Just as car and truck driving accidents are an inherent danger with operating land vehicles, the same can be said for sea vehicles as well. Boat accidents can easily lead to personal injury, and in some worst case scenarios, even death.
If you or a loved one have been in a boat accident that resulted in serious personal injury or even a wrongful death, you should immediately seek an experienced Houston boat accident attorney from the Kolodny Law Firm as soon as possible. With years of experience, we’ve helped our clients recover in settlements and we are here to be your aggressive warriors and fight for the compensation you deserve.
COMMON CAUSE OF BOATING ACCIDENTS IN THE TEXAS GULF COAST
INEXPERIENCED DRIVERS
The licensing for boat operating is not the same as for operating land vehicles. If the driver isn’t well versed in the rules, or doesn’t have the experience to handle rapidly changing conditions, serious personal injury can occur.
SEVERE WEATHER HAZARDS
Strong winds, torrential rain and many other factors can attribute to boat accidents. These factors can make it difficult to navigate, and operating the water vehicle in such conditions can lead to potentially deadly consequences.
UNDER THE INFLUENCE
Although boating can be a very fun recreational activity, sadly, many undertake this activity while under the influence of alcohol. Just as driving under the influence can have serious consequences, boating while intoxicated can carry the same amount of personal injury risk, if not more.
BOATING SAFETY TIPS
While millions of people enjoy time on the water with friends and family, it’s important to remember that safety is paramount when operating water vessels in such a way as to avoid personal injury related to boat accidents. US Coast Guard reported over 4,200 boating accidents, resulting in over 2,600 injuries, 658 deaths and $46 mil in property damages.
Life jackets are sometimes an overlooked core of boat safety. The US Coast Guard reported 76% of boating deaths in 2017 were due to drowning, and 84% of those victims were not wearing a life jacket. While regulations vary from state to state, it’s safe to say that life jackets are an essential part of staying safe. Even the best swimmers still need a life jacket, as falling off of a boat into the sea or ocean can leave one disoriented, injured or even unconscious. Life jackets can keep a victims’ head above water, allowing for easier breathing, and as such, it is highly recommended that every child wear a life jacket at all times.
- Ensure proper life jacket fit for an individual’s size and weight
- Ensure proper fastening of life jacket
- When wearing a life jacket, hold arms above head and ask a nearby person to grab the top of the arm opening and tug up towards the head. A proper fit should ensure that the life jacket does not rise up over the chin or face.