Boat/Maritime Injury Attorney Houston TX

Boat/Maritime Injury Attorney Houston TX

Given the sunny skies and year-round warm weather that Texas, and the nearby states, experiences, it might come as no surprise that there are thousands of annual boating accidents. Some involve mild to moderate injuries while others involve serious injuries or even death. Due to possible local, state, federal, and maritime laws being a factor, it is prudent that you seek advice from a  boat/maritime Injury attorney in Houston, TX to ensure your rights are protected and preserved. 

As a law firm that has handled thousands of boat accident claims, we are well versed in many different questions and concerns that are on the minds of victims and their loved ones. The following information is aimed to give you a better understanding of boat accidents, but it is only general. To learn more about your specific situation, please call John K. Zaid & Associates for a confidential and free consultation.

What is Considered to be a Boating Accident and When Do I Need to File an Accident Report?

In general, a boating, or vessel, accident will involve any type of injury, accident, or harm that takes place on a water vessel. For example, if a person is injured on a tour boat while visiting popular areas off the coast, and the accident happened because of a negligent worker, they could have a boat accident claim. Injuries that are the result of a wreckless boat driver may also be qualified for legal action. 

In clearer terms, the U.S. Coast Guard says a boating accident occurs when an individual on a water vessel is injured beyond what first aid can repair, dies, or disappears and is presumed dead or injured. When other property is significantly damaged from a water vessel, it might also be considered a boating accident. If you believe your situation involves one of these scenarios, please call John K. Zaid & Associates. Even if you are not sure, a boat/maritime Injury attorney in Houston, TX can tell you whether or not you need legal representation. 

When You Should File a Boat Accident Report

An accident or casualty report should be submitted to the respective authority when:

• A person dies
• A person disappears and is presumed dead or injured
• A person is injured and requires treatment beyond basic first aid
• The vessel sinks
• The vessel is damaged beyond a certain amount
• The vessel causes damage to another vessel or property beyond a certain amount

To learn more about the process of filing a boating accident claim, call John K. Zaid & Associates to speak with a boat/maritime Injury attorney in Houston, TX.

Cases We Are Familiar With

As leading boat/maritime Injury attorney in Houston, Texas, we have handled thousands of claims and recovered millions of dollars. Among the various types of accidents, we have specifically handled those related to:

• Jet ski accidents
• Wakeboarding accidents
• Tour boat accidents
• Cruise ship accidents
• Airboat accidents
• Boat tender accidents
• Improper boat maintenance accidents
• Defective boat part accidents
• Canoe/kayak accidents
• Sailboat accidents
• Yacht accidents
• + More

The incidents have involved:

• Colliding with another vessel or submerged object
• Driving a boat too fast
• Falling overboard
• Being struck with a propeller
• Getting caught in tow ropes
• Fires
• Capsizing
• Carbon monoxide poisoning from faulty systems
• Hitting a large wave at an unsafe angle
• Overcrowding
• Intoxication from drugs or alcohol

A majority of boat accidents happen within the bays or sounds, but some occur out at sea, in rivers, lakes, or canals. Where the accident occurred could have an effect on your claim and compensation. 

It is possible that a boat accident was caused by uncontrollable circumstances. Furthermore it will be up to the boater to ensure he or she is sober, educated, and that their vessel is well maintained and equipped with the right safety measures. When this is not the case, it is possible that you will have a negligence claim. To find out more, it is advisable to call a respectable boat/maritime Injury attorney in Houston, TX at John K. Zaid & Associates.

A Boat/Maritime Injury Attorney Houston TX Trusts Answers Boating Accidents Questions

A boat/maritime Injury attorney in Houston TX knows that when the warm weather comes, Texas waterways fill up with swimmers and recreational boaters. But along with all that activity comes with it the risks of injuries and deaths from boating accidents. Many people do not realize just how prevalent these incidents are – there are approximately 4,000 accidents each year that result in the about 600 deaths and thousands more injured.

At John K. Zaid & Associates, we have built a strong reputation for successfully representing victims of boat accidents and are available to assist you and your family if you have been injured and need to pursue a claim against a negligent boat operator.

What Are the Most Common Reasons for Boating Accidents?

Boat Operator Error

Boat operator error is the most common cause of boating accidents. Operators who lack experience and training do not realize that boats are not supposed to be operated like vehicles and often end up crashing their vessels. The most common errors include:

• Boat operator inexperience responding to wakes or waves
• Boat operator inexperience responding to weather
• Boat operator speeding
• Failure of boat operator to have proper safety equipment aboard the boat
• Failure of boat operator to yield to bigger boats
• Overloaded boat

Boat Operator under the Influence

Just as it is a major cause in vehicle accidents, people operating boats while they are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is also a major cause of boat accidents. Although it is a common factor in recreational boating accidents, it is also a factor in commercial boating accidents too.

What Are the Most Common Types of Boating Accident Injuries?

Many victims of boat accidents suffer the same types of injuries they do in car accidents, such as concussions, fractured bones, back injuries, and more. But there is the additional danger of a victims falling into the water when there is a boat crash, putting them at high risk of drowning. It is not uncommon for victims who do survive a fall overboard to suffer from brain damage because of the lack of oxygen from being underwater too long. Victims can also suffer from hypothermia if they are in the water for a long period of time before they are rescued.

What Types of Damages Can Be Pursued in a Boat Accident Claim?

If the boat accident was caused by the negligence or recklessness of the boat operator, then the victim can pursue damages for the losses they have suffered. This can include medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, and emotional anguish. Boat operators can also be held responsible for any permanent disability or disfigurement the victim has sustained.

Not Just Recreational Boaters Who Are at Risk

Those who work at sea, are connected with seafaring commercial or are military activity are at risk of being involved in serious injuries. These injuries are known as maritime injuries. Given that the laws can be complicated at sea and the equipment can be immense, Maritime claims require competent, experienced attorneys. If you have had any type of maritime accident, please contact the office of John K. Zaid & Associates in Houston, Texas.

Someone involved in a maritime accident may be unable to return to work for an extended period of time. The paycheck you and your family rely on may come to an abrupt stop. Insurance companies don’t pay all of the medical bills, and they try to “cut-corners” wherever possible, meaning you might not receive the optimum treatment for your injury.

Top 10 Contributing Factors in Boating Accidents

• Operator inattention
• Improper lookout
• Alcohol use
• Mechanical failure
• Hazardous waters
• Weather
• Excessive speed
• Navigation violations
• Force of wake

Know Your Rights

Most individuals who find themselves with a maritime injury are not aware of their rights. John K. Zaid & Associates is here to help you. Our team of experienced boat/maritime Injury attorneys will thoroughly investigate your claim, answer all of your legal questions and protect your rights. We represent all clients in court with the knowledge and skill required to secure the highest compensation in each case.

In order to be successful in a boat accident claim, victims should consult with a boat/maritime Injury attorney Houston TX clients turn to who has experience in these types of accident claims. Unlike other personal injury cases which are covered by state injury statutes, the boating accident may be covered by federal maritime laws, depending on the circumstances of the accident.

To explain details of your maritime accident and learn your rights, contact John K. Zaid & Associates today for a free consultation.