Anna Boat Accident Lawyer

Though boating can be a fun activity, incidents on the water have the potential to cause severe injuries. Watercraft operators who do not abide by safety regulations can put others in danger.

If you have been injured while boating, you should reach out to an Anna boat accident lawyer right away. A dedicated personal injury attorney could represent you throughout the legal process and protect your rights.

What Steps Should Someone Take After a Watercraft Accident?

Immediately after a boating wreck, the parties involved are required to aid anyone who was injured in the accident. This law, stated under Texas Parks and Wildlife Code § 31.104, only applies if the person rendering aid can do so without endangering their boat or passengers.

Once all injured parties have received initial medical care, everyone involved in the wreck should exchange their name and address and identify their boat. This information should be documented in writing.

After exchanging contact information, the parties involved are then required to report the incident. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife Code § 31.105, any wreck resulting in property damage exceeding $2,000, death, or injury of another person must be reported to the Department of Public Safety within 30 days of the accident.

Following these steps is important, as failing to do so could harm a victim’s chances of recovering damages. A skilled local attorney who handles boat accident cases could advise injured parties on how to proceed after taking these initial steps.

Who Determines Liability in Anna Boat Wreck Cases?

The location of the boating accident can impact how liability is determined in the case. If the wreck occurred within a 12-mile radius of the Texas shoreline, then the case is governed by state law. Accidents occurring outside of this radius are governed by United States maritime law.

The Texas Water Safety Act

If the boating accident occurred within the 12-mile radius covered under state law, the Texas Water Safety Act applies. This act states that liability for a boating wreck can be determined by the operator’s reckless or negligence, just as it would if the accident occurred on land. Violations of the Water Safety Act can include operating the boat at excessive speed or while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The Shipowner’s Limitation of Liability Act

Under the Shipowner’s Limitation of Liability Act, boat owners have limited liability for accidents that happen outside for the 12-mile radius of the state shoreline. Owners are only financially responsible for covering the value of the boat.

It is important to note that this law only applies in situations in which the owner had no way of anticipating the circumstances out of which the accident arose. Regardless of the location of the boat accident, anyone who has been involved in a wreck with a reckless or negligent operator should contact a lawyer right away.

Contact an Anna Boat Accident Attorney Today

Boating accidents can cause severe injuries and damages that require expensive medical care and property repair. Hiring an Anna boat accident lawyer could significantly increase your chances of obtaining the compensation that you deserve.

The laws governing watercraft wrecks can be complicated. If you have questions regarding your potential boat accident claim, contact our team today.