Boating accident attorneys are specialists in maritime law and experts at extricating the many complicated legal issues that can occur because of a boating accident. Because of the extensive and often varied legal ramifications that can influence litigation, boating accident attorneys must be cognizant of the various laws that cover marine issues. Our attorneys at Juan Hernandez Law P.C. pride themselves on securing the maximum awards under the law, should their clients suffer personal injury, fatality, or property damage, because of incompetence or carelessness on the part of boat owners/operators.

Recreational boating has always been an attractive means of spending leisure time in Texas with family and friends. Whether the appeal lies in an impromptu fishing expedition on a lazy summer day, a chance to explore marine life, or just a quick cruise across a lake, boating is supposed to be fun. Unfortunately, far too often, this pursuit of pleasure can result in grievous bodily harm, enormous property damages, and heartbreaking fatalities because of boating accidents. The most reported type of boating accident resulted from collisions between vessels. Although in most cases, this type of boating accident usually resulted in astronomical property damage, capsizing and falling overboard have the dubious distinction of being the cause of over half the fatalities from reported boating accidents.

The U.S. Coast Guard, who has absolute power on the water, compile annual statistics which report on the increasing number of deaths, injuries, and property damage that occur as a result of boating accidents. The details are both sobering and frightening – hundreds of fatalities, thousands of injuries, and millions in property damage. In a great many documented cases, liability is assessed due to carelessness and/or recklessness, operator inattention, or inexperience and excessive speed.

The following are situations where a boating accident report must be filed:

…If the accident results in loss of life.
…If someone is injured and requires attention beyond basic first aid.
…If the vessel or other property sustains damage because of an accident.
…If someone on board a vessel disappears, and it appears it may be possible that death or injury has occurred.

All boating accidents must be reported within forty-eight hours, should a fatality related to the accident occur within twenty-four hours of the incident, or if a person injured aboard a vessel receives an injury that requires more than basic first aid. Accidents that result in damage to the vessel or other property must be reported within ten days of the incident.

In the case of a boating accident that results in injury, fatality, or property damage, it would be wise to consult with one of our attorney’s at Juan Hernandez Law P.C. to be advised of the legal rights under the law. Injured parties may be entitled to sue for damages, so a boating accident lawyer will clarify the necessary steps to be taken prior to filing a claim.