How Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers Helps After a Boating Accident
A Bedford boating accident lawyer investigates what happened on the water, identifies who is responsible, and deals with the insurance companies while you recover. A day on the lake should not end in the hospital, and fighting a legal battle may be the last thing you want to do.
When you hire us, we:
- Gather the evidence needed to prove causation and liability
- Identify every responsible party and every available insurance policy
- Document your injuries, medical treatment, and lost income
- Work with professionals in other fields who can help prove the value of your claim
- Negotiate with the insurance companies for a fair settlement
- Prepare your case for trial if needed
Our Bedford personal injury lawyers represent boaters, passengers, and swimmers from Bedford, Hurst, Euless, and the rest of Northeast Tarrant County from our office on Plaza Parkway.
How Common Are Boating Accidents in Texas?
Boating accidents happen in Texas every year, and many are serious. According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the U.S. Coast Guard, in 2021:
- 4,439 recreational boating accidents were reported across the United States
- 2,641 people were injured and 658 were killed nationwide
- 238 boating accidents happened in Texas
- 58 people were killed in Texas boating accidents
What Causes Most Boating Accidents?
Most boating accidents are caused by operator error. The U.S. Coast Guard lists the five most common causes as operator inattention, speeding, inexperienced operators, failure to keep a proper lookout, and machinery failure.
Other factors that contribute to boating accidents include:
- Distracted operators
- Violating navigational rules
- Alcohol and drug use
- Poor weather conditions
- Overloaded boats
- Missing or defective life jackets and safety equipment
- Defective boats, engines, and parts
Accidents also happen on docks and decks. Slip and fall accidents on wet surfaces can cause serious injuries, and a falling passenger can be struck by a propeller.
Who Is Liable for a Boating Accident?
Liability usually rests with whoever operated the boat carelessly, but other parties may share responsibility. Depending on the facts, they can include:
- The operator of your boat or another vessel
- The boat owner who let an inexperienced or impaired person drive
- A rental company that failed to train renters or maintain its boats
- The manufacturer of a defective boat, engine, or safety product
- A marina or property owner that kept docks or ramps in unsafe condition
We investigate every possible source of recovery, because one party’s insurance may not cover serious injuries.
How Do You Prove a Boating Accident Claim in Texas?
Like most car accident claims, most boat accident cases are based on negligence. You must show:
- The operator or other party owed you a duty of care
- A breach of duty occurred
- The breach caused the accident and your injuries
- You suffered damages as a result
Useful evidence can include the accident report, photos and video, witness statements, the vessel’s condition and maintenance records, weather data, and toxicology results. Because evidence on the water disappears quickly, early investigation matters.
What Is My Bedford Boat Accident Case Worth?
The value of a boating accident claim depends on how badly you were hurt and how the injury affects your life. We consider your injuries and prognosis, medical costs now and in the future, lost income, and the pain you’ve endured.
Common boating accident injuries include broken bones, soft tissue damage, cuts and lacerations, burns, near-drowning, back injuries, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other catastrophic injuries.
You can seek economic damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. If a loved one died, your family may have a wrongful death claim.
Does Shared Fault Affect a Boating Accident Claim?
Yes. Texas follows modified comparative negligence. You can recover if you are 50% or less responsible, but your compensation is reduced by your share of fault. If you are more than 50% responsible, you recover nothing.
How Long Do You Have to File a Boating Accident Lawsuit in Texas?
The Texas statute of limitations for personal injury is generally two years from the accident. In most cases, you lose the right to sue for damages if you don’t file in time. Claims involving government property or agencies can require notice much sooner, so contact us early.
About Brad Parker
Bedford Boating Accident FAQs
How much does a boating accident lawyer cost in Bedford?
Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers handles boating accident cases on a contingency fee. You pay nothing upfront, and you don't owe attorney's fees unless we recover compensation for you. The fee is a percentage of the recovery agreed in writing before we start, and our fee will never exceed your recovery.
Who is liable for a boating accident in Texas?
The person whose carelessness caused the accident is usually liable, most often the boat operator. Depending on the facts, responsibility can also fall on the boat owner, a rental company that failed to train renters or maintain its boats, another vessel's operator, or the manufacturer of a defective boat, engine, or safety device.
Can passengers sue after a boating accident?
Yes. Passengers rarely contribute to a boating accident, so they often have strong claims against the operator of their own boat, another boat, or both. A claim against a friend or family member who was driving is usually paid by that person's insurance, not out of their pocket.
What should I do after a boating accident?
Get medical care first. Report the accident to the authorities, especially if anyone was injured or killed. Photograph the vessels, the water and weather conditions, and your injuries. Collect names and contact details for the operators, owners, passengers, and witnesses. Talk to a lawyer before giving a recorded statement to any insurance company.
How long do I have to file a boating accident lawsuit in Texas?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for most personal injury lawsuits, including boating accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. Claims against a government entity can require written notice within six months or less. Evidence on the water disappears fast, so contact a lawyer early.
Visit Our Bedford Office
Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers – Bedford Office
2317 Plaza Pkwy #100, Bedford, TX 76021
- Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday – Sunday Closed