Lake LBJ Boat Accident Lawyer
A Lake Lyndon B. Johnson boat accident lawyer from Janicek Law can help injured victims secure financial compensation for injuries sustained during a boating accident caused by another person’s negligence.
When boating accidents occur due to negligent boat operators, they can result in serious injuries ranging from broken bones to wrongful death, leaving victims and their families grappling with physical, emotional, and financial burdens. Just as victims of car accidents seek legal recourse, victims of boating accidents have the right to pursue justice and financial compensation for their suffering, as well.
If you’ve been affected by a boating accident at Lake Lyndon B. Johnson, don’t hesitate to take action by filing a boat accident claim. Our personal injury attorneys take cases from Horseshoe Bay, Lake Travis, Marble Falls, and the surrounding areas.
Call 210-366-4949 today to schedule a free consultation with a dedicated Lake LBJ boating accident lawyer at Janicek Law, who will advocate for your rights and help you on the path to recovery. Our personal injury attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis, so clients won’t owe their boating accident lawyer any fees unless their personal injury case is successful.
Common Causes of Boating Accidents at Lake LBJ
Accidents involving personal watercraft, such as jet skis and wave runners, and boating accidents can occur for many preventable reasons. Understanding the common reasons accidents happen is crucial for avoiding them:
- Operator Inexperience: Inexperienced private boat operators may struggle to navigate the lake safely, leading to jet ski accidents and boat accidents.
- Excessive Speed: Like car accidents, boating at high speeds increases the risk of collisions, especially in crowded areas or under adverse weather conditions.
- Alcohol and Drug Use: Boating under the influence (BUI) is a significant cause of boating and jet ski accidents.
- Reckless Operation: Unsafe behaviors like weaving wave runners through traffic, jumping wakes too closely, and failing to yield the right of way to motor boats can result in boating and jet ski accidents.
- Mechanical Failures: Accidents happen due to neglected maintenance, mechanical issues, and faulty or defective equipment.
- Lack of Proper Safety Equipment: Wearing life jackets isn’t just for safety. It’s the law. Failing to have life jackets, fire extinguishers, and other safety equipment on board can turn a boat accident into a deadly experience.
If you or an immediate family member has suffered serious injuries, property damage, or died due to one of the aforementioned types of boating accidents, a San Antonio personal injury lawyer at our law firm can help you determine whether you have a valid boat accident case.
Common Boat Accident Injuries at Lake Lyndon B. Johnson
Boating accidents can lead to a wide range of serious injuries:
Boat accidents that throw passengers from the boat can lead to drowning or near-drowning. Our San Antonio drowning accident lawyers can help those who have suffered from drowning or delayed drowning injuries recover compensation.
These are common in boat accidents and can range from a concussion to a serious injury with long-term consequences. Our San Antonio traumatic brain injury attorneys understand the long-term complications associated with these injuries.
The impact of a collision can cause spinal cord injuries, potentially resulting in permanent disabilities. If you or an immediate family member has suffered this type of injury, call a San Antonio spinal cord injury lawyer at Janicek Law.
The force of an accident can cause fractures and orthopedic injuries. Our San Antonio personal injury lawyers have what it takes to help boat accident victims recover damages for these injuries.
The psychological impact of a boating accident can lead to emotional trauma. Our San Antonio emotional distress lawyers can help you seek justice.
Tragically, many boating accidents result in fatal injuries for both the boat operators and passengers. Our San Antonio wrongful death lawyers can help you recover damages for funeral and burial expenses.
No matter the personal injuries you or your loved ones suffer in your boating accident case, our Lyndon B. Johnson boating accident lawyers can help.
Is It Illegal to Operate a Boat While Intoxicated in Texas?
Yes, it is illegal to operate a boat while intoxicated in Texas, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife. Texas game wardens enforce strict regulations to deter boating under the influence (BUI). If you witness a drunk boater on Lake Lyndon B. Johnson, you can contact a local game warden, and they’ll render assistance.
BUI Penalties in Texas
The penalties for boating under the influence in Texas can vary depending on several factors, including the number of prior convictions and whether there was serious bodily injury or death involved.
First Offense: A drunk boater without any previous BUI history can be subject to a maximum fine of $2,000 and/or incarceration of up to 180 days.
Second Offense: A drunk boater with a previous BUI offense may be subject to a maximum fine of $4,000 and/or incarceration of up to 1 year.
Third Offense: A drunk boater receiving a third BUI offense may be subject to a maximum fine of $10,000 and/or incarceration of up to 10 years.
First Offense with Serious Injury: A drunk boater who causes a boating accident that causes serious injuries to another party can be subject to a maximum fine of $10,000 and/or incarceration of up to 10 years.
First Offense with Death: In situations where a drunk boat operator causes a fatal boat accident, they may be subject to a maximum fine of $10,000 and/or incarceration of up to 10 years.
Boating under the influence not only endangers your life but also puts others at risk. If you have been injured in a boating accident where alcohol or drugs were involved, our experienced LBJ boating accident attorneys can help you pursue compensation for your injuries and hold the responsible party accountable.
When Should You Report a Boating Accident in Texas?
Boating accidents in Texas must be reported under specific circumstances to ensure the safety of all parties involved. You should report a boating accident if:
- Someone dies or disappears under circumstances that indicate injury or death.
- Someone is injured and requires medical attention beyond first aid.
- Damage to the vessel(s) or other property exceeds $2,000, or there is a complete loss of the vessel(s).
How to Report a Boat Accident in Texas
To report a boating accident in Texas, follow these steps:
- Ensure Safety: First, ensure everyone is safe and provide necessary medical assistance.
- Contact Authorities: Notify the local law enforcement agency, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department at (800) 792-1112, or the Texas game warden in Austin at (325) 673-3333 as soon as possible. Boaters have 30 days to report an accident that results in personal injuries. However, if an accident has resulted in death or a missing person, boaters must report the incident within 48 hours.
- Exchange Information: Exchange information with the other party.
- Take Photos: If safe, take photographs of the accident scene, damages, injuries, and any contributing factors.
- Complete Accident Report: Submit a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Boating Accident Report within 30 days or 48 hours if a death or missing person occurred.
- Consult With a Boat Accident Lawyer: After reporting the accident, it’s essential to consult an experienced boating accident lawyer at our personal injury law firm, who can guide you through the legal process.
Can You Sue for a Boating Accident Injury in Texas?
Yes, it’s your legal right to sue for a boating accident if you have suffered injuries or property damage due to someone else’s negligence. To have a valid claim, your boat accident lawyer must establish that the other party was negligent and that their negligent act (or lack of action) directly contributed to the boat accident and your injuries.
To do this, hiring a Lake Lyndon B. Johnson boat accident lawyer at Janicek Law is crucial. Being extremely cautious with any conversation involving the insurance company is crucial. Speaking with an accident lawyer first is in your best interest. While not everyone will have a valid claim, it’s best to preserve your legal rights if you are injured.
How a Lake LBJ Boat Accident Lawyer Can Help
How does a personal injury lawyer prove negligence in a boating accident? Proving negligence in a boat accident case involves demonstrating the following:
- Duty of Care: Show that the boat operator owed a duty of care to you and others on the water.
- Breach of Duty: Prove that the operator breached their duty of care through negligent actions or failure to act.
- Causation: Establish a direct link between the operator’s breach of duty and the accident that caused your injuries.
- Damages: Demonstrate the extent of your injuries and the resulting damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Every boat accident lawyer at Janicek Law’s personal injury law firm is well-versed in Texas law and has a proven track record of helping clients recover the compensation they deserve in their boating accident lawsuits.
Your accident lawyer will gather evidence to prove that your injuries sustained during the boating accident merit compensation. We’ll address how a reasonable person would have acted differently under the same or similar circumstances.
Compensation for Boating Accidents in Texas
If you’ve been involved in a boating accident at Lake Lyndon B. Johnson, you may be eligible to seek various damages, including:
- Medical Expenses: Compensation for current and future medical bills related to the accident.
- Lost Wages: Reimbursement for income lost due to the accident and recovery period.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional suffering caused by the accident.
- Property Damage: Coverage for damage to your boat or personal property.
- Wrongful Death: If a loved one died in a boating accident, you may be eligible for wrongful death damages, including funeral expenses and loss of financial support.
Our compassionate legal team will work tirelessly to ensure you receive fair compensation for your losses, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Statute of Limitations for Boat Accidents in Texas
It’s essential to act promptly if you’ve been involved in a boat accident at Lake Lyndon B. Johnson, as Texas law restricts the time frame within which you can file a personal injury claim. In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including boating accidents, is typically two years from the date of the accident.
However, it is crucial to consult with an LBJ accident lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you preserve your right to compensation.
Lake Lyndon B. Johnson Boat Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured in a boat accident at Lake Lyndon B. Johnson, the experienced boat accident attorneys at Janicek Law are here to help. We have a proven record of successfully representing clients in a variety of personal injury claims, including boating accident cases.
Our dedicated team will work tirelessly alongside boating accident victims to investigate their cases, establish negligence, and secure the compensation they deserve.
Don’t delay seeking legal assistance; contact a personal injury lawyer today at 210-366-4949 for a free consultation. Let us help you navigate the complex legal process and ensure your rights are protected. Remember, when it comes to boat accidents at Lake Lyndon B. Johnson, Janicek Law is your trusted advocate.
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