713-225-5050 
713-225-5050
At Charles J. Argento our Houston boat accident attorneys know that getting out on our Texas waterways is one of the state’s greatest past times. With 367 miles of open Gulf shoreline, over 7,000 lakes, and 15 major rivers, the boating opportunities are seemingly endless in The Lone Star State.
Unfortunately, much like vehicle traffic, the more boats and other vessels that are on our Texas waterways, the more opportunities for negligence to be a factor. And much like car crashes, boating accidents occur in some of the same ways: Speeding, impaired driving, and driver inattention.
One of the major differences between vehicle collisions and boat accidents is that on land, help arrives almost immediately. Out on the water, delays can lead to life-changing injuries and tragic fatalities. Here’s why.
Boating Accidents Leave Vessel Occupants Vulnerable to Multiple Dangers
Our Harris County boating accident attorneys know that getting out of the water is fun for everyone. Unfortunately, even when your boat’s captain is sober, experienced, and doing all the right things, other boaters may not be.
When boat accidents occur, the injuries are often serious — and can quickly turn catastrophic or deadly.
The first issue may be that after a crash, the boat is no longer seaworthy. This means that everyone who was on the boat is now in the water. When someone — or multiple people — is injured, the water is a dangerous place to be. It is nearly impossible to assess someone’s injuries while they are underwater. In addition, if the boat is submersed, and the passengers were not wearing life jackets at the time of the crash, they will be nearly impossible to retrieve. This means the injured passengers must tread water until help arrives. This is difficult, even for advanced swimmers, and can often lead to drowning after a boat crash occurs. The boat occupants are also vulnerable to other boaters, propellers, and other water dangers while they await help.
The next issue may be that emergency responders cannot reach the boat accident scene or the injured survivors promptly. This can be for multiple reasons, including not being able to locate the crash based on witness reports, or that there are not enough first responders on the lake, coast, or rivers to get there quickly. The longer it takes to get there, the more catastrophic or deadly the injuries become.
Boating Dangers Increase Over the Holidays
With the 4th of July on the horizon, boaters are urged by the U.S. Coast Guard to use extra caution when boating over the holiday, as it is the busiest, and often deadliest time of the boating season. Statistics indicate that the Fourth of July accounts for a large percentage of boating accidents, injuries, and fatalities.
If you are boating over the holiday, or any time in Texas, the American Boating Association recommends all occupants:
- Always wear a life jacket.
- Make sure your boat is properly equipped and that the required equipment is functioning properly.
- Be prepared for emergencies.
- Do not operate a vessel while intoxicated.
- Keep a sharp lookout for other boats, the weather, or anything unusual.
Being safe on the water could save your life or the life of your passengers.
Contact us Skilled Personal Injury Attorneys in Texas
If you are involved in a boat accident caused by negligence in Texas, contact our Houston personal injury lawyer today to schedule a free consultation by calling 713-225-5050 or by contacting us online, so that together we can help you pursue justice.