Dallas Boating Accident Attorney
Fun on the water at DFW lakes can turn into danger if boaters and passengers are reckless or negligent. If you’ve been harmed in a boat accident, a Dallas boat accident lawyer can help you collect compensatory damages.
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Dallas Boating Injury Attorneys Representing Texas Vessel Accident Victims
There’s nothing better on a hot Texas summer day than taking the boat out to Lewisville Lake or Pilot Point. Unfortunately, negligence, recklessness, and lack of caution can contribute to boating accidents and serious, sometimes fatal, injuries.
Burns, drownings, and deep cuts are common water injuries. If these have happened to you or a loved one, a Dallas boat crash lawyer can help. Contact Brooks & Radchenko today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced boat accident attorney in Dallas.
How Common Are Boating Accidents in Texas?
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department notes that fatal boat accidents rose 61% between 2019 and 2020. That year saw 281 accidents and 59 fatalities in Texas. According to the U.S. Coast Guard's boating accident statistics, 5.4% of all U.S. boating accidents in 2021 occurred in Texas. Texas had 52 fatal boating accidents, resulting in the deaths of 58 people. Drowning is by far the chief cause of boating fatalities in the Lone Star State (81%), but it is not the only type of catastrophic accident.
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Dallas Maritime Laws and Regulations
Just like the Texas roadways, DFW waterways are also governed by safety and traffic regulations. These regulations are known as maritime or boating law. They cover recreational boats, watercraft like Jet Skis, cargo ships, cruise ships, and even oil rigs. If your boat is less than 12 miles from shore, it’s subject to Dallas boating regulations; if it’s more than 12 miles from shore, then it’s subject to federal maritime laws.
All boat operators should have a solid understanding of both areas of maritime law to ensure the safety of their craft and others. For example, they should know these rules:
- A vessel must be registered with the municipal tax collector’s office before use
- Any accident resulting in injury or property damage over $2,000 must be reported
- Specific speedboat crafts must be equipped with mufflers
- All watercraft must follow posted speed restrictions
- Any person under 13 must wear flotation devices per Texas life jacket law
- Operating a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal
Texas and federal laws are subject to change; it’s best to review DFW maritime regulations each year before heading out on the water.
Types of Boating Accidents in Dallas – Fort Worth
Although the Metroplex is hours from the Gulf Coast, there is still no shortage of places to boat, from Lake Ray Roberts in the north to Joe Pool Lake between Fort Worth and Dallas. The area's beaches are also great places for fun in the sun.
Summer fun can end quickly when people forget to take proper precautions to avoid accidents and injuries. The following are some of the most common ways that our boating accident clients have been hurt:
- Jet Ski, water ski, or Sea-Doo accidents
- Kayak and canoe capsizing
- Party boat accidents
- Speedboat or motorboat accidents
- Pontoon boat accidents
Other types of watercraft can also be involved in a boating accident. Sometimes, a commercial craft may collide with a personal watercraft, which can be devastating for the passengers on the smaller craft.
Call Our Texas Vessel Accident Attorney Today
Do you need help collecting compensation after being injured in a boating accident in the Metroplex? Contact an experienced Dallas boat collision attorney at Brooks & Radchenko today!
Contact UsWhat Causes Boat Accidents and Injuries in Texas?
Most boating accident injuries are caused by the boat owner's negligence or recklessness, according to the boating statistics compiled by the U.S. Coast Guard. Negligence covers dangerous actions and oversights like the following:
- Improper Lookout: Someone should always be looking for potential hazards or other watercraft that could cause the boat to run aground or crash
- Operation Distraction: Boat operators have even more distractions than drivers and should always be aware of their surroundings and their proximity to other craft
- Speeding: Most DFW waterways have speed limits, which all personal watercraft must follow
- Operator Inexperience: Just like driving a car, boat operators must understand how to safely operate their craft
- Defective Boating Equipment: If the engine or other parts of the boat malfunction, the boat operator may be unable to safely guide the boat to shore or keep it afloat
- Boating Under the Influence: Boating while impaired by drugs or alcohol can slow the operator's reflexes or make them more likely to engage in dangerous or reckless driving
- Poor Weather Conditions: Dallas weather is notoriously unpredictable, so operators should always check conditions before heading out and head back to land at the first sign of a storm
These are not the only causes of catastrophic boating accidents. Contact a Dallas boating accident attorney to ask about the details of your case.
What Are Common Injuries Sustained in DFW Boating Accidents?
Tragic boating accidents affect hundreds of people in Texas every year. Even those who survive these accidents could be permanently impaired. Some common injuries victims sustain are:
- Fractures and broken bones
- Abrasions, contusions, and lacerations
- Soft tissue injuries like strains and sprains
- Back, neck, and spine injuries
- Facial or eye damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Shock and hypothermia
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Internal bleeding or internal organ damage
Tragically, some people don't survive a Dallas boating accident. If a loved one has died after a watercraft accident, speak with your Dallas boating accident attorney about filing a wrongful death suit.
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What Is My Dallas Boating Accident Claim Worth?
Dallas boating accident claims are all different, but victims are generally entitled to receive compensation for medical costs and for time missed at work to heal from injuries. The value of a claim depends on several factors:
- How badly you were injured and the permanence of any injuries
- The extent of the damage to your personal watercraft
- Who the parties involved are; in some cases, you may be eligible for punitive damages
If your injuries permanently affect your quality of life and independence, your compensation will likely be higher than for someone who suffers minor injuries and makes a full recovery from them.
Once we get a better idea of the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life, we can more accurately value your case.
Damages You May Recover After a Dallas Boat Collision
Texas personal injury law permits victims of boating accidents to recover both economic, or calculable, damages and non-economic damages, such as consideration for pain and suffering due to injuries.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are those which can be easily valued. Anything for which you have a receipt or bill is likely to be in this category, like:
- Current and future medical treatment
- Current and potential loss of income or loss of earning capacity
- Aftercare like physical or occupational therapy
- Traveling to doctor’s appointments
- Repairing or replacing your boat
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are those beyond the easily quantifiable and are intended to provide a remedy for the pain and anguish you experienced:
- Emotional trauma
- Pain from the injuries
- Loss of consortium and companionship for your family
- Diminished quality of life
An experienced Dallas boating accident lawyer will explain the type and value of compensation you may be entitled to collect from the insurance company.
Contact Our Dallas Boat Accident Lawyer for a Consultation
Do you need help after a boat accident injury? Call today for a free consultation with a Dallas boat crash attorney about your case!
Contact UsWho May Be Liable for Your Dallas – Fort Worth Boat Wreck Injuries?
A boat operator's negligence is the primary cause of boating accidents in the DFW area. Negligence is a legal term, and proof of it must be met to hold someone liable for your boating accident. This involves showing that a person or entity owed you a duty of care but breached that duty, leading to the crash that caused your injuries.
At Brooks & Radchenko, we investigate your crash thoroughly and hold every party who contributed accountable. Our accident experts seek out the true cause of the accident — and we’re not afraid to take on major companies to get justice for our clients!
Negligent parties could include:
- The boat driver or boat owner
- The boat’s passengers
- A boat rental company
- The manufacturer or retailer of the boat
- Employees of negligent companies
- Government agencies
These may not be the only parties who share the blame for the tragic accident. Sometimes multiple parties could be to blame.
For example, if a rented boat is not kept in good condition by the boating rental company, operating it could be dangerous. If the operator of this boat is drinking or using drugs, they may not be able to guide a malfunctioning boat safely back to shore.
In this situation, the boat rental company and the boat operator would share the blame for the accident, as each one acted negligently. Both parties may be named as defendants in your case.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After a Boat Accident in Texas?
You have a limited time to file a boat accident injury lawsuit in Texas. If you don’t file within the state’s statute of limitations, which is two years from the date of the accident, your case will likely be dismissed. The faster you act, the more likely your lawyer will be able to build a strong case on your behalf.
If a family member died because of injuries suffered in a Texas boating accident, you might file a wrongful death suit for compensation. The statute of limitations in these cases is two years from the date your loved one died.
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How Our Texas Vessel Crash Attorney Can Help
When you are represented by one of the experienced Dallas boating accident lawyers at Brooks & Radchenko, you reap the benefits from our decades of collective experience litigating complex personal injury cases.
Trust our legal team to help you by:
- The boat driver or boat owner
- The boat’s passengers
- A boat rental company
- The manufacturer or retailer of the boat
- Employees of negligent companies
- Government agencies
Your legal team manages every detail of your case, from communicating with the other party to filing the paperwork on your behalf. You can concentrate on resting and healing while we manage your claim.
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Schedule a Consultation with Dallas Boating Injury Lawyers
Have you or a loved one been hurt in a DFW boat accident? Don’t delay another day to find out whether you can collect compensation for your injuries!
Contact UsOur Professional Dallas Boating Accident Lawyer
Halina Radchenko
Halina Radchenko graduated from the prestigious St. Mary’s University School of Law in 2007. She worked at the Law Office of Richard Wright after graduation before she chose to start her own firm, the Radchenko Law Firm, focusing on representing accident and personal injury victims.
As a dedicated advocate for personal injury victims, Ms. Radchenko can help your voice be heard, even against large corporations or government entities. She is also currently of counsel to Hach & Rose, PLLC. and serves as president of the New York State Trial Association.
Why Choose Brooks & Radchenko for Your Vessel Accident Claim?
As seasoned Dallas – Fort Worth trial lawyers, we understand what it takes to build a solid case for personal injury victims — and have the resources to see even the most complex cases through. Over the years, we have secured tens of millions of dollars in settlements and trial awards for our clients, reflecting our desire to pursue justice on their behalf.
Case Verdicts & Settlements
Client Testimonials
Walter R.
Car Accident
I can’t speak highly enough of Brooks & Radchenko. They explained everything to me with utmost clarity and simplicity, and they were available whenever I needed them. Ultimately, I got the result I had been hoping for. If you need a car accident lawyer in Dallas, TX, I can’t think of a better choice.
Wanda G.
Car Accident
My brother was injured in a car accident caused by an uninsured drunk driver with no financial resources. Brooks & Radchenko filed a claim against the nightclub that sold the driver alcohol, and we ended up with a generous settlement. If you’re looking for a Dallas, Texas car accident attorney, Brooks & Radchenko is the way to go.
Sally R.
Car Accident
The lawyers at Brooks & Radchenko were always available to answer my questions and address my concerns. I was laid up in the hospital most of the time, and they took care of everything for me. I can’t say enough for them.My husband was killed in a car accident caused by an on-duty delivery driver. They sued the driver’s employer and I ended up walking aways with a generous settlement. All of this took place in just a few weeks. Their compassion and professionalism made me feel like a part of their family during a very difficult time.
Contact an Experienced Texas Boat Collision Attorney
If you have been hurt in a boating accident in Dallas, our law firm can help. We offer free case reviews — contact our Dallas boating accident lawyers today!
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It does not provide legal advice. The scenarios described in this website are intended to demonstrate legal principles involved with representation in the type of case described. Any current or former clients quoted or specifically identified in these materials have reviewed the firm on a third-party website or platform, such as Google, without compensation. Every legal case is different. Specific past results are not indicative of specific future results. Any information contained herein pertaining to experience or familiarity with particular courts or government agencies should not be construed as an ability or willingness to exert improper influence over the legal system. All services described in these materials and provided by Radchenko and
Brooks, LLC, and its attorneys, are only performed in compliance with all applicable laws and the Texas Rules of Professional Conduct.