Waterways throughout the nation open their figurative gates in the spring once the thaw is out (if you happen to live in part of the nation where snow factors in). After springtime, the waterways are nearly always open for water-goers to enjoy their time on lakes, rivers, and beaches. However, some waterways do not adequately post warnings of dangers that are lurking under the waters and therefore some watercraft drivers may be in danger of running into a particularly low area of the water, hitting an object, or entering into a strong current. Inadequate warnings can additionally stem from the watercraft itself. If warnings are not posted on the product, watercraft drivers may not know how to correct an issue in case of an emergency situation. A watercraft injury attorney can assist you in determining whether you have a claim for either issue.

Most local lakes, rivers, and other tributaries provide guests with an update of water conditions nearly every day. However, these updates may be outdated and a lack of warnings could lead to disaster for guests. A watercraft driver may be following all appropriate warning signs and precautions when maneuvering their watercraft, but the failure to spot an unknown danger may result in severe injuries to all onboard the watercraft. The watercraft driver and owner should not be held liable for these injuries when they are operating their watercraft in the safest manner as they could. Instead, the responsible parties of the waterway should be held liable for failing to warn about hidden dangers on the premises. All owners of property hold a responsibility to all guests on their property to accurately warn of dangers.

Watercraft manufacturers and retailers must take the necessary precautions to warn owners and potential buyers of any hidden dangers and hazards found within the product. If a watercraft operator uses the device in a certain way that results in injuries, the manufacturer may be liable for failure to warn of the potential hazard. Manufacturers have a duty of care to the end user to not only warn about potential defects and attempt to rectify these defects, but to also warn of injuries which can occur from any misuse of their product.

It is important to discuss the hidden dangers of watercraft with an experienced watercraft injury attorney to determine whether you have a cause of action against the manufacturer.

If you have been injured in a watercraft accident, do not hesitate to contact experienced watercraft accident attorney Tony Malley. Tony Malley has years of experience in assisting clients to settle claims relating to watercraft accidents and their resulting injuries. Watercraft injuries are a unique subset of injuries and are vastly different than injuries sustained in car accidents. Watercraft owners and drivers are held to a different standard and therefore you must know the appropriate level of proof which you must present to file a claim for your injuries. Contact our Texas offices today for your initial free consultation.