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Assisting Clients in McAllen with Boat Accident Compensation Claims
Just as car and truck drivers owe a duty of care to others on the road, boat operators must ensure they operate their boats in a safe and careful manner. Negligence on the part of boat operators can lead to accidents that result in severe injuries, such as head trauma, fractures, soft tissue damage, and spinal injuries.
Every year, thousands enjoy boating and personal watercraft on South Padre Island, Port Isabel, and various recreational spots in the Rio Grande Valley. While these activities often result in fun and relaxation, they can also lead to devastating accidents that cause life-altering injuries.
If you’ve been injured in a boating accident due to someone else’s negligence, it’s crucial to have an experienced legal team by your side promptly. Our McAllen boating accident lawyer at the Ryan Solis Law Group is ready to help you file a claim or lawsuit against a negligent boat operator or any other party responsible for your accident and injuries. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you in seeking the compensation you deserve for your boating accident injuries.
Attorney Ryan Solis routinely represents clients who have suffered injuries or lost loved ones in boating accidents across Texas. With his extensive knowledge, proven trial abilities, and steadfast commitment, he provides the exceptional representation you need. Ryan conducts thorough investigations and adopts a proactive approach in handling boat accident cases and other personal injury matters, ensuring an efficient legal process while pursuing full and fair compensation for his clients.
✅ The Ryan Solis Law Group has secured millions in compensation for clients in personal injury cases, including boating accidents.
✅ With over 19 years of experience in serving personal injury victims throughout McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley, Ryan Solis is a highly qualified advocate.
✅ Ryan has been recognized as the “Best Personal Injury Attorney in South Texas” by Stellar Business and received the “CityOf” 2024 Premiere Service Award.
✅ Our personal injury law firm boasts a verified A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and is a member of both the McAllen Chamber of Commerce and the Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
✅ When you choose us, you work directly with Ryan Solis. We don’t pass you off to other attorneys; you deal with our lead personal injury lawyer personally.
✅ We work on a contingency-fee basis—no fees unless we win your case.
Boating accidents in the Rio Grande Valley and McAllen are unfortunately frequent. Boat operators have a duty to ensure the safety of their passengers and others on the water by operating their vessels responsibly at all times. Regrettably, many operators fail to meet this standard of care. Here are some common causes of boat accidents:
✅ Exceeding the posted speed limits for watercraft
✅ Neglecting proper maintenance of their vessels, including stairs and railings
✅ Lacking adequate lifesaving and rescue equipment on board
✅ Operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs
✅ Driving in a reckless or careless manner
Negligence and carelessness from boat operators can result in collisions with stationary objects or other vessels. Poor boat maintenance may cause slip and fall incidents or similar accidents onboard. Additionally, boats can inadvertently strike swimmers or participants in water sports, often leading to serious injuries or fatalities.
If you’ve been injured in a boating accident, you may be entitled to pursue a legal claim against the negligent operator. A skilled McAllen boat accident lawyer can help you file a timely claim or lawsuit against the responsible party.
While boating accidents can be avoided, the open design of watercraft—especially personal watercraft—and the high speeds at which they operate can make any accident on the water extremely serious. These incidents often result in severe injuries, including:
✅ Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
✅ Head and neck injuries
✅ Fractures
✅ Paralysis (both paraplegia and quadriplegia)
✅ Deep cuts from boat propellers
✅ Amputations
Tragically, fatalities are also common in boat and personal watercraft accidents. In such cases, we seek wrongful death claims for families who have lost loved ones due to collisions, drownings, or other causes. While compensation from these claims cannot replace a loved one, it can hold negligent parties accountable and provide the financial support needed to help you move forward without undue stress.
What you do right after a boat accident is crucial. Follow these steps to ensure your safety:
✅ Get to Safety: Boat accidents can be particularly perilous since you’re not on solid ground. Drowning is a genuine risk during a collision, so make sure you and others reach safety as quickly as possible.
✅ Seek Medical Attention: Immediate medical care is essential to identify and treat any injuries. This also helps document your injuries for your legal case.
✅ Report the Accident: Texas law mandates that all accidents causing injury, death, or property damage over $2,000 be reported to the state. Failing to report the accident could jeopardize your lawsuit.
✅ Decline Early Offers: You may encounter one or more insurance companies after your accident. Remember, their goal is often to minimize payouts. If they make an offer, it will likely be much lower than what you truly need and deserve. Allow our experienced personal injury lawyer to negotiate on your behalf.
✅ Collect Evidence: Gather any evidence that may support your personal injury claim. Document everything you remember about the accident, take photos of the vessel and your injuries, and collect names and contact information of any witnesses.
✅ Contact a Lawyer: Attempting to negotiate an injury claim on your own can result in missed compensation. Hiring an attorney can balance the scales and help ensure you receive every dollar you are entitled to.
You likely didn’t anticipate an accident when you decided to enjoy a day on the water. Now, you’re facing painful injuries and significant emotional distress. You may even find yourself unable to work, leading to a challenging financial situation. It’s crucial to hold the responsible party accountable for your McAllen boat accident, and that’s where our dedicated legal team comes in.
Our McAllen personal injury attorney will advocate for your compensation. We’ll collaborate with experts to assess your damages and determine the value of your case. You may be eligible for compensation for:
✅ Medical expenses
✅ Rehabilitation costs
✅ Current and future lost wages
✅ Disability
✅ Pain and suffering
✅ Emotional distress, including anxiety and depression
✅ Loss of enjoyment of life, among other factors
Don’t let concerns about attorney fees prevent you from seeking the assistance you need. At the Ryan Solis Law Group, we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay us if we win your case. You won’t owe us anything until we secure a settlement or award for you.
You have a limited timeframe to seek compensation after your boat accident. In Texas, the statute of limitations for bodily injury claims is two years, meaning you must file your claim within two years of the accident date. If you didn’t realize your injury immediately, you might have some additional time. However, if you wait too long, you could forfeit your legal right to the compensation you deserve.
Reach out to the Ryan Solis Law Group to safeguard your rights. We’ll begin working on your case without delay.
If you’ve been injured in a boat accident in McAllen, the skilled legal team at the Ryan Solis Law Group is here to help you seek the compensation you deserve. Our attorney can negotiate with the insurance company of the responsible party and, if needed, file a lawsuit in court. For a free legal consultation and case assessment with a McAllen boating accident attorney, contact us today at 956-686-9600 or reach out online for more information.
We understand that these situations can be emotionally and physically challenging, and we’re dedicated to guiding you toward a swift recovery. We will meet with you to discuss your case and determine the best legal strategy for you and your family.
Boat accidents can be extremely frightening. The emotional trauma from a collision on the water can be just as debilitating as your physical injuries, and it may take time for you to recover. You need to focus on healing, not on the stress of a complex lawsuit. That’s where our attorney can help. We have the experience and knowledge needed to effectively handle your case.
Here’s what you can expect when you choose the Ryan Solis Law Group for your boat accident claim. We will work diligently to:
✅ Investigate your accident to uncover all possible causes
✅ Identify all negligent parties and seek compensation from anyone partially responsible for your injuries
✅ Defend you against any attempts by others involved in the accident to shift blame onto you
✅ Prevent insurance companies from pressuring you into accepting a low settlement offer
✅ Collaborate with experts to accurately assess the value of your case
Trying to manage a boat accident lawsuit on your own can result in not receiving the full compensation you deserve. Our attorney knows how to negotiate effectively with insurers for a fair settlement. If necessary, our skilled trial lawyer is prepared to take your case to court.
Insurance companies will always try to minimize their boat accident payouts to you. One effective way to combat this is by staying informed. Below are some common questions from our boat accident clients that you might find useful.
Boating accidents can arise from various factors. According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), the five leading causes of these incidents include:
✅ Operator inattention
✅ Inadequate lookout
✅ Operator inexperience
✅ Speeding
✅ Alcohol use
Boating accidents can result in serious injuries or fatalities. Your initial action should be to call for assistance. Dial 9-1-1 to reach your local law enforcement agency. You can also contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), or, depending on your location, the U.S. Coast Guard.
In Texas, certain boating accidents must be reported to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department or your local law enforcement agency. According to Parks and Wildlife Code Section 31.105, the vessel operator is required to report an accident if it results in any of the following:
✅ Death
✅A missing person
✅ Injury requiring treatment beyond first aid
✅ Property damage exceeding $2,000
You must report the accident within 30 days, unless a fatality occurs, in which case you have 48 hours to report it.
Liability in a boating accident in Texas depends on the specific circumstances of the incident. Potentially responsible parties may include:
✅ Boat Operator: The operator is responsible for adhering to all Texas boating laws and safety regulations.
✅ Boat Owner: The owner must ensure that the boat is properly maintained and safe to operate.
✅ Passenger: A passenger may be held liable if their actions directly contribute to the accident.
✅ Boat Manufacturer: If a defect in manufacturing or design leads to the accident, the manufacturer may be responsible for damages.
✅ Boat Rental Company: A rental company might be liable for various reasons, such as if one of its employees is operating the boat or if it failed to ensure the boat’s safety.
An experienced boat accident attorney can engage experts to investigate the incident and help determine who is liable for your injuries or the loss of a loved one.
Following a boating accident in Texas, you may be able to recover both economic and noneconomic damages through a personal injury lawsuit.
Economic damages refer to tangible costs, which can include compensation for:
✅ Medical bills and treatment expenses
✅ Lost wages
✅ Loss of future earning capacity
✅ Property damage
Noneconomic damages are more challenging to quantify and can include pain and suffering and loss of companionship (in cases of wrongful death).
In instances of severe negligence, such as operating a boat under the influence, you may also be eligible for punitive damages.
A crash caused by a drunk driver can lead to serious injuries, especially if they lack the required insurance in Texas. While this may seem discouraging, there are options for pursuing compensation. Here’s how to proceed.
Avenues of Compensation
An experienced drunk driving attorney can help identify potential compensation sources and negotiate settlements:
Uninsured Motorist Coverage: If you have this coverage, you can file a claim with your insurance. Expect negotiation, so it’s best for your attorney to handle it.
The Drunk Driver: You can sue the driver for your injuries, but they may not have the funds to pay, leading to limited or delayed compensation.
Business or Social Host: If a bar or restaurant overserved the driver, they could be liable under Texas’ Dram Shop law. A social host serving alcohol to a minor may also be accountable.
Texas Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund: If other sources fall short, you can claim from this fund, but it caps at $50,000 and only covers medical bills and lost wages.
