A Houston boat accident attorney, like ours at AK Law Firm, will assist you in all aspects of your claim. At AK Law Firm, we are with you from start to finish to answer all of your questions and provide any access to support and resources you may need.
Additionally, our boat accident lawyers may do any of the following:
- Investigate your claim
- Research the other parties boating history and credentials
- Interview any witnesses
- Visit the scene of the accident
- Use expert witnesses to assess medical damages and any losses
- Negotiate aggressively for full and fair compensation
- If necessary, take your case to trial
There is a two-year time limit to file most boating accident claims in Texas. Contact AK Law Firm so our Houston personal injury lawyers may start working on your claim today!
Many boating accidents are attributable to inexperienced drivers and poorly instructed riders. Other causes of boating accidents include:
- Inattentive operators
- Operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Failure to use a designated lookout
- Driving too fast for conditions
- Defective or dangerous machinery
Not all boating accidents involve two boats colliding with one another. Frequently, other watercraft are included, such as:
- Para-sails
- Jet-skis or Wave-runners
- Windsurfers and kite-surfers
- Canoes
- Kayaks
- Ferries
If you’ve been injured in a Houston boat accident caused by another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for a variety of damages, including:
- Medical Expenses: This covers all past and future medical bills associated with your injuries, including doctor’s visits, hospital stays, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and therapy.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, we will fight to recover all lost wages and future earning capacity that you may have lost due to the accident.
- Pain and Suffering: You deserve compensation for the physical and emotional pain caused by your injuries, including mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Boating Property Damage: The costs associated with repairing or replacing your damaged boat can be significant. We will help you recover these expenses.
- Wrongful Death: If you tragically lost a loved one in a boat accident, our compassionate attorneys can guide you through the wrongful death lawsuit process to recover compensation for funeral and burial expenses, lost financial support, and the loss of companionship.
People involved in boating accidents suffer a wide range of injuries. Some victims of boating accidents escape with minor cuts and bruises while others barely escape with their lives. Common boating accident injuries may include:
- Broken bones. Broken bones are common in any boat collision accident.
- Burns and explosions. Combustible materials, including fuel, on boats, may ignite quickly in a significant collision resulting in severe burns, scarring, and disability. A burn injury lawyer from our firm can help after you’ve sustained serious burns from a boat crash.
- Spinal cord injuries. Any crash or fall from a watercraft may result in severe spinal injury or paralysis.
- Head injuries. Head injuries from traveling in watercraft at high speeds may be mild to severe. Victims may sustain cuts and bruises or concussions and traumatic brain injuries.
- Amputations. Amputations are due to contact with the vessel itself or the propeller.
- Lacerations. Propellers, ladders, or sharp objects on board the boat or in the water may cause lacerations.
Victims of boating accidents are sometimes traumatized by the experience and left with mental and emotional scars throughout their lives.
The moments following a boat accident can be chaotic and filled with adrenaline. However, taking the right steps immediately can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Here’s what you should do after a Houston boat accident:
1. Ensure Safety:
- Check for Injuries: The most crucial step is to assess yourself and others onboard for injuries. If there are serious injuries, call 911 immediately.
- Secure the Vessel: If possible, try to steer the boat to a safe location or anchor it to prevent further danger.
2. Gather Evidence:
- Call the Coast Guard: By law, all boat accidents involving injury, death, disappearance, or property damage exceeding $2,000 must be reported to the U.S. Coast Guard. They will file an official accident report, which can be crucial evidence later.
- Document the Scene: If you’re able, take pictures and videos of the damage to your boat, any injuries you sustained, and the surrounding area. Note down the weather conditions, time of day, and any details you can remember about the accident.
- Exchange Information: Get the names, contact details, and insurance information of all parties involved in the accident, including boat operators and any witnesses.
3. Seek Medical Attention:
Even if you don’t feel immediate pain, adrenaline can mask injuries. Seek medical attention as soon as possible after a boat accident. A doctor can thoroughly examine you, diagnose any injuries, and document your condition for future reference.
4. Contact a Houston Boat Accident Attorney:
An experienced Houston boat accident attorney can be your strongest advocate throughout the legal process. They can:
- Investigate the cause of the accident and identify liable parties.
- Gather and analyze evidence to build a strong case.
- Handle all communication with insurance companies.
- Negotiate for a fair settlement or represent you in court if necessary.
Remember: Don’t discuss the accident with anyone except the Coast Guard, law enforcement officials, your doctor, and your attorney. Avoid admitting fault or making any statements that could be misconstrued by insurance companies.
By following these steps after a Houston boat accident, you can protect your rights and ensure you have the strongest possible case to recover the compensation you deserve. Contact AK Law Firm today for a free consultation and let our experienced attorneys guide you through this challenging time.
The Houston boat accident lawyers at AK Law Firm will assist you in proving accident-related emotional and mental damages, financial losses, medical costs, and future expenses. We will guide you through the legal process and help ease your stress so you can regain your health. Our focus is on making you and your family whole again. Contact AK Law Firm today.
