Personal Injury Law Firm Houston TX
Personal Injury Law Firm Houston TX
Texas has some beautiful waterways for recreational boating, many right here in Houston. And while there are not nearly as many boating accidents in Houston as there are car accidents, there are still tragic incidents that do occur. When a victim has been injured in a boating accident caused by another party, it is important to contact a personal injury law firm Houston TX victims trust to see what your legal options may be.
“Boating Accident” Defined
A “boating accident” is defined by the state officials as any event where there is a death or disappearance of a person, a personal injury, property damage, or total vessel loss resulting from the operation, construction, seaworthiness, equipment, or machinery of the vessel. This definition encompasses vessels that are classified as boats, both large and small, from ferries to cruise liners to kayaks. The following are some of the incidents that can occur that result in injuries to victims and should always be reported to authorities.
Accident Is Caused by the Boat Operator
There are many accidents that seem fairly obvious to report. For instance, accidents that result from the actions of the boat operator are reportable and can include collision with another watercraft, stationary object or submerged object, or accidentally running aground, capsizing, or sinking. Naturally, any byproduct that occurs from the actions of the boat operator is also a reportable accident. Examples of byproducts could be, for example, if a person is ejected from the boat as a result of the boat colliding with an object, if a person is caused to fall inside the boat or overboard, or if a piece of the boat, equipment or machinery causes injury to a person as a result of an impact.
Accidents Involving Equipment or Machinery Onboard
Similarly, as a personal injury lawyer Houston, TX clients recommend can explain, accidents that involve boat equipment or machinery are also reportable. If a person sustains an injury while operating a sail cinch, or is struck by the boat’s propeller, propulsion unit, or steering machinery, it is a reportable incident.
In the event that equipment on board the boat is a malfunction and causes injury or death, this too is a reportable accident, regardless of whether the boat is in motion, docked, anchored, or moored. Malfunctioning equipment could cause an onboard fire or explosion. Another example would be if a loose or improperly insulated wire produces a stray current that propagates through any contiguous wet surfaces on the boat deck, thereby electrocuting or shocking any individual that touches the electrified water.
Accidents That Occur to People Around the Boat
Boating accidents can impact people other than just those who are on board. Often boating accidents involve people who are near or around the boat. For instance, water-skiers are often involved in accidents, as are many other riders of towable devices. A boat can strike a lone swimmer or could hit a wild animal. Accidents of this nature should be reported.
Contacting a Personal Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one have been involved in a boating accident, you need a Houston, TX personal injury law firm that has extensive experience in boating accidents. Call John K. Zaid & Associates for a free consultation.
