Boat Accident Attorney in Mesquite Helping Victims Hold Reckless Boat Owners and Operators Liable for Their Damages

Studies by the U.S. Coast Guard have shown that most boating accidents tend to occur due to circumstances that were under the bot operator’s control. Any person operating a boat has a duty of care to onboard passengers and other waterway users and may be held financially liable for any damages resulting from a boat accident. Learn how boat accident claims work in Texas and what you should do to recover compensation for your injuries.

What Causes Most Boat Accidents in Texas?

Some of the most common causes of boating accidents are distractions, improper lookout, and inexperienced operators. Much like distracted driving on a roadway, operating a boat without placing one’s full attention on the task of controlling the vessel while staying alert to the weather, other boats, and passengers often lead to serious accidents.

In larger vessels, the boat operator may need to rely on another person to be their lookout and alert them of any hazards the operator may not be able to see. Failing to have an attentive lookout also leads to frequent accidents. The same is true for inexperienced operators who may not have any training driving a boat and may not be aware of navigation rules. Finally, drugs, alcohol, and excessive speeds are also common causes of serious boat accidents in Texas.

Who Is Financially Liable for My Boat Accident Injuries?

Each boating accident is unique, but generally speaking, possible liable parties for a boat accident may include the boat owner, the boat operator, and, less commonly, the manufacturer of the boat or boating equipment. Some cases may have more than one liable party.

For example, if the boat owner was also the boat operator and was engaging in reckless behavior such as speeding or deliberately ignoring bad weather and taking the boat out on the water, that individual may be financially responsible if an accident occurs and someone is injured. Sometimes, someone other than the boat owner is operating the vessel, meaning both the owner and the operator may be liable. Finally, if the accident was caused by a manufacturing defect or mechanical failure, the manufacturer of that particular piece of equipment may be held responsible for the accident. A boating accident attorney can help you determine who is financially liable for your damages.

Is There a Time Limit to File a Boat Accident Claim in Texas?

A boat accident is considered a type of personal injury claim. In Texas, personal injury claims are subject to a legal deadline called a statute of limitations, which determines how much time a victim has to come forward and seek reimbursement for damages sustained as a result of someone else’s actions.

The statute of limitation for civil claims (including boating accidents) in Texas is two years from the date when the accident occurred. This means the clock starts ticking the day your accident happens, and you have two years to take action. Failing to initiate your case within the two-year timeframe may result in your case being automatically dismissed because the statute of limitations has run out, so be sure to take prompt action and reach out to a boat accident lawyer sooner than later.

Why Do I Need to Hire a Boat Accident Lawyer for My Case?

Boat accident claims can be complicated and, in some cases, require multiple claims and a significant amount of paperwork. You may also find yourself dealing with constant calls from insurance adjusters who only want to find a reason not to pay you what you deserve.

When you choose a boat accident lawyer such as Attorney Gregg Oberg and the Oberg Law Office in Mesquite, Texas, you can rest assured your attorney will handle every aspect of your case on your behalf and represent you before the insurance companies so you can get the fair compensation you need to get back on your feet. Reach out to the Oberg Law Office at 972-640-9147  to discuss your case and learn your options.