If you’ve ever been in the South Padre Island Gulf right outside of McAllen, Texas you will quickly notice the numerous boats and jet skis shredding up the waves. What you also begin to realize is that the normal rules of the road don’t necessarily apply while operating a water vessel. Therefore, driving a boat or jet ski could be very dangerous for someone with little or no experience. This can be scary.
As the summer continues and people of the Greater Rio Grande Valley are on vacation, there will be more and more water vessels on the bay. It’s imperative that the owners and operators of these vehicles understand and obey the laws of the waterway. If you’re new to boating or just purchased a boat there are several classes you can take. The classes will help you legally navigate the vast South Texas waters.
What to Do in Water Vehicle Accident
If you have been involved in an accident on the Gulf Coast it’s important to file a report as soon as possible. The United States Coast Guard states that the operator of each watercraft is responsible for filing within the first 48 hours of a water vehicle collision. In the report, you must list if the accident involves a personal injury that requires medical attention beyond first aid. You also have to list if a person is missing from the watercraft or if death is suspected.
Whether you’re planning to purchase your own boat or you’re simply renting a couple of jet ski’s for the weekend, it’s important to always plan ahead. Always also put safety first. Make sure that you’re not consuming alcoholic beverages and you have the correct number of life jackets onboard the vessel. The South Padre island gulf shores can be an extremely fun and adventurous place to spend your summer weekend. However, the shoreline can also be very unforgiving if you don’t take the proper precautions before leaving the dock.
While the summer is an extremely fun time for water sports, we must also stay vigilant when in the waters near a boat or jet ski. Keep your ears and eyes open. South Padre Island is a very busy place during spring break and summer. It is a good rule of thumb to assume that someone operating a boat or jet ski does not see you. So it is important to take precautionary actions with that in mind. With all that said, have fun this summer and, don’t forget your Speedos!
CONTACT HERRMAN & HERRMAN IF YOU HAVE BEEN INJURED IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF ACCIDENTS:
We can help you if you have been harmed by the following:
- Car accidents – Our lawyers have extensive experience handling car accident cases. We will work to identify the party or parties at fault for the crash and build a case to demonstrate persuasively how the parties caused the accident and your injuries. We will seek fair and full compensation through a negotiated settlement or at trial if necessary.
- Truck accidents – Thousands of large commercial trucks travel the roads of Texas every single day. Unfortunately, careless truck drivers and trucking companies disregarding safety put innocent people at risk of serious injuries. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, let our experienced Texas personal injury lawyers stand up to the trucking companies and insurers on your behalf.
- Motorcycle accidents – Motorcycle riders often suffer grievous injuries in crashes caused by other motorists. Too many motorcycle accidents in Corpus Christi are caused by careless drivers who don’t look for motorcycle riders or violate their right of way. Our personal injury lawyers will work to cut through the bias and stigma against motorcycle riders. Our goal is to seek the financial compensation that you’ll need to recover from a serious motorcycle accident and injuries such as bone fractures, road rash, or traumatic brain injury.
- Product liability – Product manufacturers have a legal obligation to make products that are safe for their intended uses and to warn consumers of any risks that may come with the product. When products have design or manufacturing defects or undisclosed dangers, the product manufacturer may be legally responsible for injuries suffered by consumers. Our attorneys can help you evaluate whether you have a valid product liability claim.
- Brain injury – Brain injuries can leave accident victims with disabilities that leave them unable to work or perform many tasks of daily living. Seeking compensation for a brain injury in an accident often proves incredibly complex. The brain injury survivor may seek compensation for anticipated future medical care and the medical care already provided. Our personal injury lawyers can help you through the difficult recovery process following a brain injury and will fight to make sure you have the resources you need.
- Spinal injury – Spinal cord injuries could cost millions of dollars of care over the course of the victim’s lifetime, especially when those injuries result in partial or complete paralysis, such as paraplegia or quadriplegia. If you or your loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, you deserve compassionate legal representation. Our attorney can help you determine whether you may be entitled to claim compensation for your injury and expenses related to living with the disability, such as making a home more accessible.
- Wrongful death – If you have lost a loved one due to the negligent or reckless actions of another party, your family deserves to seek accountability and compensation from those at fault for the wrongful death. Our caring and dedicated attorneys can help guide you and your family through this difficult and painful time and seek justice for your loved one.
