McKinney Boating Accident Lawyer
Many people in Texas enjoy boat outings on the waterways of our beautiful state, from rivers and lakes to the ocean. Boating is often a fun and safe pastime that boat operators and their passengers enjoy. Sometimes, however, what starts as a pleasurable experience turns into a tragic accident that causes personal injury and property damage.
A McKinney boating accident lawyer like Dale R. Rose, PLLC can help those injured due to another person’s negligence seek the monetary compensation they deserve. We understand how devastating these kinds of crashes can be, and we’ll work hard to help you gather the evidence you need to support your claims. In the event that a settlement can’t be reached with the insurance company, we can file a lawsuit on your behalf.
What Legal Obligations Do Boat Operators Have?
Boat operators in McKinney and the rest of Texas must follow all applicable water safety regulations. They owe certain legal obligations to those around them and are forbidden to engage in certain activities that include:
- Reckless operation
- Negligent operation
- Speeding
Those driving boats must operate motorboats, vessels, or personal watercraft (Jet Ski, WaveRunner, Sea-Do and AquaTrax) and similar devices in a method that avoids willfully or wantonly reckless or negligent behavior and puts other people or property in danger. They must not operate these types of vehicles at speeds greater than what could be considered prudent or reasonable for the current conditions and hazards around them.
Those operating these types of vessels are also prohibited from doing so while intoxicated. The legally allowed blood alcohol content (BAC) allowed for operators on Texas waterways is .08%, with no lower limit for those who fall under the age of 21. Those who cause accidents, endanger children, and/or cause injuries when boating under the influence (BUI) can receive harsh penalties just like those who engage in drunk driving on the land.
What Do I Do after Being Injured in a Boating Accident?
Victims of boating accidents often suffer serious injuries that cause life-altering circumstances, not to mention mounting medical bills. Negligent boat operators may cause passengers to be ejected from their watercraft, to be struck by a propeller or object in the water, to slip and fall, to sustain whiplash, or to hit an object on the actual vessel.
Injuries may run the range from minor like scrapes or minor cuts to much more serious issues like broken bones, burns, traumatic brain injuries, paralysis, drowning, or even death. Those who are either injured or lose a loved one in such accidents have the right to seek financial restitution to help as they try to recover from the injuries or loss they have sustained.
In many cases this will involve filing insurance claims against the negligent party or parties. Often, however, insurance companies will try to deny or lowball a victim’s claim to save money. This is why it can be crucial to have an attorney fighting for your legal rights. They can help with negotiating your claim and in the event that the insurance company refuses to settle, filing a civil lawsuit in court.
If you were injured on Lewisville Lake, Lake Texoma, Grapevine Lake, Lake Ray Roberts, Lake Lavon, Lake Ray Hubbard, Cedar Creek Reservoir, Lake Tawakoni, Lake Fork, or any other lake in Texas, we can help.
Contact a McKinney Boating Accident Lawyer with Dale R. Rose, PLLC
Contact a McKinney boating accident lawyer at Dale R. Rose, PLLC to learn more about your legal rights after this type of life-changing incident. We bring years of experience in practicing this area of law and will fight vigorously for our clients. Call us at (972) 634-7673 or contact us online in order to arrange a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
