The cause of most watercraft accidents are due to watercraft operator carelessness and negligence. Watercraft accidents can typically be easily avoided if certain precautions are taken, including maintaining the recommended speed, keeping aware of all surroundings, and following all state watercraft regulations. Many watercraft operators are not aware of state laws that dictate the use of watercraft and therefore believe that they are not subject to any laws and restrictions. This type of attitude can quickly lead to dangerous conditions and resulting accidents. If you have been injured in a watercraft accident as a result of operator carelessness, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries.

Watercraft accidents can occur in any number of circumstances and can include all types of watercraft. While the more common accidents that are discussed by news agencies involve speed boats or jet skis, watercraft accidents and injuries can additionally extend to include smaller watercraft such as kayaks, canoes, and sailboats. Watercraft accidents often also include swimmers who are run over by speeding watercraft in the area. As a watercraft operator, you must constantly be on the lookout for other watercraft or swimmers in the water. Not everyone is aware of the “no wake” zones and other boundaries on waterways, and therefore a watercraft operator must be consistently on watch for other watercraft.

Watercraft operators often believe that if you have operated one watercraft you have operated them all. However, this is a dangerous mantra to abide by, as each watercraft offers unique layouts and varying situations. For example, a jet ski is vastly different to operate than any other watercraft, although many operators do not recognize this difference until it is too late. It is therefore important to understand all the intricacies of the watercraft you are operating to prevent accidents from occurring.

Watercraft accidents can often become quite severe, given the nature of watercrafts and the surroundings. Therefore, many victims of watercraft accidents frequently require months of medical care or rehabilitation. The party at fault should be held responsible for these injuries and the resulting expenses.

Any carelessness or negligence on the part of a watercraft operator will result in liability for any resulting injuries. This liability includes damages for medical expenses, hospital bills, rehabilitation, lost wages, future earnings, and loss of consortium. If you have been injured in a watercraft accident, you should seek medical care immediately and contact an experienced watercraft injury attorney to discuss your ability to bring a claim.

If you or a loved one have been injured by a watercraft operator’s carelessness, do not hesitate to contact the Malley Law Firm. Tony Malley has years of experience in assisting the victims of watercraft accidents bring claims against the responsible parties. Responsible parties are often the watercraft operators who failed to adhere to the appropriate laws and restrictions on a particular body of water. Just because you are not on a roadway does not mean that there are not a body of laws that apply to your watercraft. As a victim of a watercraft accident, you are entitled to bring a claim against the operator for damages received in an accident based on the operator’s carelessness. Contact our Texas offices today for your initial free consultation.