Austin Boating Accident Lawyer

When it comes to dealing with your injuries following a boating accident, you’ll likely have many questions. A boating accident lawyer in Austin can help. 

Going for a ride on the boat is supposed to be summertime fun for the whole family—but getting injured in an accident can be complicated. If you’ve been injured in a boating accident, contact Gibbs & Crivelli, Slingshot Law – an Austin boating accident lawyer, can review your personal injury case in Austin TX.

Causes of Austin Boating Accidents

When we think of boating, we think of fun times with family and friends on the water. Although it can be hard to imagine the consequences of a boating accident in Austin, the worst can happen. Injuries can be devastating on your physical, emotional, and financial well-being. When your accident is caused by someone else’s carelessness, however, you may be entitled to a settlement for your damages.

Boat accidents can be caused by a variety of different factors, whether personal or environmental. Some of the leading causes of boating accidents in Texas include:

• Distracted boating – When you’re on the boat, distractions can come from many different places. When pulling a skier, navigating a route, or checking bilge levels, boat operators can take their eyes off the water.

• Drinking – Cracking a beer while out on the water is a popular pastime for many. There can be drastic consequences when operators pass the limit, however. Alcohol consumption on the water can be even more inhibiting than grounded drinking, leading to many alcohol-related accidents.

• Excessive speed – Although there are legal speed limits for the water in the state of Texas, many boaters flout them while cruising around lakes and rivers. Too much speed, however, can prove to be dangerous.

• Inexperienced driver – Often, young boaters don’t have the experience required to successfully navigate crowded weekend waterways. Throw in any of the above factors, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.

How Is Negligence Proven in Austin TX Boating Accidents?

In Austin, Texas, proving negligence in boating accidents typically involves establishing several key elements. Firstly, it must be shown that the boat operator had a duty to operate their vessel safely and in accordance with relevant laws and regulations. Then, it needs to be demonstrated that the operator breached this duty, perhaps by operating the boat recklessly or failing to follow boating guidelines. The connection between this breach and the accident itself must be established, along with evidence of any resulting damages, such as physical injuries or property damage. Evidence like witness testimony, accident reports, and expert opinions can be crucial in demonstrating negligence in Austin boating accidents. Proving non-economic damages can be challenging but possible with the help of our boating accident attorneys. Consulting Gibbs & Crivelli, Slingshot Law who is experienced in handling boating accident cases in Texas can provide tailored guidance and assistance in navigating the legal process.

What Are Some Common Boat Accident Injuries?

Boat accidents can result in a variety of injuries, ranging from minor to severe. Some common injuries include:

1. Drowning and Near-Drowning: Accidents involving capsized or submerged boats can lead to drowning or near-drowning incidents, which can cause serious injury or death.
2. Head Injuries: Collisions, falls, or being struck by objects on the boat can cause head injuries ranging from concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
3. Lacerations and Contusions: Contact with sharp objects, collisions, or falls can result in cuts, scrapes, bruises, and other soft tissue injuries.
4. Fractures and Orthopedic Injuries: Falls or impacts can cause broken bones, sprains, strains, and other orthopedic injuries.
5. Spinal Cord Injuries: Falls or impacts on the boat can lead to spinal cord injuries, which can result in partial or complete paralysis and other long-term disabilities.
6. Burns: Fires or explosions on board can cause burns, which can range from minor to severe depending on the extent of the exposure.

How to Avoid Austin Boating Accidents

There are some simple things you can do to avoid getting in trouble on the water. Avoiding alcohol and excessive speeding can help, as well as taking extra precautions when boating with an inexperienced driver.

Often, poor weather conditions can play a part in boating accidents. Keeping an eye on the day’s weather forecast can help you decide whether going anchors up is a good choice.

At the end of the day, accidents can happen even in good circumstances. When confronted with damages to their person or property in a boating accident, most Austin, Texas residents opt to consult a boating accident lawyer before accepting an insurance company’s first settlement offer.

Contact a Boating Accident Lawyer in Austin

Sometimes, you only get one shot to take on the insurance giants following an accident: Make it a slingshot. Gibbs & Crivelli, Slingshot Law helps Austin boating accident victims like you recover damages from the at-fault party by taking on the insurance giants head-on.

Want to consult an Austin boating accident lawyer from our firm? Call 800-488-7840 or fill out the form below to set up a free consultation.