As the state’s southeastern region is a part of the extended coast of the Gulf of Mexico (also known as the Gulf of America), there are plenty of opportunities for Texas visitors and residents to enjoy a boating excursion. A fun and relaxing day on the water can be quickly ruined, however, by a collision with another vessel (or any other kind of incident). If you are considering doing a bit of sailing, it’s best to take the time to understand how common boat accidents are in Texas, as well as what you can do to avoid getting into one.
Boating Accidents and Fatalities in Texas
According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the state has 1.7 million acres of freshwater lakes and is adjacent to four million acres of saltwater.
Despite that massive surface area, only 175 boat accident incidents were reported in 2023. Still, 28 of those incidents resulted in fatalities, which means that close to 1 in 6 deaths take place during any boating accident in the waters in and around the Lone Star State.
However, the injury rate of all Texas boat owners is 17.4 injuries and 5 deaths per 100,000 registered vessels. In other words, despite the 1 in 6 figure, you are exceedingly unlikely to be hurt or killed as a boat owner. Additionally, according to the Coast Guard statistics for the same year, national fatalities were at an almost identical rate of 4.9 deaths per 100,000 registered vessels.
Common Causes of Boat Accidents in Texas
With the information above in mind, you can breathe a little easier knowing that boating in Texas is a relatively safe hobby. Of course, it can become a lot more dangerous, though, if you (or anyone aboard) start taking unnecessary risks.
In particular, the following are some of the most common causes of boating accidents in Texas:
Operator Inattention
Effectively identical to distracted driving on the road, operator inattention is the most common cause of boat accidents in Texas. Suffice it to say, you shouldn’t be texting or engaging with anything (or anyone) else while steering a boat.
A lack of awareness and attention isn’t just a danger when other boats are on the water, either; if you are near the shore or there is some type of underwater danger, like a sandbar, even a slight amount of inattention could result in a dangerous grounding.
Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol doesn’t just impair your ability to drive a car; it impairs your ability to use any type of machinery or vehicle, and boats are no exception. When you get behind the wheel of a boat after drinking, you will have reduced perception and reflexes, and if there are other vessels on the water, you’ll greatly increase your chances of causing a collision.
Reckless Operation
While there aren’t speed limit signs on the water, that doesn’t mean you should race your boat around the bay or lake. Operating a vessel beyond safe speeds or making sudden turns can cause accidents, just as those types of actions are often responsible for car accidents.
Weather Conditions
You should also look at a weather report before going out onto the water. Strong winds or turbulent waters can overturn a vessel surprisingly quickly, and even if you stay afloat, inclement weather also makes your boat more difficult to control when other vessels are nearby.
Property Damage and Texas Boat Accidents
While injuries and fatalities are the biggest concerns in Texas boat accidents, they aren’t the only losses sustained in these incidents. Your boat is likely to incur significant damage in almost any accident. And if you run into a dock due to negligence, you could cause hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of property damage.
How a Texas Boat Accident Attorney Can Help
Assuming you were being suitably safe, being injured in a boat accident is likely due to the negligence of another party. In such a case, an experienced boat accident lawyer from Ramsey Law Group may be able to help you get compensation by guiding you through the insurance and legal system. We know how to obtain evidence, even in tricky boat accident cases, and if your case needs to go to trial, you’ll have a lawyer with extensive courtroom experience right by your side.
FAQ
What Should I Do After a Boat Accident in Texas?
The first thing you should do is to determine whether you or any of your passengers are injured. If they are, provide aid. Then, once your party is safe, render assistance to the passengers of the other vessel if necessary. Finally, report the accident to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
When Should I Contact a Lawyer After a Texas Boat Accident?
The sooner you contact our law firm, the better. In fact, the best time to contact us is while you are still at the accident scene.
What Should I Do If I Am Not Sure Whether I Am in Texas Waters?
Contact the Coast Guard. They can help you determine where you are and what government agencies need to be contacted.
Contact a Boat Accident Lawyer at Ramsey Law Group Today
If you’ve been involved in a boat accident in Texas waters, you may be able to seek compensation for any injuries or property damage you suffered. Contact the experienced water vessel accident attorneys at Ramsey Law Group as soon as possible to schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal options.