Horseshoe Bay Boat Accident Lawyer

Name: Janicek Law
Address: 1100 NE Interstate 410 Loop #600, San Antonio, Texas, 78209
Telephone: 210-366-4949

Boat Accidents in Horseshoe Bay, TX

Boating is an incredibly popular pastime, especially in areas of Texas like Horseshoe Bay. Unfortunately, boating accidents happen, and injuries sustained in boating accidents can lead to permanent disability or even drowning. According to the Coast Guard, there were 4,040 boating accidents in 2022, which resulted in over 2,200 injuries and 636 deaths.

If you have been injured in a boat accident, you may be able to file a claim for financial compensation. The San Antonio personal injury lawyers at Janicek Law can evaluate your case and help you receive the compensation you deserve. Call us at 210-366-4949 to schedule a free consultation with a Horseshoe Bay boating accident lawyer today.

Common Causes of Boat Accidents

A boat accident is any mishap that causes a boat or other personal watercraft to crash, capsize, or otherwise cause harm to people in and around the boat. Boating accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, some of which include:

Extreme weather
Distracted boating
Drunk boating
Equipment malfunctions
Lack of breaks on watercrafts like jet skis
Operator inexperience
Improper lookout
Violating boating rules

Boating accidents are largely preventable, and boat accident injuries can be lessened or prevented by taking additional measures like decreasing distractions, increasing boater education, and wearing life jackets.

Is It Illegal to Operate a Boat While Intoxicated in Texas?

Yes, it is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or other substances, according to Texas Penal Code Sec. 49.06. Texas’s boating while intoxicated offense shares a lot of similarities with the state’s driving while intoxicated offense, but they have a few differences. For example, it’s legal to have open containers of alcohol on a boat, but anyone who is operating a boat can be asked to undergo a safety check, even without suspicion of boating under the influence.

BUI Penalties in Texas

In Texas, if someone is charged with multiple boating while intoxicated (BUI) offenses, they can face increased penalties such as increased fines, longer license suspensions, and increased jail time. The penalties can also increase if the person boating under the influence causes serious bodily harm or kills another person as a result of their actions.

First Offense

If someone is convicted of BUI and they have no prior BUI convictions, they can face a fine of up to $2,000, anywhere between 72 hours and 180 days in jail, or both. This is categorized as a Class B misdemeanor.

Second Offense

On someone’s second BUI offense, they can face a fine of up to $4,000, anywhere between 30 days to a year in jail, or both. This is classified as a Class A misdemeanor.

Third Offense

On someone’s third BUI offense, they can face a fine of up to $10,000, anywhere between 2 years to 10 years in jail, or both. This is classified as a third-degree felony offense, which carries additional consequences.

First Offense with Serious Bodily Injury

If someone is caught boating under the influence after they caused serious injury to another person, they can face a fine of up to $10,000, anywhere between 2 years to 10 years in jail, or both. This is classified as a third-degree felony offense.

First Offense with Death

If someone is caught boating under the influence after they killed another person, they can face a fine of up to $10,000, anywhere between 2 years to 10 years in jail, or both. This is classified as a second-degree felony offense.

Common Boat Accident Injuries

Boating accidents can cause a variety of injuries, ranging from minor contusions to life-altering brain injuries. Victims of boating accidents can suffer from injuries such as:

Contusions;
Lacerations;
Broken bones;
Traumatic brain injuries;
Spinal cord injuries;
Electrocutions;
Joint injuries;
Amputations; and
Death.

For more information about the types of damages you can receive after a Horseshoe Bay boating accident, be sure to consult with a San Antonio traumatic brain injury attorney, a San Antonio spinal cord injury attorney, a San Antonio paralysis attorney, or a San Antonio amputation attorney today.

When Should You Report a Boating Accident in Texas?

If you are in a boating accident, you are required to report the accident to local law enforcement, local Texas game wardens, or the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, if the accident resulted in:

The death or disappearance of a person;
Injuries requiring more than first aid treatment; or
Property damage worth over $2,000.

How to Report a Boating Accident in Texas

After a boating accident, there are a few things that the operator of the vessel must do. First, they must stop and render assistance to others, unless that action would endanger their boat, crew, or passengers. If anyone is in need of medical attention, has gone missing, or has died, they should call and request emergency services.

From there, they have 30 days to report the boating accident, unless the boat accident resulted in a fatality, in which case they have 48 hours to report it. Boat operators in the Horseshoe Bay area can either call the local authorities, call a Texas game warden in Austin at (325) 673-3333, or call the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department at (800) 792-1112 to report the accident.

They will have to provide authorities with complete information regarding the accident. This can include information like the names of those involved, the time and location of the accident, and the water and weather conditions at the time of the accident.

Can You Sue for a Boating Accident?

Yes, if you or a loved one has suffered from personal injuries as a result of a negligent boat operator, you can sue for damages. Just like other vehicle accidents like car accidents, boating accidents can cause catastrophic injuries, which can be physically, emotionally, and financially devastating for victims and their families.

An attorney with experience in Texas personal injury law can help victims of boating accidents recover compensation for their losses by proving the injuries were the result of negligence. In order to do this, they have to prove that the four 4 Ds of negligence are present in the case. These elements include:

Duty of care is a responsibility to provide others with a reasonable amount of care.
Breach of duty of care is the failure to provide someone with the reasonable care they were owed.
Causation is a direct link between the breach of duty and injuries.
Damages are the losses that the victim suffered as a result of their injuries.

If you have been injured in a boating accident, an Austin boat accident lawyer can evaluate the circumstances of the accident and gather evidence, contact witnesses, and compile medical records to help prove negligence.

Boating Accident Damages

A Horseshoe Bay boating accident attorney can help victims of boating accidents recover compensation for losses, such as:

Medical bills;
Property damage;
Lost wages;
Loss of earning potential;
Emotional distress;
Loss of enjoyment of life;
Loss of consortium; and
Funeral and burial expenses, in the event of wrongful death. A San Antonio wrongful death attorney can help you file a claim and recover these damages after a boating accident.

If you have questions about economic and non-economic damages following a boat accident such as: what is loss of consortium worth in my claim? Be sure to reach out to a San Antonio emotional distress lawyer for more information.

Statute of Limitations for Boat Accidents in Horseshoe Bay, TX

In every personal injury case, victims have a limited window of time in which they can file a claim, which is called the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations for boat accident claims in Texas is 2 years, meaning injury victims only have 2 years to file a valid claim against the negligent party responsible for their injuries.

Personal injury attorneys in Horseshoe Bay, TX can help ensure your claim is filed correctly and on-time, so that you can receive the compensation you deserve.

Call a Horseshoe Bay Boat Accident Lawyer at Janicek Law Today

Boating accidents can cause serious injuries, and victims of boating accidents deserve compensation for their injuries. If you or a loved one has been harmed in a Horseshoe Bay boat accident as a result of negligence, call Janicek Law today. With over 20 years of experience handling personal injury cases, you can trust us to act in your best interest and provide you with expert legal counsel regarding your boat accident case.

We provide legal services to residents of Horseshoe Bay, TX, as well as residents of Marble Falls, West Lake Hills, San Antonio, and more. Call our San Antonio boat accident lawyers and Marble Falls boat accident lawyers at 210-366-4949 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with a member of our team at no cost to you.

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   Carmen 
 8 October 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great communication and follow through. Professional, kind, and caring individuals.
  
 
       
   Yvette Ramirez 
 1 October 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mr. Andrew Skemp and Gabby his assistant are the best. Very knowledgeable and were amazing in my case. I am very pleased and thankful of the outcome. If I could give more stars I would. I extremely and  highly recommend them.
  
 
       
   Natasha Garza 
 31 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an amazing experience with Janicek Law from beginning to end. Karen Rangel recommended us to Cassidy Muniz, and we are so thankful she did. Cassidy assisted myself, my husband, and our two daughters, and all four of us are extremely happy with the experience and outcome.

Cassidy truly went above and beyond for our entire family. She was always responsive, patient, professional, and helpful, and she kept us informed throughout the entire process. Everything went smoothly, we had no issues, and she made what could have been a stressful situation so much easier for us.

The entire team at Janicek Law is amazing, and we felt like we were in great hands from start to finish. We are incredibly grateful to Karen for recommending Cassidy and especially grateful to Cassidy for everything she did for our family.

We would 100% recommend Cassidy and Janicek Law to anyone looking for a team that truly cares about their clients. Thank you all so much for everything! ❤️
  
 
       
   Alex McWhirter 
 18 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We were referred to Janicek Law firm from a lawyer in Brownsville, who pointed out that they are experts in the field of medical malpractice and I am so grateful. We worked with Andrew and Gaby and they were dedicated and worked hard to get us the best possible outcome. They kept us informed and updated through every step of the process, always with a friendly and very professional disposition. Despite language and distance challenges, they accommodated all of our needs, and I would highly recommend Janicek Law Firm. They made a bad situation better by listening to our concerns, helping us through a sorrowful time for my family, and advising on how to defeat our opponent. For any families that have a beloved and elderly relative who suffered in the hands of callous and neglectful medical institutions, Janicek Law Firm were amazing in advocating for our relative and making these corporate entities accountable. Thank you, Andrew and Gaby, we really appreciated your help!
  
 
       
   Heidi Soto 
 8 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mr Bernal and Karen were great. They always kept me up to date on all that was going on at all times. When it came down to mediation Mr Bernal knew exactly what to do and say to make things clear with the insurance company who wanted to take advantage of me. I highly recommend Mr Bernal if you ever are in an accident. He will definitely take care of you.
  
 
       
   Lucy 
 30 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am beyond thankful for everyone at Janicek law for the professionalism, dedication, and support you all have showed throughout my lawsuit. From the very beginning, you all made a difficult and stressful situation much easier to navigate! Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions, keeping me informed every step of the way and making this process as stress free as possible! I can without a doubt definitely recommend this law firm!
  
 
       
   Iris Contreras 
 16 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have started this review so many times, but every time I do, I realize there simply aren't enough words to thank the people at Janicek Law.
Almost 3 years ago, my world ended. I lost my son, Zayden—the greatest love of my life. My other son, Zy, witnessed the unimaginable that day. He carries those memories with him every single day, and we are forever grateful that he is still here because we very easily could have lost him too. Our family didn't just experience a tragedy—we experienced trauma that changed us forever.
When I first met the team at Janicek Law, I wasn't just grieving. I was broken. I was a mother trying to survive the unthinkable while helping my surviving son heal from something no child should ever witness. I didn't know if I had the strength to keep fighting.
There were so many moments when I wanted to give up. Every deposition, every conversation, every piece of evidence forced me to relive the worst day of my life. I told them I couldn't do it anymore. But they never let me forget why we were fighting. They reminded me that Zayden deserved justice. They reminded me that Zy deserved justice. They believed in my family even when I couldn't believe in myself.
What makes Janicek Law different is that this was never just a job to them. They never made me feel like another client or another case number. They knew my children by name. They celebrated Zayden's life. They cried with us, prayed with us, hugged us, encouraged us, and walked beside us through every heartbreaking step. They carried a piece of this burden with us, and I will never forget that.
Even after the case was over, they didn't disappear. They still answer my calls. They still help me with paperwork. They still check on me. They still make me feel like my family matters. That's something you cannot fake. That's love. Somewhere along the way, I stopped seeing them as "my attorneys" and started seeing them as family. And I truly believe I have a family for life.
No amount of money will ever bring my little boy back. I would trade every penny to hear his laugh one more time. But because of Janicek Law, I have peace knowing that his life mattered, his story was heard, and that they fought for my boys with everything they had.
From the deepest part of a mother's heart... thank you. Thank you for loving my children. Thank you for never giving up on us when I wanted to give up myself. Thank you for standing beside us through the darkest chapter of our lives. You gave my family more than legal representation—you gave us hope, dignity, and people we will love for the rest of our lives. You helped a grieving mother find the strength to be the voice her son no longer had. In a world that can feel so unfair, you reminded me that there are still genuinely good people. We love each and every one of you, and we will never forget what you did for Zayden, for Zy, and for us.❤️
  
 
       
   Destiny Sanchez 
 14 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My friend Karen referred us to Janicek law firm and I am so grateful. We worked with cassidy moving forward and she went above and beyond while helping me with my accident case. From the very beginning, she was professional, knowledgeable, and always available to answer my questions. She kept me informed throughout the entire process and made a stressful situation much easier to handle. Her dedication, hard work, and attention to detail truly made a difference in my case. I am incredibly grateful for everything she did for me and my family. I would highly recommend Cassidy and Janicek Law Firm, who genuinely cares about clients and fights for the best possible outcome. Thank you cassidy for everything!
  
 
       
   Virginia-Ann Bernal 
 8 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. After my accident, I felt overwhelmed and had no idea what to do next. Choosing Janicek Law Firm was one of the best decisions I could have made. From the very beginning, Philip Bernal,  Cassidy Muniz, and Karen Rangel took the time to explain the process, answer my questions, and make sure I always knew what to expect.

Cassidy and Karen were  absolutely incredible throughout my entire case. They coordinated my medical care, helped with scheduling appointments, communicated with my insurance, and was always available whenever I needed guidance or reassurance. Their compassion and dedication truly made a difficult time so much easier.

The entire team worked hard to build my case, keeping me informed every step of the way, and ultimately secured a settlement I was very happy with. More importantly, they gave me the peace of mind to focus on healing instead of worrying about the legal process.

I can’t thank Philip, Cassidy, Karen and everyone at Janicek Law Firm enough for their professionalism, kindness, and commitment. If you’re looking for a law firm that genuinely cares about its clients, I highly recommend them. THANK YOU SOO MUCH!!
  
 
       
   Corey Sil 
 29 June 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mr. Skemp and Gaby took care of everything and made my suit for Wrongful Death as easy as possible. I couldn’t have done any of this with out them! They honored and represented my Mother to the fullest and for that I am greatful! G. Silvas
  
 
 
 
  
 
   Google rating score: 4.8 of 5, based on 360 reviews

Janicek Law handled my case with such professionalism. I was always kept in the loop about what was going on with my case. Cassidy Muniz is amazing at what she does and I really felt like they actually cared about me and my case. Highly recommend Janicek Law Firm!

I could not be happier with the service and compassion from the Janicek Law Firm. They were friendly, responsive and knowledgeable throughout the entire process. I would give ten stars if I could – They are excellent!

Janicek Law was patient and understanding to my situation – it’s a fight – but they would make my father proud. Thanks you for taking the time to look over my case and speaking up for my family.

Beth and Mona have been truly helpful with our case! They have really done an amazing job. I would highly recommend them to anyone I know.

Incredibly talented and knowledgeable attorneys that will fight negligent nursing homes and bring Justice to the elderly and their families.

I am very happy and pleased with the Janicek Law Firm. I had such a difficult time finding someone to look into my case. The Janicek Law Firm has been very professional and attentive to my questions. They will take the time and review your situation and have been very dedicated in reviewing my case.