Port Aransas Offshore Fishing Charter Accident Lawsuits: Your Legal Rights After an Injury in Texas

From catching kingfish near the shore to landing a yellowfin tuna in deeper waters, it’s no wonder Port Aransas is known as the “fishing capital of Texas.” Most fishermen see a day on the water as the ultimate recreational activity, but it is not without risk. Accidents and injuries happen at sea, often due to the negligence of a charter company employee who was responsible for your safety. What rights do you have if you are injured in one of these accidents?

Holding parties liable for an accident on the water is not the same as liability in land accidents. The Texas boat accident attorneys at Carabin Shaw are well-versed in maritime law and protect our clients' rights while fighting to get them the compensation they deserve. We offer free case reviews in English or Spanish, and you pay nothing unless we win your case. Explore your legal options now by calling us toll-free at 1-800-862-1260 or contact us online.

Texas has more reported boating accidents than nearly any other state, according to the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Office of Boating Safety. Common causes of these accidents that might involve negligence by an employee of the charter company might include:

• Operator inattention or inexperience
• Failure to maintain a lookout
• Excessive speed
• Operating while intoxicated
• Machinery failure
• Failure to follow navigation rules

If an incident occurs and the fishing boat does not have required safety gear, it can turn an unfortunate accident into a much more serious one. Any of these factors could lead your attorney to pursue a personal injury lawsuit seeking damages for your injuries and related losses.

After a boating accident, your lawyer will work quickly to protect your rights, preserve evidence, and establish liability. The first step in building a strong case is to gather evidence such as:

• Vessel records (engine data, GPS tracking logs, passenger manifests)
• Official reports (USCG investigation files, accident records, toxicology results)
• Physical evidence (photos of the scene, faulty equipment, witness statements)

Through this evidence and a thorough investigation of your accident, your lawyer will determine the cause of your accident and identify the liable parties. They will also calculate your damages based on your medical expenses, lost wages, and intangible losses like physical pain.

Your Port Aransas fishing charter injury lawyer will also determine the jurisdiction for your claim. Texas state law applies if the accident occurred within nine nautical miles of the Texas coastline. If your vessel was on federal navigable waters or more than nine miles into the Gulf of Mexico, your case is governed under maritime laws.

Multiple parties could contribute to a charter boat accident, including:

• The operator or captain of the vessel
• The boat owner or charter company
• Crew members onboard the vessel
• Maintenance contractors
• Equipment manufacturers
• Passengers or other boaters

Some accidents may involve more than one party. State and maritime laws both operate under a proportionate liability rule, which allows accident victims to seek compensation from all responsible parties according to their portion of fault. You can seek damages even if your actions played a role in the incident, as long as your portion of fault is less than 51%. However, your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Your attorney will identify all at-fault parties to maximize your right to damages. Check out our client reviews to see how we’ve helped other accident victims pursue all the compensation they deserved.

An offshore fishing trip is something you plan for and look forward to. When that much-anticipated outing ends with a painful injury, you have a right to justice and compensation. Our team is available 24/7 to help you understand your legal options. Call the expert attorneys at Carabin Shaw now at 1-800-862-1260 or contact us online.

For more information:

• Texas Statutes 31
• United States Code & Regulations
• SWF
• Texas Statutes 33