The Corpus Christi area is one of Texas's premier boating destinations. Corpus Christi Bay, the Laguna Madre, Port Aransas, Rockport's waterways, and the Intercoastal Waterway attract thousands of recreational and commercial boaters every year. With that activity comes an unfortunate reality — boating accidents happen, and when they do, the injuries can be devastating.

At Anderson Alexander PLLC, our Corpus Christi personal injury attorneys handle boating accident cases throughout the Coastal Bend including Corpus Christi Bay, Aransas County, San Patricio County, and surrounding South Texas waters.

COMMON CAUSES OF BOATING ACCIDENTS IN THE COASTAL BEND

Operator inexperience. Many recreational boaters lack proper training or experience operating watercraft safely, especially in the busy and sometimes unpredictable waters of Corpus Christi Bay and the Laguna Madre.

Boating under the influence. Texas law prohibits operating a watercraft while intoxicated, known as BWI. Intoxicated boaters are one of the leading causes of serious injuries and fatalities on Texas waters. BWI carries the same legal blood alcohol content standard as DWI on Texas roads.

Speeding and failure to maintain proper lookout. Operators who exceed safe speeds or fail to watch for other vessels, swimmers, or obstacles create dangerous situations that often result in catastrophic collisions.

Equipment failure. Mechanical failures including engine problems, steering failures, and defective safety equipment can cause serious accidents that may give rise to product liability claims against manufacturers.

Weather and water conditions. The Gulf Coast can produce sudden storms, high winds, and rough seas that catch unprepared boaters off guard. Operators have a responsibility to monitor conditions and make safe decisions.

TEXAS BOATING LAWS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department regulates boating in Texas waters. Key laws include that boating while intoxicated is illegal with the same .08 blood alcohol content standard as driving while intoxicated, life jackets are required for all children under 13 aboard moving vessels, operators must carry required safety equipment including life jackets and fire extinguishers, and accidents resulting in death, injury, or significant property damage must be reported to Texas Parks and Wildlife within 30 days.

FEDERAL MARITIME LAW AND BOATING ACCIDENTS

Depending on where your boating accident occurred, federal maritime law may apply in addition to or instead of Texas state law. The Jones Act and general maritime law provide additional rights and remedies for injured boaters and maritime workers that differ significantly from standard personal injury law. Anderson Alexander has experience navigating both state and federal maritime law for Coastal Bend boating accident victims.

WHAT TO DO AFTER A BOATING ACCIDENT IN CORPUS CHRISTI

Get medical attention immediately — water accidents often result in serious injuries that may not be immediately apparent. Report the accident to Texas Parks and Wildlife if required by law. Document the scene and any injuries as thoroughly as possible. Get contact information from witnesses and other vessel operators. Do not speak with insurance companies before consulting Anderson Alexander. Contact our office immediately — evidence preservation is critical and time-sensitive in boating accident cases.

YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS AFTER A COASTAL BEND BOATING ACCIDENT

If you were injured in a boating accident caused by another operator's negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for medical expenses both past and future, lost wages and lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, permanent disability or disfigurement, and future medical costs.

HOW ANDERSON ALEXANDER CAN HELP

Austin Anderson and Clif Alexander are Super Lawyers rated attorneys who have represented personal injury victims throughout the Coastal Bend. We understand the unique legal landscape of boating accidents in South Texas waters and have the resources to take on vessel owners, operators, and their insurers.

Rockport TX: a2xlaw.com/personal-injury-attorney-rockport-tx

Portland TX: a2xlaw.com/personal-injury-attorney-portland-tx

Contact us: a2xlaw.com

Call (361) 452-1279. Free consultation. No fee unless we win.