Carrollton Boat Accident Lawyer
Legal Help After a Boating Accident in Texas
Boating accidents can turn a relaxing day on the water into a devastating tragedy. Whether you were hurt on Lewisville Lake, Lake Ray Hubbard, or another Texas waterway, the aftermath of a boating accident can leave you dealing with serious injuries, rising medical costs, and uncertainty about what to do next.
At Carrollton Injury Law, we put the "personal" back into personal injury law. If you’ve been injured in a boat crash due to someone else’s carelessness, we’re here to help you seek justice and pursue full financial compensation. Our experienced Carrollton boat accident lawyers understand how to build strong claims against negligent boaters, rental companies, and other responsible parties.
WERE YOU OR A LOVED ONE SERIOUSLY INJURED?
What Our Clients Say
Why Do You Need a Boat Accident Lawyer?
Boating accidents involve a complex combination of state laws, federal maritime regulations, and insurance issues. Unlike auto accidents, boat accidents aren’t always handled by your typical insurance companies or law enforcement procedures. An experienced boat accident lawyer can help you:
Investigate the crash and determine fault
Handle communications with insurance companies
Navigate Texas and federal boating laws
Identify all liable parties, including private boat owners or commercial operators
Pursue damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more
You shouldn’t have to figure this out on your own while recovering from serious injuries. Let a skilled legal team guide your case from start to finish.
Common Causes of Boating Accidents in Texas
Texas has more than 7,000 lakes and 150 rivers, making recreational boating incredibly popular. Unfortunately, increased traffic on the water means accidents are bound to happen—especially when safety rules are ignored.
Some of the most common causes of boat accidents include:
1. Operator Inexperience
Many boaters are not properly trained or licensed. Inexperience can lead to collisions, capsizing, or running aground.
2. Boating Under the Influence (BUI)
Alcohol plays a role in many Texas boat crashes. BUI is illegal and often leads to serious or fatal injuries.
3. Excessive Speed
Just like with cars, speeding on the water reduces reaction time and increases the chance of catastrophic collisions.
4. Lack of Safety Equipment
Life jackets, fire extinguishers, navigation lights, and radios are often missing or misused, worsening the outcomes of a crash.
5. Bad Weather or Water Conditions
Sudden storms or rough water can surprise boaters unprepared for high winds, waves, or poor visibility.
6. Overloading the Vessel
When a boat carries too many passengers or equipment, it becomes unstable and more prone to capsizing.
Types of Boat Accident Injuries
Boat accidents can result in serious, sometimes life-altering injuries. Unlike a car crash where emergency services are minutes away, boating injuries often occur far from immediate help. This delay can make injuries worse.
Common injuries include:
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Spinal cord injuries
Drowning or near-drowning
Broken bones
Lacerations and amputations from propellers
Burns from engine explosions or fires
Hypothermia from prolonged exposure to cold water
Soft tissue injuries such as whiplash
Even if you think your injuries are minor, seek medical attention and legal advice right away. Some symptoms (like head trauma or internal bleeding) may not appear until hours or days later.
Why Choose Carrollton Injury Law?
At Carrollton Injury Law, we combine deep knowledge of Texas personal injury law with a personal touch. We serve clients in Carrollton and across the state who have been injured on the water and need help navigating the claims process.
We put Personal back into Personal Injury Law.
We don’t treat you like a case number.
You get attorney-led representation, not just a file handler.
We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial.
We only get paid if you win.
When your future is on the line, you need a legal team that genuinely cares and will fight for the compensation you deserve.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Boating Accident?
Depending on the circumstances of your accident, multiple parties could be held legally responsible. This might include:
The Boat Operator: Most commonly liable, especially if operating recklessly or under the influence.
The Boat Owner: If someone loaned out an unsafe or improperly maintained vessel.
Rental Company: If a rental company failed to inspect or maintain boats properly, or didn’t provide safety equipment.
Manufacturers: If a defective part or design caused the crash.
Event Organizers or Marinas: In some cases, oversight or negligence during events or in dock areas can contribute to accidents.
At Carrollton Injury Law, our team conducts detailed investigations to uncover every responsible party and maximize your claim.
What Damages Can You Recover After a Boat Accident?
Victims of boating accidents may be entitled to several types of compensation under Texas law, including:
Economic Damages
Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost income
Property damage (boat, gear, personal belongings)
Rehabilitation costs
Non-Economic Damages
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life
Disfigurement or permanent disability
Wrongful Death Damages
If you lost a loved one in a fatal boating accident, we can help you pursue a wrongful death claim. Compensation may include funeral costs, loss of companionship, and financial support the deceased would have provided.
Texas Boating Laws You Should Know
Texas law requires all motorized boat operators born after September 1, 1993, to complete a boater education course. However, many boaters still hit the water with little understanding of the rules.
Key Texas boating regulations include:
BUI Laws: It is illegal to operate a watercraft while intoxicated. Penalties are similar to DWI and can include jail time and fines.
Life Jacket Requirements: Children under 13 must wear life jackets on boats under 26 feet.
Accident Reporting: Boat operators must report accidents resulting in death, injury, or significant property damage (over $2,000) to Texas Parks and Wildlife within 30 days—or within 48 hours if death or serious injury occurs.
If the operator violated any of these laws, it may support your claim for negligence.
What To Do After a Boat Accident in Carrollton, TX
Taking the right steps immediately after a boating accident can make or break your injury claim.
Get Medical Help: Your health comes first. Always get checked by a doctor.
Report the Accident: Notify local authorities or the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Gather Evidence: Take photos of the scene, injuries, boats, weather conditions, and damage.
Get Contact Information: Exchange names, contact details, and insurance with everyone involved.
Speak with Witnesses: Get statements or contact info from passengers or bystanders.
Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters Alone: They may pressure you to settle early or say something that hurts your case.
Call a Boat Accident Lawyer: An experienced personal injury attorney can protect your rights and pursue maximum compensation.
Boat Accident Cases We Handle
At Carrollton Injury Law, we handle all types of boat-related injury claims across North Texas, including:
Jet Ski and personal watercraft (PWC) collisions
Speedboat accidents
Canoe and kayak injury claims
Drownings caused by negligence
Boat rental company liability cases
Boat vs. boat collisions
Falls overboard due to boat operator error
Dock accidents and marina injuries
No matter the circumstances, if someone else’s negligence caused your injury, we’re here to help you take legal action.
FAQs About Boat Accident Claims in Texas
What is the statute of limitations for filing a boat accident claim in Texas?
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas. However, certain factors (like claims against government entities) may shorten this timeline. It’s important to speak to a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.
What if I was a passenger on the boat that caused the accident?
Passengers can still file a claim—even if the boat they were on was at fault. As a passenger, you are generally considered an innocent party and may be entitled to compensation from the boat operator’s insurance.
Can I file a claim if I wasn’t wearing a life jacket?
Yes. While wearing a life jacket is always recommended, not wearing one does not automatically make you at fault or prevent you from pursuing a claim. Texas law only mandates life jackets for certain age groups or vessel sizes.
Can I sue a boat rental company?
Possibly. If the rental company provided you with a defective vessel, failed to maintain the equipment, or neglected to inform you of proper safety procedures, they could be held liable for your injuries.
Will my boating accident case go to court?
Most personal injury claims settle outside of court. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial and fight for your rights in front of a jury.
Contact Carrollton Injury Law Today for a Free Boat Accident Injury Claim Evaluation
If you or a loved one has been injured in a boat accident, you don’t have to go through this alone.
The Carrollton Injury Law team is here to fight for your rights and help you obtain the maximum compensation possible.
We proudly serve Carrollton, Texas, and surrounding areas.
Let us help you rebuild your life after a serious car accident.
You focus on healing—we’ll handle the rest.
Free Injury Claim Evaluation
No Fee Unless We Win