualties on impact
  • Towing accidents
  • Vessels flooding and/or capsizing
  • Explosions while docked or underway

These accidents are often caused by operator error, intoxication, improper lookout procedures, speeding, boating in inclement weather, and mechanical failures. Injuries caused by these accidents include:

  • Head injuries and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) due to impact or anoxic injury from lack of oxygen from being submerged while trapped or drowning
  • Back, neck, and spinal cord injuries
  • Fractures
  • Burns
  • Amputations
  • Soft tissue damage
  • Drowning

Understanding Texas Boating Laws

Texas seeks to keep boaters safe on the Texas waterways by putting laws and regulations into place. The state also employs law enforcement officers to patrol the water to ensure that people follow the laws. All boaters with dates of birth after September 1, 1993, must carry a Texas Boater Education Certificate Card to operate a boat with over 15 hp, a PWC, or a sailboat of 14 feet long or longer. Boaters can qualify through an online boating safety course. Besides this basic regulation, some other boating laws are in place on the waterways in Texas including the following:

  • A Texas boat registration is required for all motorized boats, sailboats over 14 feet long, and USCG-documented vessels
  • Boaters under age 13 must have adult supervision by a person over 18 who is familiar with operating the vessel
  • All boats must have a coast-guard approved life vest for each person on board
  • For smaller vessels, (under 26 feet) boaters under age 13 must wear a life vest while underway at all times
  • Boats over 16 feet must also carry a throwable flotation device
  • It’s unlawful to navigate a boat while intoxicated (BUI) or with a blood alcohol level of .08 or higher, or with notable symptoms such as loss of mental and/or physical faculties
  • Personal watercraft (PWC) can only operate between sunrise and sunset and use no-wake speeds within 50 feet of swimmers, surfers, wading anglers, docks, ramps, piers, marinas, floating homes, and boathouses
  • Boaters must report any accidents with property damage over $2,000 or requiring first aid

Not following laws and safety regulations not only endangers others and risks fines, but also leaves boaters liable in Texas boat accident claims.

How to File a Boat Accident Claim in Texas

If you are injured in a boat accident and someone else’s actions are to blame, you have the right to hold the at-fault party accountable. In these situations, you may file a lawsuit in civil court to recover compensatory damages for the financial, emotional, and physical losses that you sustained.

Texas boat accident lawsuits rely on the presence of negligence, or a person’s failure to uphold a certain duty of care. Boaters have a responsibility to follow the rules of the water and operate their vessels safely. If you can prove the following facts, you could recover the compensation that you deserve:

  • The at-fault party owed you a duty of care.
  • The at-fault party breached his or her duty of care.
  • The breach of duty caused your boating accident.
  • You suffered damages that you can recover in your lawsuit.

What Compensation Can I Gain From a Boat Accident Claim?

With the help of an experienced boat accident lawyer in McKinney, your claim can help put you on the road to recovery with fewer worries about your financial situation while you work toward healing. With a successful claim you could gain the following for your economic and non-economic damages:

  • Compensation for medical expenses and future medical expenses for ongoing treatment
  • Compensation for lost wages and future lost wages
  • Compensation for lost earning potential in the event of disabling accidents
  • Pain and suffering compensation
  • Emotional trauma or anguish compensation
  • Compensation for the loss of enjoyment of life in the case of severe injuries
  • Compensation for loss of consortium (Losing a close and/or physical relationship with a loving partner)

The monetary settlement or court award you gain from your accident claim can help you move forward toward the best recovery possible.

Why You Need a Boat Accident Lawyer in McKinney, Texas

If you were injured in a boat accident in the McKinney area, you need an experienced attorney on your side. As soon as possible following your accident, reach out to a boat accident attorney at Carew Garcia Bohuslav Law, PLLC.

Your lawyer can advocate for your maximum possible settlement throughout your case, helping you secure the compensation that you need to pay for your losses. He or she will leverage the full extent of our firm’s resources to identify the cause of the accident and prove your right to recovery. From consultation to settlement, our lawyers will protect your best interests and fight to secure the justice that you deserve.

Contact Carew Garcia Bohuslav Law, PLLC Today

Were you injured in a boat accident in or near McKinney, Texas? Our personal injury lawyers are here to help. Contact us today to schedule your free case consultation and discuss your next steps.