Georgetown Boat Accident Lawyer

The North and South Fork of the San Gabriel River permit boating during certain times, which means that many different kinds of watercraft navigate the waterways around Georgetown. Unfortunately, this makes local rivers home to frequent collisions. Boat accidents can be uniquely dangerous since even the most skilled swimmers could drown unexpectedly. If another boat crashed into yours or you lost a family member to drowning, a personal injury representative could help you pursue compensation. An experienced Georgetown boat accident lawyer could work hard to assess the specifics of your crash and fight for your rights.

Primary Causes of Boat Crashes in Georgetown

A variety of factors could cause a boat accident, and most triggers are negligence related. A boater acting responsibly significantly reduces the chances of an accident. Unfortunately, many boat drivers do not respect the presence of other watercraft or understand the danger they pose when operating their vehicle unsafely. Common causes of boating accidents include but are not limited to:

• Intoxicated boaters
• Reckless navigating
• Capsizing or sinking
• Colliding with another water vehicle
• Equipment failure
• Lack of lifejackets or safety equipment
• Swimming into a propeller

One unique element of boating accidents is that receiving medical care is usually a delayed process. In most cases, first responders take longer to reach a boat than they would to arrive at a land vehicle. This wait can exacerbate the injuries a plaintiff suffers after colliding with a negligent boater.

Understanding Intoxicated Boater Cases

A surprising amount of people operate their boats while under the influence of alcohol. Many seem to think that DUI laws do not apply to boating, but they are incorrect. Driving a boat while intoxicated is always considered negligent behavior. This reckless action is one of the most common causes of boating crashes. Having a seasoned Georgetown attorney prove that a negligent boater was intoxicated while driving could bolster the impact of a plaintiff’s accident claim.

What Other Vehicles Could be Involved in a Boat Accident?

While boats are the most common type of vessel that navigates Texas waters, many other vehicles could be involved in an accident. Other kinds of watercraft that could collide with a boat include:

• Jet skis or wave runners
• Windsurfers
• Canoes and kayaks
• Ferries and commercial boats
• Parasails
• Paddleboards, surfboards, or longboards

When someone is in an accident on any of these types of boats, they have rights that a compassionate and understanding lawyer in Georgetown could protect.

Drowning & Wrongful Death Claims

One of the worst possible outcomes of a boat accident is a drowning fatality. Losing a relative unexpectedly might leave a family without valuable support. Fortunately, Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 71.002 permits certain family members to file a wrongful death action to recover financial compensation after losing a loved one to drowning. Damages may include reimbursement for reduced income, expensive medical costs, or property damage. Repayment for non-economic losses like grief, pain and suffering, or loss of consortium is also an option. A dedicated Georgetown attorney could empathize with a suffering family and help them maximize damages following a boat accident.

Contact a Georgetown Boat Accident Attorney for Help

Since boating wrecks present unique challenges and result in distinct injuries, your lawsuit deserves the careful consideration of a Georgetown boat accident lawyer. Our firm could work with you to determine the cause of the collision and hold the negligent boater responsible for their reckless conduct. Reach out today to get started on your case.