Boating Accidents

Patrick R. Kelly is a reputable attorney who understands boating accidents and can assist in such claims. His legal practice handles claims on behalf of injured victims who suffered due to the negligence or unsafe actions of others while boating, swimming, jet skiing, or other water sports.

While on the water, the last thing anyone should have to think about or need when the fun is over is a lawyer. Unfortunately, negligent and dangerous behavior injures innocent people every year on area lakes. Texas boasts numerous lakes within its borders. North Texas is particularly saturated with reservoirs and bodies of water. There are 42 lakes within a 100-mile radius of Dallas. Fishermen seek a bounty of fish throughout the year. Due to the unique warm climate around Dallas, boaters, water skiers, wake boarders, and swimmers frequent area lakes for many months as well.

Numerous obvious and hidden dangers exist on bodies of water that can render serious injury or death while engaging in recreational activities. Every summer there are a slew of news reports of drownings and boating accidents. Many are the result of drinking alcohol. Almost all are the result of the negligence on the part of someone not paying attention while on the water. Oddly, Texas water safety laws are limited when compared to laws that citizens must comply with on land. For example, individuals are not required to have a driver’s license to drive a boat. Open containers of alcohol on a water vessel are not illegal. It is no wonder then that boating accidents and lake accidents are common. But they are preventable. When people fail to act reasonable and to prevent injuries on the lake, a dedicated Texas attorney familiar with the type of accidents that may occur on bodies of water can represent the victim to recover the compensation he or she is owed.

The obvious examples of fatalities or injuries that occur on area lakes are boating wrecks and drownings. As is tradition for water vessels, the driver, captain, or pilot of the boat is charged with the task of a heightened sense of duty to keep all guests on his or her boat safe. The driver must pay attention to where his boat is heading, the depth of the water, and whether any dangerous obstacles such as stumps may be under the water. Wear, he or she must maintain control of those on the boat and insure that all children where life jackets and that all adults are not excessively drinking or acting rowdy to the degree that may endanger that person or others. The driver of the boat should never consume alcohol or drugs that may impair the ability to steer or manage the watercraft. Furthermore, individuals on the boat must be aware of all those who are in the water and ensure they are safely returned to the watercraft before moving to another location. The boat driver must ensure that all limbs, ropes, and bodies are free from the motor propeller.

When common sense and lake safety is left at the dock, the likelihood an injury will occur is greatly increased. Numerous lawsuits are filed in Texas each year to compensate people whose day on the water was cut short by the dangerous behavior of others. Many factors must be assessed to determine the validity of a claim including which parties or individual was responsible, boat and home owners liability insurance that may cover the injuries, the existence of alcohol or drug consumption, etc. An experienced attorney can evaluate injuries sustained on a lake and determine whether a valid claim exists.

If you or a loved one have been hurt on an area lake and seek to recover for those injuries, contact our law offices immediately. There are time limitations to assert in claim, so call now.