Fort Worth Boat Accident Attorneys

Why do boating accidents happen in Fort Worth?

For a successful boating accident claim, it is necessary to show how the accident occurred. Common causes of boating accidents in Fort Worth include:

Operating while impaired. Operating a watercraft while intoxicated is illegal in Texas. The same principles that apply to driving cars while intoxicated applies to boat jet ski, and other watercraft operators. Just one or two drinks can impair your judgment. If your blood alcohol level is .08 or higher, the legal standard for Texas, an operator is considered intoxicated. However, you should know that an operator does not need to have a .08 BAC be considered impaired; any amount of alcohol or drugs which affect one’s mental and/or physical abilities is unsafe. Sadly, for too many boat operators, drinking and driving a boat seem to go hand in hand, which is why about half of all boating accidents involve some level of intoxication or impairment.

Lack of training and/or experience. Operating boats of any type or size requires experience, so operators can anticipate and respond to any dangers. Any boat operator who was born after September 1, 1993 is required by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to show they completed an authorized TPWD course before they can operate a vessel powered by a motor of more than 15 horsepower or a windblown vessel over 14 feet in length. Sadly, one course does not indicate that an operator is experienced enough to be safe. A combination of inexperience and poor decisions making skills is a leading cause of boat accidents.

Reckless, speeding, or negligent operators. Many boat operators fail to use caution. Instead, they see the water as an opportunity to take chances. When the operator of a boat speeds, gets too close to other boats or people, fails to follow the navigational rules, or operates their boat while distracted, accidents can easily happen.

Defective equipment.  Boats that are defective may not maneuver properly, cause carbon monoxide poisoning, or fires. Defective boating equipment includes faulty battery chargers, engines, and fuel systems. Life jackets and other accessory equipment may cause serious injuries or fail to prevent deaths from occurring. There are enough challenges trying to reach safety from a boat that is sinking, capsizing, or on fire; ensuring there is enough safety equipment – and that passengers know how to use it – is a critical component in the event of a boat accident.

Bad weather. Many boats offer little protection to operators and passengers when it rains. The pouring rain can make it difficult to see and to steer. Wind can create havoc for all watercraft, especially sailboats and other types of lighter vessels. Operators must check the weather. They need to know what steps to take when the elements are bad – including when to return to shore.

Low visibility and/or light. Unlike cars, trucks, and other land-based vehicles, boats, jet skis, and watercraft do not have prescribed lanes of travel. When the sun goes down or the fog rolls in, it can be difficult to determine whether or not you are traveling toward another vessel or stationary object, like a dock or buoy. It can also make it more difficult for rescue teams to find you. All operators must ensure their lights are in working order, and should keep to lower speeds if they must travel in low light or low visibility.