Boat Accidents

Boat Accident Lawyer

Boating accidents often happen fast, and the injuries can be severe, from collisions to falls overboard to propeller injuries. Our attorneys know how to investigate what went wrong, whether that means a careless operator, a rental company that skipped a safety check, or a defective part, and fight for full compensation on your behalf.

Boating Under the Influence

According to Texas law, the term "BUI" stands for "boating under the influence." If a boat operator is found under the influence of alcohol, the operator can be arrested and charged with a crime.

BUI is more than a crime, though; it is an act of negligence. If a drunk boater caused your accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injury or loss.

Other Types of Negligence

Many forms of negligence can lead to a boat accident, such as:

• Driver inattention (distracted driving)
• Speeding
• Defective manufacturing
• Poor maintenance
• Reckless driving
• Inexperienced drivers

If your injury was caused by someone else's carelessness or negligence, you may be able to collect compensation for doctor's visits, hospitalization, missed wages, and future expenses associated with the accident.

Our team can help you understand your legal rights and options, so fill out a free, no-obligation case evaluation form to contact us online and see what The Daspit Law Firm can do for your case.

Compensation for Your Injury

In order to file a successful boat accident lawsuit or claim, you must be able to demonstrate two facts:

• The defendant acted (or failed to act) in a way that was negligent
• The defendant's negligence caused your injury

When you work with The Daspit Law Firm, you can have peace of mind knowing that one of the country's top boating accident attorneys is on your side.

As a former insurance defense lawyer, John Daspit knows how to fight a personal injury case effectively. Today, he uses this experience to create powerful legal strategies for his clients.

FAQS Regarding Boat Accidents

Who can be held liable for a boating accident in Texas?

Liability typically falls on whoever operated the boat negligently, but it can also extend to a boat rental company, a marina, or the manufacturer of a defective vessel or part.

If the operator was drinking, their employer or the establishment that served them may also share responsibility in some circumstances.

What counts as boating under the influence (BUI) in Texas?

BUI applies when a boat operator is impaired by alcohol or drugs while operating a vessel, similar to a DUI on the road. A BUI conviction is strong evidence of negligence in a civil injury claim, since it shows the operator was breaking the law at the time of the accident.

What do I need to prove to win a boat accident claim?

You need to show two things: that the other party acted, or failed to act, in a way that was negligent, and that this negligence caused your injury. Evidence such as witness statements, boat maintenance records, and the operator's blood alcohol level can all help establish both elements.

What compensation can I recover after a boat accident?

You may recover compensation for doctor's visits, hospitalization, missed wages, and future expenses associated with the accident, along with noneconomic damages for pain and suffering. If a loved one was killed, surviving family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim.

How long do I have to file a boat accident claim in Texas?

Generally two years from the date of the accident, and two years from the date of death in a wrongful death case. If the accident occurred on federal waters, maritime law may apply different rules, so it's important to have an attorney confirm which deadlines apply to your case.

Speak With a Boat Accident Lawyer Today

If you were injured in a boating accident caused by someone else's negligence, don't wait to protect your rights. Let our attorneys investigate what happened and fight for the compensation you deserve.

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