Houston Boat Accident Lawyer

Many people enjoy boating on the Gulf of Mexico and other waterways in the Houston area. There's nothing like a day on the water to invigorate and inspire you! Unfortunately, boat and vessel accidents are common in US waters. The Coast Guard reported a 40 percent increase in boating accidents and deaths between January and April 2021. As the Texas population grows, we see more serious and fatal boating accidents.

When someone's negligence causes a boating accident, you have legal options for compensation. You're entitled in Texas to compensation for your injuries and losses if someone's negligence injures you. You can even receive punitive damages if the other party was extremely reckless and negligent.

Our Houston vessel and boat accident lawyer at Suits & Boots Accident Injury Lawyers will review your case and determine if there was negligence that can lead to possible compensation. You will not pay legal fees unless we win!

Contact us today at (713) 489-0922 to schedule your free case consultation with our trusted team of Houston personal injury lawyers. 

Why Choose Us? 

Suits & Boots Accident Injury Lawyers regularly handle boating accident claims that lead to outstanding compensation for our valued clients. Our past boat and car injury clients give us high marks for our case results and skill. Jas and Kip Brar, two brothers, have been long-time attorneys and are now partnering their experience to protect the rights of Houston boaters.

At Suits & Boots, we realize that boating accidents come with serious injuries and other damages. If you or a loved one has been in a boating accident in Houston, you should always reach out to a legal professional for best results.

Please contact our Houston vessel and boat accident attorney now for a free consultation. Our attorneys are not compensated unless they obtain compensation for you in a personal injury claim or lawsuit.

Compensation In Houston Vessel And Boat Accidents

A boating or vessel accident in Houston can lead to severe or fatal injuries. You'll need a seasoned boat accident attorney to prove fault and maximize your compensation for:

• Medical expenses: Covers past, ongoing, and future costs related to injuries from the accident, including hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and medication.
• Lost income: Compensation for income lost due to injury-related inability to work, including potential future earnings if the injury impacts long-term employment.
• Pain and suffering: Addresses physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident, which may include compensation for therapy or mental health support.
• Property damage: Reimbursement for damage to your boat, personal watercraft, or other property affected in the accident.
• Physical impairment: Covers permanent injuries, such as scarring, disfigurement, or loss of mobility, that affect your quality of life.
• Punitive damages: In rare cases involving extreme negligence or intentional misconduct, additional compensation may be awarded to punish the responsible party.

Texas state laws typically apply for accidents on inland waters like Lake Houston or Lake Conroe. You generally have two years to file a personal injury claim from the accident date. If the accident occurred on navigable waters near the Gulf of Mexico, federal maritime law might be involved, which can extend the filing window to three years and change how liability is handled. 

At Suits & Boots Accident Injury Lawyers, our Houston boating and vessel accident attorney can assist you with any of these legal claims. They can be your best ally in this challenging process.

Where Do Houston Boating Accidents Happen? 

Houston boating and vessel accidents can occur in various locations due to the region's abundance of waterways, lakes, and proximity to the Gulf Coast. Common places where boating accidents happen include:

• Lake Houston: A popular spot for recreational boating, this lake northeast of Houston sees accidents due to its heavy use by boaters, especially during peak seasons.
• Lake Conroe: Located north of Houston, this large lake is a hotspot for boating, fishing, and water sports, where collisions and operator errors often contribute to accidents.
• Sheldon Lake: Situated east of Houston, this smaller lake attracts local boaters, and accidents can occur due to its confined space and potential for overcrowding.
• Clear Lake: South of Houston near NASA, this area is busy with boating traffic, including sailboats and motorboats, increasing the risk of incidents.
• Buffalo Bayou: Running through downtown Houston, this urban waterway sees smaller vessels and kayaks, with accidents linked to narrow channels and operator inattention.
• Galveston Bay: Near Houston along the Gulf Coast, this bay experiences accidents due to its mix of recreational and commercial traffic, plus unpredictable weather.
• Gulf of Mexico (Texas Coast): Accessible from Houston, offshore waters can be prone to accidents involving larger boats, influenced by rough seas and storms.

What Causes Boating Accidents In Houston? 

Like auto accidents, boating accidents happen for many reasons. Many serious and fatal vessel and boating accidents come down to human error. Common reasons include:

• Operator inattention: Distractions like talking to passengers, using a phone, or not focusing on the surroundings can lead to collisions with other boats, obstacles, or fixed objects.
• Operator inexperience: Lack of proper training or unfamiliarity with boating rules and handling can result in poor decision-making, especially in challenging conditions.
• Excessive speed: High speeds reduce reaction time, making it harder to avoid hazards, other vessels, or swimmers on busy waterways.
• Alcohol use: Operating a boat while intoxicated impairs judgment and coordination, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.
• Mechanical failure: Equipment malfunctions, such as engine or steering issues, often due to poor maintenance, can cause loss of control or strand boaters in dangerous situations.
• Weather conditions: Sudden changes like high winds, rough waters, or poor visibility can overwhelm operators, especially if unprepared or inexperienced.
• Collision with fixed objects: Striking docks, rocks, or buoys can damage boats and injure passengers, often due to inattention or speed.

You should talk to a Houston vessel and boat accident attorney to determine if someone's negligence caused your injuries. If so, your attorney can help you receive the most compensation for your injuries.

Fighting The Insurance Company 

Dealing with an insurance company after a boating accident in Texas can be a frustrating and overwhelming process. Not only are you overwhelmed with injuries and income loss. You have an insurance company giving you the runaround! Fortunately, a Houston personal injury attorney will deal with the insurance company and deal with any issues. Here's how the insurance process usually goes:

Who Is Covered? 

First, one big problem people face is figuring out what's covered. Suppose you've got a specific boat insurance policy. In that case, it might cover damage to your boat, injuries to yourself or passengers, and liability if you caused harm to someone else or their property.

But the catch is that it depends on the fine print, such as whether you have comprehensive coverage or just liability and if there are payout limits. If you're relying on homeowners insurance instead, coverage is usually pretty limited. It might help with small boats or damage like theft or vandalism when the boat's not in use, but it often caps out at a low amount, like $1,000, and may not touch accidents on the water or liability for injuries. Also, if another boater injured you, there may be questions about whose policiy should pay

Report The Boating Accident 

Ensure you've reported the accident to the proper authorities, like the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, as Texas law requires this for incidents involving injury, death, or significant property damage. Gather as much evidence as possible, such as photos of the scene, damage to the boat, and any injuries, plus witness statements and contact info. This builds a solid foundation for your case.

Contact Your Insurance Company 

When you contact your insurance company, remember when and where the accident happened, who was involved, and the extent of the damage or injuries. Don't speculate about fault or give unnecessary details—they might use it against you. If the other party's insurance is involved, be cautious about early settlement offers. They often lowball to close the case quickly.

What If Someone Isn't Insured? 

Then there's the issue of no insurance at all. Not every state requires boat insurance, so if the person who hit you doesn't have it and can't pay out of pocket, you're left scrambling. Your own policy might have uninsured boater coverage, but if not, it's complicated. You may need a skilled attorney to recover compensation for you.

Insurance Company Delays And Denials 

The insurer might delay, deny, or undervalue your claim, claiming the accident wasn't covered, you were at fault, or the damages don't justify your request. This is where things get tricky. Have a vessel and boating accident attorney handle it if the insurance company blames you for the accident.

You can always count on your boating accident attorney in Houston, who knows Texas boating laws and how to handle insurance companies. They can review your policy, negotiate on your behalf, and, if needed, take the case to court. You have a two-year window to file a personal injury claim in Texas, so don't wait too long because evidence and memories fade.

Bottom line: Insurance headaches are the last thing you want after a serious vessel or boating accident. Retaining a skilled attorney means taking all that stress off your shoulders, and you'll probably wind up with more money, too.

What To Do After A Houston Boating Accident 

A boating or vessel accident is potentially devastating. There are several steps to take to ensure your health and legal possibilities:

• Stay with the boat: Unless it's sinking or unsafe, remain with the vessel—it's easier to locate than individuals in the water.
• Signal for assistance: Use flares, flags, or other distress signals if you have them to alert nearby boats or rescuers.
• Gather information: If other boats or people are involved, exchange names, contact details, and vessel information, similar to a car accident.
• Report the accident: Notify local authorities or the Coast Guard as law requires. 
• Document the scene: Take photos or notes of the damage and circumstances, if possible, for insurance or legal purposes.
• Seek medical attention: Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a professional once back on shore. Also, follow your doctor's treatment plan and attend all follow-up appointments. The liable insurance company will deny your claim if you don't listen to your medical providers. 
• Notify insurance: Contact your insurance provider to report the incident and start the claims process.
• Talk to a boating accident attorney: You should always retain a boat and vessel accident lawyer if you believe another person caused the accident. Remember, you can think you were at fault, but you could be wrong in the heat of the moment. A personal injury attorney can review your case to determine if you are owed compensation. 

Contact Our Houston Vessel And Boat Accident Attorneys Today 

Boating in Houston and the surrounding area is fun and relaxing, but not when you're seriously hurt in an accident that isn't your fault. Don't worry. Our Houston vessel and boating accident lawyer at Suits & Boots Accident Injury Lawyers will ensure you are adequately compensated for your losses. We also won't let the insurance company jerk you around and lowball you.

Remember, you are not charged legal fees upfront. We only charge you from your settlement or jury award, so you don't pay if we don't win. Don’t delay, contact Suits & Boots today.