Boating and Jet Ski Accident Lawyer Serving Houston and All of Texas

If you were injured on a boat or jet ski, seek medical attention immediately and document the incident with photos and witness information. Early steps are critical to both your health and the integrity of a future claim. You should also report the accident to local authorities and your insurer. Preserve receipts and records related to treatment and lost wages. Contact an attorney to review the facts and advise on insurance interactions and next steps.

Compensation may include payment for medical bills, future medical care, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, property damage, and pain and suffering. The specific damages depend on the nature and severity of the injuries. Non-economic damages like emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life may also be recovered when supported by medical and factual evidence. The total value of a claim is based on documented losses and the strength of liability proof.

In Texas, the general statute of limitations for personal injury is two years from the date of the injury, but certain maritime and governmental claims may have different deadlines. Filing too late can bar recovery. Because timelines can vary depending on the circumstances, it is important to consult an attorney promptly to determine the applicable deadlines and ensure timely preservation of your legal rights.

Responsibility can fall on the operator, vessel owner, rental company, manufacturer, maintenance provider, or other parties whose actions or failures contributed to the accident. Each case requires investigation to identify liable parties. Shared fault is also possible. Texas uses comparative fault rules that reduce recoverable damages when the injured person is partly responsible, making careful investigation and documentation important.

You should report the incident to your insurer but be cautious about giving recorded statements or signing releases without legal advice. Insurers may request quick statements that can be used to minimize or deny claims. It is wise to consult an attorney before providing detailed recorded statements or accepting settlement offers so your rights and long-term needs are protected throughout the claims process.

You may have claims against the operator, the rental company, or both depending on the facts. Liability can arise from negligent operation, inadequate safety instructions, or failure to maintain equipment. Rental agreements sometimes contain limiting language, but those provisions do not always prevent recovery when the company’s negligence contributed to the accident. Legal review helps determine the best approach.

Operating a vessel while intoxicated is negligent and can support a claim for damages. Evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and field sobriety results strengthens the case. When intoxication is proven, it can increase the likelihood of a successful claim and potentially affect settlement negotiations or trial outcomes due to heightened liability.

Many boating accident cases are resolved through negotiation and settlement, but some require litigation when liability or damages are disputed. The decision to go to court depends on the strength of the claim and whether a fair settlement is offered. If litigation becomes necessary, your attorney will prepare the case for trial and explain expected timelines, discovery, and potential outcomes so you can make informed choices about settlement offers and trial strategy.

Proving fault involves collecting witness statements, incident and police reports, photos, video, maintenance records, and any available electronic tracking or GPS data. Expert testimony may be used to reconstruct the accident and explain technical causes. Medical records linking injuries to the accident also support causation and damages. A coordinated investigation helps build a comprehensive case to demonstrate negligence and its consequences.

Bring any incident reports, photos or videos, medical records, bills, insurance information, witness contact details, and any correspondence with insurers or rental companies. These documents help the attorney evaluate the claim quickly. If you do not have all records, provide as much information as possible about the accident, treatment received, and how injuries have affected your daily life so the attorney can advise on next steps and evidence to obtain.