Whether you venture out onto one of Texas’s many lakes or beaches for recreational boating, fishing, watersports, or during the course of your job, there is always a chance that other boaters on the water can cause an accident. Although there are many laws, regulations, and organizations that govern safe boating behavior, thousands of boating accident injuries and deaths occur each year. If you have been injured in a boating accident, then you face several unique difficulties that can impact the resolution of your personal injury claim. In order to reduce your risk of being unfairly compensated for the damages you sustained, you need to have an experienced and resolute personal injury attorney from The Mazzola Law Firm, PLLC on your side.
Recovering Damages from Negligent Boaters
Two essential aspects of recovering your damages are determining the cause of your boating accident and the extent of liability. When evaluating such cases, our firm pays close attention to a boater’s failure to comply with boating laws as well as to the common causes of boating accidents. These can include:
- Boating under the influence
- Reckless or aggressive boating
- Unsafe speeds
- Unlicensed, unqualified, and improperly trained operators
Boating accidents are frequently caused by operator error and negligence. Whether operators underestimate the dangers of boating, are improperly trained, or are under the influence, boaters who cause injury accidents must be held responsible. There are also numerous state and federal laws that regulate safe boating behaviors and vessel maintenance. In addition, there are also laws that require operators to report any type of watercraft accident. Accident reports must be filed with a law enforcement agency or the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department if the accident:
- Injures another person to a degree that requires medical treatment beyond first aid
- Causes damage to vessels or property in excess of $2,000
- Results in death
In order to swiftly resolve your claim and recover compensation for the damages you suffered, your case must be worked up to its full potential and liability must be clearly established. With our firm’s extensive familiarity with Texas boating laws and the common causes of boating accidents, we can review your situation with the insight required to find the best approach.
Retain Legal Representation from The Mazzola Law Firm, PLLC
The Department of Homeland Security, via a 2008 press release from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reports that there are well over thirteen million boats on American waterways. The CDC also notes there were 3,489 casualties from boating accidents that year, which resulted in 710 deaths. There are many various forms of boat accidents, including those occurring during recreational activity or on a large scale such as those on cruise ships, naval vessels, or with maritime laborers.
At The Mazzola Law Firm, PLLC, we have the skills, resources, and willpower to fully investigate boating accidents and fight on behalf of injured victims. The unique laws, requirements, and situations inherent to boating accidents can easily complicate claims, making legal representation essential to achieving a favorable resolution of your case. To learn more about the personal circumstances of your boating accident and how our firm’s highly regarded legal team can work toward obtaining the maximum compensation possible, contact us today.