Jet Ski, Boat, and Personal Watercraft (PWC) Accidents in Texas - Personal Injury Lawsuits

There is nothing worse than an unexpected accident ruining your vacation. When you involve heavy and powerful equipment like jet skis, boats, and other personal watercraft (PWC), a relaxing day at the beach can end with you in the ER, or worse. 

In Texas, the Gulf of Mexico and lakefront beaches can get busy at times, but water recreation often isn't tightly regulated. Some watercraft injuries are caused by operator error and inexperience, other times because of defective equipment or reckless driving. Many of these accidents are caused by somebody else's negligence.

In cases where injuries occur and somebody is to blame, you can pursue legal action. The last thing you want to top an already ruined vacation is months or years of medical bills, lost wages from missed work, pain, and suffering. If you are involved in a boating, jet skiing, or personal watercraft accident, our Texas boat and jet ski accident attorneys can help you determine your legal options.  

Causes of Jet Ski, Boat, and Personal Watercraft (PWC) Accidents

1. Operator Inexperience 

   Many first-time boaters receive inadequate safety education prior to using a watercraft. Beginners put in charge of a fast and touchy jet ski, not knowing how to maneuver, slow down, and stop it in time can lead to crashes. It is the boater's responsibility to understand his or her ability to control the vessel. A simple apology alone will not be sufficient to cover the damages the person caused and the injuries they may have inflicted on you.

2. Defective Equipment

   Accidents can also occur when people rent or buy defective watercraft. Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of products have a duty to ensure that their products are safe for ordinary use. If a boat's propeller blades detach unexpectedly and cause serious injury to an innocent swimmer, or if a jet ski lacks sturdy seating or handles—companies can be held accountable for damages through a products liability lawsuit.

3. Distracted or Intoxicated Driving

   When having fun out on the water, it's easy for people to forget they are operating a highly powered, dangerous vehicle that is capable of killing or injuring others. Throw alcohol into the equation and people can become even more reckless. Boaters must exercise caution and respect for one another, just as they do when driving on the road.  

4. Improper Supervision

   There are no street lines or set directions of traffic out on the water. Other watercraft can approach from the front, behind, and both sides of your vessel. As a result, it is important to have a lookout for all larger watercraft. In the words of the U.S. Coast Guard, "Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision.”

Compensation for Jet Ski, Boat, and Personal Watercraft (PWC) Injuries

With boats, jet skis and personal watercrafts moving around in different directions and at different speeds, collisions and accidents are inevitable. Don't hesitate to seek medical attention as soon as possible following an incident. Injuries often do not appear until hours or days later. A medical professional can help you determine if an injury has occurred and what you will need to do in order to recover fully.

Contact Our Texas Boat and Jet Ski Accident Attorneys

If you are involved in a boating, jet skiing, or personal watercraft accident, our Texas boat and jet ski accident attorneys can help you determine your legal options. We will help prove negligence and fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to speak with our experienced personal injury lawyers at (888) 430-0906.