Here in Austin, boating and other water sports are a popular summer pastime in the Colorado River. Although boating, swimming, and other water sports are a great way to stay cool during the hot days of summer, they have risks that individuals should understand before heading out to the water. It is possible to suffer an injury or even drown in the water due to another party’s negligence or reckless actions. Injuries and wrongful deaths that result from boating accidents and related accidents can lead to significant financial damages for the victim or his or her loved ones. When this happens, the victim or the victim’s loved ones can seek compensation for their damages through a personal injury or wrongful death claim.

Examples of Boating and Drowning Accidents

Sometimes, accidents in and around the water are due to the victim’s negligence and other times, they are due to a boater or property owner’s negligence. In this latter scenario, the victim may seek compensation through a personal injury claim if he or she can prove that the boater or property owner failed to uphold his or her duty to protect others by preventing an accident. For example, if a victim is injured at a public pool because the pool’s owner failed to repair one of the pool’s ladders, the victim may file a claim with the owner of the public pool.

Prevent a Boating or Drowning Accident

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,ten people die every day in drowning accidents. The majority of these victims are minors. If you are a parent, always supervise your child closely around the water. Make sure he or she wears an appropriately-sized life jacket and swims only in designated swimming areas.

If you are operating a boat, always obey the posted signage. Like the signs along the roadway that tell you the speed limit, upcoming hazards, and other requirements, you will find channel markers and buoys in the water that communicate rules you must obey. You may be required to complete a boater education course before operating your boat, depending on your age and the type of boat you own. Even if you are not required by law to do so, it is a good idea to refresh your boating safety knowledge.

Work with an Austin Boat Accident Lawyer

Even if you take all the necessary safety precautions, accidents can happen. If you have suffered an injury in any type of accident on the water, whether it was a boating accident, a jet ski accident, or an accident due to a preventable swimming accident, you can potentially recover compensation through a personal injury claim. To learn more about the personal injury claim process, contact our team of Austin personal injury attorneys atThe Law Office Of Robert L. Buford today. Our Austin drowning accident attorneys are eager to help you today.