Austin Boating Accident

Austin has a large boating population; the college crowd is well known for partying on Lake Travis and Austin. If you enjoy spending your weekends boating in Austin, you could be the victim of a boating accident. Most people have no idea what they should if they are involved in a boating accident. So you are out boating enjoying one of Austin’s beautiful lakes and you are unfortunate enough to be involved in a boating accident. It’s important to note that boating accidents are not only collisions with other vessels (boats). Boating accidents include capsizing, crew overboard, collisions, fire, sinking & flooding, explosions, and disappearance.

If you are involved in a boating accident which you must report, it is the responsibility of each boat operator who is involved in the accident to contact TPWD or local law enforcement agency within 30 days. If there was a death involved, injuries requiring emergency medical attention beyond first aid, or more than $2,000 damage to vessel or property; MUST BE REPORTED WITHIN 48 HOURS.

Hopefully, you have not suffered any serious injuries during the accident. You or someone, who is not injured, should immediately stop your boat engine. Many smart boat owners where a kill switch that stops the engine whenever the boat hits another object. Parties involved in the boating accident thrown overboard can be seriously injured or die as a result of being run over by the boat. You are required stop and render aid without endangering yourself or your passengers. Also, you are required to give your name, address, phone number, and vessel number, in writing, to the owners of the other vessels involved in the accident. If you or anyone else has sustained injuries requiring emergency medical attention, you should seek immediate medical assistance by calling 911. Even if you think you have not sustained an injury, you should have a physical exam with your primary doctor as soon as possible after the accident to determine if you can be compensated through insurance companies and any legal proceedings which may occur as the result of your boating accident. You should immediately hire a qualified experienced boating accident attorney to represent and assist you throughout the process.

As of September 1, 2001, you are prohibited from having an open container in passenger area of a motor vehicle. This does not apply to a watercraft. HOWEVER, if you are suspected of operating a watercraft while under the influence with an engine having a manufacturers rating of 50 horsepower or above and you refuse a breath test or blood specimen; you will lose your driver’s license for 180 days for first time offenders. You will most likely be charged with Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) for refusing any field sobriety test and/or breath test. If you involved in a boating alcohol related incident with law enforcement, you should immediately retain the services of a criminal defense attorney and have your attorney Administrative License Revocation schedule a hearing within 15 days of the incident. If you fail to do this, your license will automatically be suspended. If you lose your license, you will have to obtain an occupational license and your insurance will most likely drop you or raise your rates dramatically. Lastly, if you are involved in a boating accident under the influence that causes injury or death to another person, you can be charged with intoxication manslaughter.

IF YOU OR LOVED ONE HAS SUFFERED AN INJURY OR SERIOUS LOSS AS A RESULT OF AN ACCIDENT, CALL CARABIN SHAW, DAY OR NIGHT. THE CONSULTATION IS FREE 800-862-1260.