Dallas Boat Accident Lawyers

Have You Been Seriously Injured in a Boating Accident?

As with any other type of vehicle accident, the Dallas boating accident lawyers at Thompson Law know the stakes of a boat accident can be quite high. You need someone who is committed to protecting your financial future like our Dallas boating accident lawyers.

The consequences of a boating accident can have far-reaching implications for your family and your life. A serious injury like a traumatic brain injury could lead to extensive medical treatments, pain, medications, surgeries, and other impacts on your life.

If you or a loved one were hurt or killed in a boat accident in Texas, you could be entitled to financial compensation. Call Thompson Law’s Dallas boating accident lawyers today for a FREE CONSULTATION regarding your legal rights, and to see how we might be able to help you after your injury accident in a boat.

Dallas Boating Accident Lawyers - personal watercraft wreck

Receive a Free Case Review

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

What to Do After a Boating Accident in Dallas, TX

Protecting your own right to move on after an accident like this is extremely important and that is why you need to call our Dallas boat accident attorneys as soon as possible. With a limited period of time to file a claim and have it legally accepted by the courts in Dallas you need someone who understands how the law works in these cases and the types of compensation to which you may be entitled.

Whether your injury happened with a personal watercraft, commercial vessel, pleasure boat, or jet ski, the complications of a boating accident can be extremely critical for how you proceed with litigation. With many square miles and plenty of inland lakes across Texas and coastline that generates even more recreational opportunities for Texas boaters, boating accidents are a serious concern for boaters and passengers alike.

A victim of a boating accident has options and legal rights to contact a boating accident attorney. One who offers a free consultation to answer questions and address concerns after a boating accident can help to clarify what is involved. Our firm has served victims of boating accidents on Lake Lewisville, Lake Ray Hubbard, Lake Lavon, and others, and we can help you, too.

The complex rules surrounding safe boat operation in Texas may influence your ability to recover compensation in an accident claim. Don’t try to handle a case on your own, let Thompson Law’s Dallas boating accident lawyers take care of you! Call our boat accident lawyers today for a FREE CONSULT!

Do You Really Need an Attorney?

At Thompson Law, we know that the initial investigation following a boating accident is crucial for preserving your choices and your rights. The Parks and Wildlife Department in Texas will typically investigate wrongful death or serious injury boating crashes, but you also want to have your own legal team to investigate the cause of the accident. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Code Section 31.104 shows that after a boating accident, the operator is required to:

  • Render assistance to other individuals, as necessary, unless such action would endanger his/her own vessel, crew or passengers.
  • Exchange contact information such as identification of the boat, names, and addresses with any person who was injured or the owner of any property that was damaged in the boating accident.
  • Report the boat accident to a local game warden, local law enforcement, or Texas Parks & Wildlife.
  • File a boat accident report, if there are injuries.

Unfortunately, far too many boating accidents are caused by inexperienced vessel operators or someone who is not paying appropriate attention while operating the boat. Boat operator education is required for anyone born on or after September 1, 1993, in Texas in order to operate certain motorboats and personal watercraft. General boating rules such as the right of way apply to boating accidents as they do to vehicle accidents across Texas.

No win no fee Dallas Boating Accident Lawyers

We offer free case reviews and no fee unless we recover a settlement for your boating accident, so call today.

At Thompson Law

We provide boat accident victims with dedicated and tenacious legal representation, ensuring that you get fair value for your claim. Our Dallas boating accident lawyers will build a strong case with supporting evidence so that you recover the money that you deserve.

Contact Us

Why Evidence Matters in Boating Accident Claims

If you have been injured on a boat, our Dallas boat accident lawyers know that getting the necessary evidence immediately after the accident can help clarify your rights moving forward with a claim. If the operator of the boat was negligent and wasn’t paying attention, was under the influence of alcohol or was recklessly operating this vessel, you have grounds to file a claim for compensation. Our boat accident attorneys will:

  • Gather evidence to prove liability for the accident
  • Argue and establish liability with the defendant’s insurance carrier
  • Work with experts to improve the strength of your case
  • Document all of your injuries and other losses to ensure you receive maximum compensation
  • Negotiate for every dollar you are entitled to receive
  • Take your case to trial if we are unable to obtain a fair settlement on your behalf prior to filing a lawsuit

No matter how your accident happened, if it was partly due to the reckless or negligent nature of the boating operator, you may have grounds to fight. When you go up against a boat owner or his or her insurance company, it is imperative that you understand the full scope of your rights and educate yourself about how best to protect yourself going forward.

Boating Accident Statistics

The United States Coast Guard tracks recreational boating accident statistics every year across Texas and the entire United States. In 2021, there were 4,439 boat accidents which led to 658 deaths (5.5 deaths per 100,000 recreational vessels) and 2,641 injuries. The biggest known contributing factor to fatal boating accidents was alcohol use, which represented 16% of deaths. Most deaths occurred in open motorboats (44%), with kayaks (15%) and pontoon boats (10%) coming in second and third, respectively.

U.S. Recreational Boating Accident Statistics in 2021

U.S. Recreational Boating Accident Statistics in 2021

 

Most Common Boating Accident Injuries

The typical injuries associated with a boating accident in Texas can include:

  • Back injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Lacerations which can be particularly deep when contact is made with a propeller
  • Head injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Internal organ damage
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Fractures
  • Death, most commonly by drowning (81% of deaths)
  • Hypothermia
  • Cardiac arrest
  • Paralysis, such as paraplegia and quadriplegia/tetraplegia

Call for Your Free Consultation

(844) 308-8180

How Long Do I Have to File an Injury Claim for a Boating Accident in Texas?

Most people hurt in boat accidents in Texas have two (2) years from the date of the accident to file a claim for compensation for their injuries. However, there are some exceptions involving special circumstances or people.

Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations for Boating Accident Claims in Texas

  • Minors:  The 2 year statute starts when the minor turns 18.
  • Legally disabled persons of unsound mind:  The 2 year statute starts once they are of sound mind, again.
  • Wrongful death:  The 2 year statute starts on the date a person dies from injuries related to a fatal boat accident.

There are other exceptions you can see in this article on the statute of limitations, but they are rarely granted.  As such, it is always best to call our Dallas boating accident lawyers soon after your accident to protect your right to compensation for your boat accident injuries.

Get a FREE CONSULTATION With Our Boating Accident Lawyers in Dallas, TX

Call Our Dallas Boating Accident Lawyers Today!

No one wants to find themselves in the situation of having to try to move on from a boating accident after you have been injured because of another person’s behavior, but you may be surprised at the aggressive nature with which the boating operator or the insurance company will try to avoid paying out your claim. This can be a devastating experience for someone who is already coping with the detrimental implications of serious medical conditions.

Whether you have broken a bone or are now forever changed because of a spinal cord injury or paralysis, you have rights as a boating accident victim. Gathering the evidence after the accident has occurred and presenting this to our experienced Dallas boating accident lawyers at Thompson Law should be your next step.

Call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation, or fill out the form below!

Texas Boat Accidents Statistics

See What Clients Say About Thompson Law

Office Location: 3300 Oak Lawn Avenue, Suite 300, Dallas, TX 75219

4.9
Based on 1481 reviews
I was very impressed in the service that Becky Villarreal and Bryan Felix provided to me and the dedication to the case at hand thank you all !
I was rear-ended while pregnant so the last thing I needed was to deal with insurance companies regarding my claims, Dina, Jeff and Genesis were great. They always returned my calls and answered all my questions. I really recommend Thompson Law if you find yourself in a car accident.
js_loader

 

Thompson Law Guarantee

Thompson Law receives an attorney fee and you pay no legal fees as our client unless we pay you. Thompson Law has 350 years of combined experience in legal representation and has won over $1.8 billion dollars in cash settlements for our clients. We master the art of managing client cases with empathy, compassion, respect and, of course, prodigious skill. Contact us today for a free, risk-free consultation to discuss your accident and your options.

State law limits the time you have to file a claim after an auto accident. If you have been injured in an accident, call now to get the help you need.