Boating accidents are an unfortunately common occurrence here in Texas during the warm spring and summer months. Although boating is considered a fun, carefree activity, it can also be quite dangerous if proper safety procedures are not adhered to. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, there are more than 4,500 boating accidents, 650+ deaths, and over 3,000 injuries every year on the waterways. One of the best ways you can protect yourself and your loved ones is by taking the time to learn about the most common causes of boating accidents as well as what injuries are most likely to take place.
Boating makes up a large percentage of Texas’ tourist industry, and it is also a favorite pastime of many residents. Unfortunately, the high number of watercraft on Texas rivers and lakes means the state is often home to serious boating accidents. If you or a loved one are involved in a boating accident, we encourage you to come into Premier Injury Clinics of DFW today. Even if your injuries do not seem serious, they very well may be. One of the biggest mistakes boating accident victims make is ignoring their symptoms, only to be faced with far more serious problems down the road.
Common Causes of Boating Accidents
To understand what some of the most common boating accident injuries are, we must first look at the leading causes of boating accidents. Before you launch a personal watercraft or get onto a boat, both adults and children must take the time to brush up on boat safety tips. Furthermore, always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket to ensure your safety. We also suggest you read up on the Texas waterway laws to ensure nothing is missed.
Some of the top factors that may contribute to a boating accident in Texas include:
- Extreme weather conditions
- Negligence
- Operator inattention
- Operator inexperience
- Failure to lookout
- Reckless actions by drivers, passengers, or water skiers
- Equipment failure
- Speed
- Alcohol use
- Improper boat maintenance
- Collisions with other vessels
- Falls on the boat
Most Common Boating Accident Injuries
Boating accidents can result in everything from whiplash and minor scrapes or muscle strains to far more serious injuries and even death. While it is true that boating operators must operate their watercraft in a “reasonable and prudent manner about other vessel traffic, posted restrictions, the presence of a divers-down flag, and other circumstances”, there are many different scenarios that may result in serious boating accident injuries. Let’s now take a look at the most common boating accident injuries here in Texas:
- Concussions
- Neck injuries
- Sprains and strains
- Lower back injuries
- Knee injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Whiplash
- Shoulder injuries
- Hip injuries
If you have been involved in a boating accident in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, please contact Premier Injury Clinics today. Because many of these accidents lead to muscle sprains and strains, spinal cord injuries, internal bruising, and whiplash, you must seek medical care. Furthermore, should your boating accident case go to court, our doctors will testify on your behalf. Don’t ignore symptoms, come into Premier Injury Clinics of DFW today.
