Boat Accident Attorney

Houston’s proximity to Galveston Bay, Clear Lake, and numerous rivers and lakes makes recreational and commercial boating popular. However, what should be a leisurely day on the water can quickly turn tragic due to negligence, inexperience, or dangerous conditions. Airway accidents involving personal watercraft, fishing boats, yachts, or commercial vessels can lead to severe injuries and complex legal challenges under maritime or Texas personal injury law.

At Mostyn Law, our dedicated team of Houston boat accident attorneys possesses specialized knowledge of state and federal maritime laws. This expertise allows us to navigate the complex legal waters with confidence, aggressively representing individuals and families who have been injured in a boating accident or lost a loved one in the Houston area and the Gulf Coast.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a serious boat accident in Houston, Texas, or its surrounding waterways, don’t navigate these complex legal waters alone. Contact Mostyn Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation to understand your rights and options.

What to Do Immediately After a Boat Accident in Houston

The moments following a boat accident on the water can be disorienting and dangerous. However, taking immediate action can empower you and ensure your safety and health. If you are able and it is safe, take these critical steps:

1. Ensure Safety & Seek Medical Attention:

• Assess for Danger: Check for fire, submerged obstacles, or other immediate threats. If you can do so safely, assist anyone in distress.
• Call for Help: Immediately call the U.S. Coast Guard (VHF Channel 16), local law enforcement (Houston Police Marine Unit, Galveston County Sheriff’s Office Marine Division), or 911. Report your location, the nature of the accident, and any injuries.
• Get Medical Help: If injuries seem minor, seek prompt medical attention. Adrenaline can mask pain, and a quick medical evaluation ensures your well-being and creates a crucial official record linking your injuries to the accident. This documentation is essential for your compensation claim.

2. Document the Scene (If Safe and Possible):

• Take Photos and Videos: Use your phone to extensively document the scene before leaving the location. Capture:
  • Damage to all vessels involved.
  • Registration numbers of all boats.
  • Any visible injuries to yourself or passengers?
  • The weather, water, and any relevant obstacles or navigational aids.
  • Damage to the surrounding property or docks.
• Gather Information:
  • Exchange contact and insurance information with all operators involved.
  • Collect contact information from any witnesses (passengers, other boaters, dock workers).
  • Important: Do NOT admit fault, apologize, or discuss the specifics of the accident with anyone other than law enforcement and your attorney.

3. Report the Accident:

• Official Report: Texas law (Texas Parks and Wildlife Code) requires operators or owners to file a formal report with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) if the accident results in:
  • A person’s death.
  • A person disappearing under circumstances that indicate death or injury.
  • An injury requiring medical treatment beyond first aid.
  • Damage to a vessel or other property exceeding $2,000.
• Do this promptly, as there are strict deadlines for reporting.

4. Contact a Houston Boat Accident Attorney at Mostyn Law:

• Before speaking with insurance adjusters or signing any documents, contacting Mostyn Law is crucial. Boating accident claims can involve complex maritime law, liability, and insurance coverage questions. Our experienced attorneys can guide you through this process, protect your rights, handle communications with all parties, and begin gathering critical evidence to build a strong case.
• Our Houston boat accident lawyers can immediately advise you, protect your rights, handle communications with all parties, and begin gathering critical evidence to build a strong case. We will guide you through the entire legal process, from the initial consultation to the resolution of your case, ensuring you understand your rights and options every step.

5. For urgent assistance, call us now at (Your Houston Local Phone Number). Don’t navigate the complex legal waters alone. Contact Mostyn Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation to understand your rights and options.

Why Choose Mostyn Law for Your Houston Boat Accident Claim?

Boat accidents are distinct from land-based vehicle collisions. They often involve a unique blend of state and federal laws, different regulations, and specialized investigative techniques. Mostyn Law provides the specialized expertise necessary for these complex cases:

• Expertise in Maritime Law: Our attorneys deeply understand Texas boating laws and applicable federal maritime laws (such as the Jones Act for commercial seamen or general maritime law for recreational incidents), which often dictate jurisdiction and legal principles.
• Investigative Resources: We work with marine accident reconstructionists, engineers, and medical experts to thoroughly investigate your accident, determine fault, and accurately assess the full extent of your injuries and damages.
• Combating Complex Defenses: Boat accident cases can be challenging. We are skilled at countering common defenses, including claims of shared fault, lack of operator negligence, or pre-existing injuries.
• No Win, No Fee Promise: We operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely no upfront legal fees. We only get paid if we win your case through a settlement or a verdict. This ensures our goals align with yours: securing the maximum compensation.
• Client-Centered Advocacy: Your recovery is our priority. We handle all legal complexities, allowing you to focus on healing. We provide clear, consistent communication and compassionate support throughout your claim.

Understanding Boat Accidents in Houston: Facts, Causes, and Applicable Laws

Houston’s extensive waterways, from the Houston Ship Channel to its numerous lakes and bays, see significant boat traffic. Victims must understand the common accident factors and the laws governing them.

Houston & Texas Boating Accident Statistics (2024-2025 Data):

• High Accident Rates: Texas consistently ranks among the top states for boating accidents and fatalities. In 2024, Texas reported over 200 boating accidents, resulting in dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries.
• Leading Causes: Operator inattention, improper lookout, inexperience, excessive speed, and alcohol use remain the top contributing factors in Texas boating accidents.
• Vessel Types: Open motorboats, personal watercraft (jet skis), and cabin motorboats are most frequently involved in accidents.
• Peak Season: Most accidents occur during warmer months, particularly on weekends and holidays.

Common Causes of Boat Accidents in Houston:

Many boating accidents are preventable and result from negligence or recklessness on the water. Our firm investigates cases stemming from:

• Boating Under the Influence (BUI): Operating a boat while impaired by alcohol or drugs is illegal and a leading cause of fatal accidents. In Texas, a BUI conviction carries severe penalties, a significant factor in civil liability.
• Operator Inattention/Improper Lookout: Distracted operators failing to watch for other vessels, swimmers, or hazards.
• Excessive Speed/Reckless Operation: Operating a vessel too fast for conditions, or engaging in dangerous maneuvers like sharp turns, jumping wakes, or racing.
• Inexperienced Operators: Lack of proper training or unfamiliarity with the vessel’s operation, navigation rules, or specific waterways.
• Failure to Yield Right-of-Way: Disregarding navigational rules that dictate which vessel has the right-of-way.
• Navigational Rule Violations: Violating speed limits, restricted zones, or other regulations.
• Mechanical Failure: Malfunctions due to poor maintenance, defective parts, or manufacturing defects (e.g., engine failure, steering issues, faulty lights).
• Overloading or Improper Loading: Instability caused by too many passengers or improperly distributed cargo.
• Weather Conditions: Failing to monitor or react appropriately to changing weather, high winds, or rough waters.
• Hazardous Water Conditions: Collisions with submerged objects, debris, or running aground due to a lack of proper lookout or outdated charts.

Common Boat Accident Injuries:

Due to the lack of restraints and the forces involved in water collisions, boat accidents often lead to severe and life-altering injuries:

• Drowning/Near-Drowning: The most severe outcome, leading to fatalities or severe brain damage.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): From impacts with the vessel, water, or other objects, ranging from concussions to severe brain damage.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Often leading to partial or complete paralysis.
• Fractures and Amputations: Broken bones, crushed limbs, and dismemberment from propellers or structural damage.
• Severe Lacerations and Punctures: Deep cuts from sharp debris or propellers, leading to infection and scarring.
• Internal Organ Damage: Injuries to the chest or abdomen from blunt force trauma.
• Hypothermia/Exposure: Prolonged immersion in cold water.
• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: From improperly ventilated engines on enclosed vessels.
• Psychological Trauma: Including PTSD, anxiety, and depression from the terrifying experience.
• Wrongful Death: Tragically, many boat accidents are fatal. Our compassionate attorneys represent grieving families in wrongful death claims to seek justice and financial stability for their profound loss.

Relevant Texas and Federal Maritime Laws (2025 Update):

Boat accident claims can be complex due to the interplay of various laws:

• Texas Parks and Wildlife Code: Governs recreational boating safety, registration, operating rules, BUI laws, and accident reporting requirements within Texas state waters.
• Federal Maritime Law (Admiralty Law): For accidents occurring on navigable waters (which includes most major lakes, rivers, and coastal waters like Galveston Bay), federal maritime law may apply, potentially overriding state law. This includes principles of general maritime law, rules for salvage, and specific statutes like the Jones Act for commercial seamen.
• U.S. Coast Guard Regulations: The Coast Guard sets safety standards and operating rules for vessels in U.S. waters. Violations can be strong evidence of negligence.
• Statute of Limitations:
  • For personal injury claims under Texas state law, you generally have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit.
  • Under federal maritime law, the statute of limitations for personal injury is typically three years (46 U.S. Code § 30106), but specific circumstances can vary.
  • It is crucial to consult with an attorney immediately to determine the correct statute of limitations for your specific case.
• Modified Comparative Negligence (“51% Bar Rule”): Texas generally applies this rule, meaning you can recover damages if you are less than 51% at fault, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Under federal maritime law, a pure comparative fault rule typically applies, meaning you can recover even if you are more than 50% at fault, but your recovery is reduced proportionately. Determining which rule applies is a key legal question.
• Boating Under the Influence (BUI): Operating a boat with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is illegal in Texas. Penalties include fines, jail time, and suspension of driving privileges. Evidence of BUI is strong for proving negligence in a civil claim.

Contact a Leading Houston Boat Accident Attorney Today

A boat accident can leave you with severe injuries, significant medical bills, and a confusing legal landscape. Don’t risk your right to compensation by trying to navigate complex maritime and state laws on your own. The experienced Houston boat accident attorneys at Mostyn Law are ready to fight for your rights and secure the justice and financial recovery you deserve.

Your initial consultation is completely free and confidential. Let us review the details of your boat accident, explain your legal options, and develop a powerful strategy for your case.

Call Mostyn Law today at (713) 714-0000 or fill out our convenient online contact form to schedule your free consultation.

Mostyn Law – Houston Office

3810 W. Alabama Street, Houston, Texas 77027
Phone: (713) 714-0000 | Fax: (713) 714-1111
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Monday to Friday
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