Plano Boat Accident Lawyer

Boating accidents often occur when those on board least expect them. Given all the lakes with a close proximity to Plano, there is no shortage of boating and maritime accidents in the area. Some of the most common causes of boating accidents include defective products and boating equipment, boating while intoxicated (BWI), and negligent and reckless boating activities, all of which can lead to significant injuries and damages. If you sustained injuries in a boating accident, you may be entitled to pursue monetary recovery. A professional Plano boat accident lawyer could meet with you to discuss the facts and circumstances of your case, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and litigate your case through the court system if necessary. Read on to learn more about how a skilled Plano accident attorney can make a difference in your case.

Defective Products and Boating Equipment

In some boating accident cases, defective products and equipment are to blame. When boat parts or equipment such as motors, steering mechanisms, and rudders have defects or malfunctions, the product manufacturers and distributors may be held liable for any resulting accidents, injuries, and damages under a product liability theory of recovery. More specifically, manufacturers and distributors may be held liable for manufacturing defects, design defects, and warning defects based on a failure to warn consumers of a potentially dangerous situation.

Boating While Intoxicated (BWI)

Just as operating a motor vehicle while inhibited by drugs or alcohol can have devastating personal and legal consequences, so can operating a boat under those same conditions. Under Plano law, a boat operator can be criminally charged with boating while intoxicated if they are found to be operating a watercraft with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.

Careless, Reckless, and Negligent Boat Operation

Boat operators owe a duty to everyone else on the water to act as a reasonably prudent boat operator would act under the same or similar circumstances, as well as to obey all applicable state boating laws and regulations. If a boat operator breaches this duty of care and injuries and/or damages result, the boat operator can be subject to both criminal and/or civil liability.

The most common examples of negligent boat operation include:

Speeding
Boat operation in unauthorized areas
Operating a boat without the proper training or experience
Operating a boat without the proper license or registration

An experienced Plano boat accident lawyer can assist in establishing liability for the party at fault who committed any of the above acts by gathering evidence and speaking to key witnesses who could have a significant impact on the outcome of one’s case.

Potential Injuries from a Boating Accident

Boating accidents can result in serious and sometimes catastrophic injuries or deaths. Some of the most common injuries sustained in boating accidents include:

Traumatic brain injuries
Back and spinal cord injuries
Soft tissue injuries
Fractures
Paralysis
Broken bones
Permanent impairment

In the event of a catastrophic injury or permanent impairment, an individual injured in a boat accident may require future surgeries or other invasive medical procedures, as well as long-term care and treatment at a nursing home or assisted living facility.

Discuss Your Case with a Compassionate Plano Boat Accident Lawyer

If you sustained serious injuries in a boating accident, having experienced legal representation on your side can be beneficial at every stage of your personal injury case. If the insurance company refuses to make an acceptable settlement offer, a distinguished Plano boat accident lawyer can litigate your case or take it to trial if necessary. A knowledgeable Plano boat accident lawyer can help to field settlement offers from the insurance company and take action towards maximizing the value of your case. Reach out to a dedicated Plano boat accident lawyer today to schedule your initial consultation.