Many of the best memories during summer break (or even winter break if you are lucky to live in a warmer climate) involve time spent on different watercraft. This includes sail boats, pontoon boats, and jet-skis. However, these memories can be forever traumatized if a terrible watercraft accident occurs and injures those enjoying the watercraft. Watercraft injuries can be quite severe due to the size of the watercraft and the speed with which many of them travel. If you have been injured in a watercraft accident, it is important to speak with an experienced watercraft injury attorney as soon as possible.

Watercraft accidents have been on the rise recently due to a new resurgence in personal watercrafts and the ease with which to both purchase and rent watercraft. Watercraft accidents occur based on the following:

• Reckless watercraft operation
• Watercraft operator inattention
• Excessive speed
• Operating a watercraft near a “no wake” zone
• Following too closely to other watercraft
• Becoming airborne
• Off-throttle steering
• Watercraft operator inexperience
• Watercraft operator intoxication
• Inclement weather conditions
• Defective products

All of these factors together can lead to severe accidents that have the potential to injure dozens of people both in the water and outside the water. Watercraft collisions can frequently occur with inexperienced watercraft operators who run aground, run into other watercraft, or run over swimmers.

The severity of watercraft injuries depends on the circumstances of the accident, as well as the type of watercraft involved. While many people assume they are safe in a larger watercraft, such as a yacht, this does not necessarily protect them in case of a severe impact. However, the smaller the watercraft, the greater the chances of injuries increase if the watercraft accident is a collision. Watercraft injuries can include:

• Drowning
• Burns
• Concussions
• Spinal cord injuries
• Brain injuries
• Broken bones
• Amputations

If you were a victim in a watercraft accident, you may be able to receive compensation for your injuries from any negligent party, including a watercraft operator or manufacturer. The damages often cover medical expenses, rehabilitation expenses, lost wages, future earnings, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. The amount of compensation you may receive is projected on a case by case basis, and therefore an experienced watercraft accident attorney will be able to better assist you in preparing your claim.

If you have been injured in a watercraft accident, do not hesitate to contact experienced watercraft injury attorney Tony Malley. Tony Malley has years of experience in assisting clients in their claims against negligent watercraft drivers and defective product manufacturers. You should not be forced to cover the amount of your injuries, which can often have wide financial repercussions. Contact our Texas offices today for your initial free consultation.