With an abundance of lakes and coastlines in Texas, boating in and around the Lonestar State is bountiful. Getting out on the water can be a great way to relax and have fun. But boating can also be dangerous, especially if proper precautions are not taken. Texas Parks and Wildlife reports between 250 and 400 boating accidents every year, with approximately ¼ of those resulting in fatalities.

If you or someone you care about is injured on a vessel belonging to another, you may have a claim against the negligent party. Boating accidents and injuries can result in everything from minor cuts and abrasions to serious injury, requiring years of rehabilitation and long-term care.

Common Causes of Boating Accidents

The most common injuries from boating accidents generally involve recreational watercraft, such as motorboats, ski & wakeboard boats, and jet skis. Recreational equipment such as skis and tubes are also a major contributor to boating accidents in injuries of all kinds. This can be because of the inherit risks involved in these activities, but also because proper precautions and safety measures are not in place to avoid these risks. Failure to implement and follow proper safety protocols can amount to a form of clear negligence. Common causes of injuries while boating are often caused by one of the following:

• Passengers not wearing life vests
• Proper precautions not taken for child passengers
• Collisions with other boats or structures
• Boats flooding, or sinking
• Fires & Explosions on-board the vessel

Boating accidents can occur to even the most careful of operators, but studies show that that a large majority of accidents and injuries are a direct result of operator errors and omissions, and boating under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Common examples of negligence by a vessel operator include reckless operation, operating at unsafe speeds, and a general lack of experience and knowledge to navigate in less than optimal conditions.

Contact Our North Texas Boating Accident Lawyers Team at Chandler Ross Law. With offices in Denton, Tarrant and Dallas Counties, we are positioned to provide the most effective and highly-skilled representation possible. Don’t wait, and don’t compromise – contact us today to see how we can help you. In most cases, you pay nothing unless you win. Contact Us now at (940) 800-2500 to schedule your free personal injury case evaluation and consultation!