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Texas waterways are a source of recreation and relaxation—but a boating accident can turn a fun day into a life-altering tragedy. Collisions, reckless maneuvers, unsafe equipment, and negligent boat operators often lead to devastating injuries. Popular spots like Canyon Lake, the Guadalupe River, Medina Lake, and the Gulf Coast are particularly dangerous when crowded with inexperienced or careless operators.
At Carabin Law, our San Antonio boat accident lawyers fight for victims and their families. We’ve spent decades protecting injured Texans and holding negligent parties accountable. If you or a loved one has been harmed in a boating accident, we’ll pursue the justice and compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional suffering.
Why Do Boating Accidents Happen?
Boating accidents usually trace back to negligence. Identifying the cause is essential to building a strong injury claim. Some of the most common causes include:
Inexperienced boaters may make dangerous errors when navigating crowded waterways.
Speeding, unsafe turns, or ignoring “no wake” zones can quickly cause disaster.
Alcohol or drugs impair judgment and reaction time, putting lives at risk.
Poor maintenance or defective parts can cause mechanical breakdowns or unsafe conditions.
How Serious Are Boating Accident Injuries?
Compensation can help cover medical bills, lost income, and the emotional impact of boating injuries. Because boats lack the safety protections of cars, injuries can be catastrophic. Victims often require extensive medical treatment and face long-term challenges. Common boating accident injuries include:
Caused by collisions, falls, or oxygen deprivation from near-drowning.
Accidents can lead to paralysis or lasting mobility limitations.
Propeller accidents or broken equipment often cause deep, life-altering cuts.
High-impact crashes frequently result in painful and costly recovery.
These tragic accidents may cause fatalities or permanent brain damage.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Boating Accident?
Determining liability is one of the most important steps in a boating accident case. Often, multiple parties share responsibility. Potentially liable parties include:
For reckless, negligent, or intoxicated operation.
When they fail to maintain the vessel or allow unsafe operators to take control.
If defective parts, engines, or equipment contributed to the accident.
When they rent out poorly maintained boats or fail to provide proper safety instructions.
Statute of Limitations
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including boating accidents, is two years from the date of the accident. This means you have two years to file a lawsuit against the responsible party.
If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to pursue compensation. However, certain exceptions can apply—such as if the victim is a minor or if the accident involved a government entity. That’s why it’s important to speak with a San Antonio boat accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights and build a strong case before evidence is lost or memories fade.