Boat Accident Lawyer
Although car crashes are the most frequent type of vehicle-related accident, the reality is that any method of transportation can lead to fatal or catastrophic injuries if negligence is involved. This is particularly true for boats and other watercraft. You might not associate boating with the same types of dangers as cars or trucks, but boat accidents are more common than you might realize.
Here in Texas, boating has become a more and more popular recreational activity with each passing year. With that increase in popularity has been an increase in reckless behavior that has led to preventable accidents. If you have been injured by such negligence and need legal advice or representation from a qualifiedboat accident lawyer, Keith B. French Law, PLLC, is here to help.
Boat Operators Need to Follow the “Rule of the Water”
Just as people who drive cars are expected to obey the traffic laws, boat operators need to follow certain rules and regulations when on the water. This is especially true when the operator has other people on their vessels. If an operator acts in a reckless or illegal manner that leads to passenger injury, that operator can be held legally responsible through a personal injury lawsuit.
Some of the more common causes of boat accidents in Texas include:
- Speeding – You may not realize this, but it is possible to be ticketed for speeding in a boat. Under Texas law, a person cannot operate a boat at a speed “that endangers, or is likely to endanger, a person or property.” Speeding is particularly dangerous when operating a boat at night when it is obviously more difficult to see potential hazards.
- Drinking – Just as it is against the law to speed in a boat, it is also illegal to operate a boat while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. Not surprisingly, drunk boating is a major cause of accidents on Texas waterways.
- Failing to Keep a Proper Lookout – Even though waterways may not have the same traffic congestion as highways, boat operators still need to keep a proper lookout at all times for other vessels that may cause a collision. “I never saw them coming” is not a valid defense to a personal injury claim arising from a preventable accident.
- Mechanical Failures – A boat accident may be the result of a failure by the boat itself, which may be the fault of the operator for not performing proper maintenance, or even the manufacturer if there is latent design or manufacturing defect.
Contact Attorney Keith B. French Today
Every year, there are more than 4,000 boat accidents nationwide, according to figures from the U.S. Coast Guard. Many if not most of these accidents could have been avoided. So if you or someone that you love was seriously injured in such an accident, you have the right to demand accountability. An experienced Pearland boat accident lawyer can help. Contact the office of Keith B. French Law, PLLC, today to schedule a free initial consultation.
