According to the U.S. Coast Guard, from 2013 to 2014 nationally, deaths increased from 560 to 610, an 8.9% increase, injuries increased from 2,620 to 2,678, a 2.2% increase and the total number of accidents increased from 4,062 to 4,064, a 0.05% increase. Where the cause of death was known, 78% of fatal boating accident victims drowned; of those drowning victims, 84% were not wearing a life jacket. The most common types of vessels involved in reported accidents were open motorboats, personal watercraft and cabin motorboats. The vessel types with the highest number of fatalities were open motorboats, canoes and kayaks. Go here to read the entire USCG report.

How and when to file a boating accident report after a boat accident in Harlingen, Weslaco, Brownsville, or McAllen

Federal law requires the operator – or owner, if the operator is deceased or unable to make the report – to file a boating accident report with the Texas reporting authority when, as a result of an occurrence that involves a boat or its equipment:

• A person dies;
• A person disappears from the vessel under circumstances that indicate death or injury;
• A person is injured and requires medical treatment beyond first aid;
• Damage to vessels and other property totals $2,000 (lower amounts in some states and territories) or more;
• The boat is destroyed.

Go to this site to learn about filing a boating accident report.

Boating Laws in Texas

Learn about the specific boating laws in Texas by going to this site. Topics covered in the reference guide include boating education, operator age, water skiing, boat noise, numbering & titling, personal watercraft, boating under the influence, personal flotation devices and more.

Common causes of Harlingen, Weslaco, Brownsville, and McAllen boating accidents include:

• operator inexperience;
• operator inattention;
• passenger/skier behavior;
• weather;
• equipment failure;
• reckless operation;
• failure to yield;
• excessive speed and alcohol use.

When someone is injured in a Harlingen, Weslaco, Brownsville, or McAllen boating accident, what needs to happen next?

When someone is injured, it is crucial to get appropriate medical treatment, regardless of the financial cost. The major hospitals in the area include:

Harlingen Medical Center;

Knapp Medical Center - Weslaco;

Valley Regional Medical Center - Brownsville;

McAllen Medical Center.

As soon as possible, an injured person should contact their insurance company to find out how medical treatment is covered under their insurance policy.

When a boating accident results in a serious injury or a fatality, it is important to find a good Harlingen, Weslaco, Brownsville, and McAllen boating accident attorney

When an injury is serious or a death occurs, the next step is to find an experienced Harlingen, Weslaco, Brownsville, and McAllen boating accident attorney to start the financial recovery process by launching an insurance claim. Major injury or Harlingen, Weslaco, Brownsville, and McAllen wrongful death claims are complicated and can be hard to manage without legal help. An experienced Harlingen, Weslaco, Brownsville, and McAllen boating crash lawyer understands the unique maritime laws that affect a claim. Since most personal injury lawyers offer a free initial consultation and work on a contingency basis, meaning that there are no up-front costs and all fees are paid when the claim is settled, there is no downside to speaking with a Harlingen, Weslaco, Brownsville, and McAllen personal injury lawyer right away.