At The Benton Law Firm, we’re committed to representing boating accident victims and their families. We know how to get you the compensation you need if you were injured in a boating accident through no fault of your own. Don’t let someone else’s reckless actions cost you your health and your financial well-being. Contact our Fort Worth boat accident lawyers for help today.
From colliding with another vessel to capsizing or encountering an intoxicated boat driver, you may risk serious injuries and even death when people act negligently on the water. Reports from 2021 – 2022 indicate 4,043 boating accidents, with 2,022 injuries across the country. And while people are required to report boating accidents that result in serious injuries or death in the state of Texas, the U.S. Coast Guard estimated that only half of all accidents are reported. Despite your own careful and responsible actions, you may still be at risk of a boat accident due to other reckless drivers or mechanical malfunctions.
Because these accidents happen on the water, passengers falling overboard and drowning is always a risk, making boating accidents extremely dangerous. Navigating the complexities of a personal injury case can be overwhelming. That’s why you need a skilled legal representative on your side every step of the way to protect your rights. Schedule a free consultation with a Fort Worth boat accident attorney today by calling The Benton Law Firm at (817) 935-8000 or completing the online form.
Why You Need a Fort Worth Boat Accident Attorney
The days, weeks, and months following a boat accident are incredibly hard and stressful for everyone involved. Whether recovering from surgery or learning to live with a disability, focusing on your rehabilitation and well-being is paramount. Many boating accident victims have no experience or understanding of personal injury law. They may make several wrong choices when talking to and settling their case with insurance companies. A dedicated and committed boating accident attorney can handle every aspect of your case and get every dollar you deserve to help pay for expenses related to your injury. From gathering evidence and filing paperwork to taking your case to court (if need be), an experienced personal injury lawyer will streamline every step of your case so that you can focus on moving on with your life.
Why Choose The Benton Law Firm?
At The Benton Law Firm, we always make the needs and rights of our clients our number one priority. With your physical and financial livelihood on the line, you need the comfort and assurance that the person in your corner and by your side will treat you with respect, tell you the truth, and do everything in their power to get the justice you deserve. Having the right lawyer can make all the difference in the world. Our team of Fort Worth personal injury lawyers treats every case like it’s their own. We communicate with our clients every step of the way so they’re never in the dark. With a superb AVVO rating of 10.0, our firm has won millions in compensation over the years for injured victims and their families who can’t speak for themselves. Contact us today at (817) 935-8000, and take the first step in moving on with your life.
Common Causes of Boating Accidents
One of the most common causes of serious injury accidents is the operation of a boat while intoxicated. For boat passengers of legal age, consuming alcohol on the water is acceptable. However, for those operating the boat, driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal and incredibly dangerous. In 2015, alcohol was the cause of 260 boating accidents, 228 injuries, and 91 deaths across the country. Alcohol impairs one’s ability to judge distances and make quick decisions. When boaters drive under the influence, they are at a high risk of colliding with another boat, a smaller personal watercraft, or a swimmer.
There are a number of other causes of boating accidents that result from another person’s negligent actions. And while you may be a safe and responsible boat operator, you risk coming across a reckless driver. Some additional causes of boating accidents and injuries include the following:
- Operator inattention or inexperience
- Mechanical defects
- Defective design or repair
- Colliding with buoys or fixed objects
- Boaters not wearing life jackets
- Speeding and misjudging the distance to slow down
- Hitting a large wave at unsafe speeds
- Coming into contact with boat propellers
- Overcrowding
Any of the above accidents can lead to severe injuries for the driver, passengers, or others on the water. Operating a boat on open water should be done with care and proper attention, and if a boat operator fails to do so, the consequences can be dire.
Boating In Texas
With its access to the Gulf of Mexico, an abundance of inland waterways, and a warm climate, Texas is one of the most popular boating states in the nation. Statistics from the U.S. Coast Guard indicate 624,390 boat registrations across the state, with Texans spending almost $1 billion in 2011 alone on powerboats, motors, trailers, and accessories. All that money and open water mean that many people spend weekends and vacation days on their boats with friends and family. Unfortunately, the chance of boating accidents and injuries increases with more boat registrations and more people on the water yearly.
Contact Our Fort Worth Boat Accident Lawyers Today
Suppose you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a boating accident due to another person’s irresponsible actions and behavior. In that case, you may be eligible to receive financial compensation to pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other financial damages. Navigating the complexities of personal injury law without a skilled legal professional can be incredibly difficult. That’s why you need the Fort Worth injury lawyers of The Benton Law Firm on your side every step of the way. Call (817) 935-8000 today to schedule a free consultation.