Williford Law | Trusted Representation for Serious Boating Injuries and Wrongful Death
One Day on the Water Shouldn’t Cost a Lifetime of Recovery
Texas offers more opportunities for boating than most states, but with that comes serious risk.
From Lake Travis to Galveston Bay, and jet skis to fishing boats, watercraft collisions and operator negligence cause severe injuries and wrongful deaths across the state.
If you were injured or lost a loved one due to a boating accident, you may be entitled to compensation.
At Williford Law, we hold negligent operators, rental companies, and manufacturers accountable.
We serve clients in Texas who need serious legal representation after life-changing maritime incidents.
Types of Boating and Watercraft Accidents We Handle
- Speedboat and motorboat collisions
- Jet ski and personal watercraft (PWC) accidents
- Falling overboard and drowning incidents
- Propeller injuries
- Rental boat injuries
- Charter vessel crashes
- Commercial boating accidents
- Kayak, canoe, or paddleboard strikes
- Offshore and Gulf Coast incidents
Who May Be Held Liable After a Boating Accident?
| Party | Examples of Negligence |
| Boat Operator | Speeding, distracted driving, BUI (boating under the influence) |
| Boat Owner | Failure to maintain or negligently entrusting unsafe users |
| Rental Company | Inadequate maintenance, poor instructions, or unsafe vessels |
| Manufacturer | Design or mechanical defects in boats, engines, or controls |
| Charter/Tour Operator | Untrained staff, overcrowding, or unsafe navigation |
| Marina or Dock Owner | Unsafe boarding areas or obstructions |
Leading Causes of Boating Accidents in Texas
- Boating while intoxicated (BUI)
- Excessive speed or wake damage
- Operator inexperience or failure to maintain a lookout
- Equipment or mechanical failure
- Inadequate lighting or safety gear
- Hazardous weather conditions
- Failure to provide life jackets or flotation devices
- Overcrowded vessels or improper weight distribution
These aren’t just “accidents.” They’re preventable incidents caused by poor decisions, and they carry legal consequences.
Serious Injuries Caused by Boating Crashes
We represent clients with injuries including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Drowning or near-drowning injuries
- Amputations or lacerations from propeller contact
- Crush injuries and fractures
- Burns or explosion-related trauma
- Internal organ damage
- Wrongful death
These cases require a law firm that knows how to value catastrophic harm and fight for full compensation.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
You may be eligible to recover:
- Emergency room and surgical costs
- Hospitalization and long-term care
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Loss of wages and reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Loss of companionship or consortium
- Wrongful death benefits (if applicable)
At Williford Law, we calculate not only what’s been lost, but what your recovery will require in the years ahead.
What to Do After a Boating Accident in Texas
- Call 911 and request EMS assistance.
- Report the incident to Texas Parks & Wildlife or the U.S. Coast Guard, depending on the body of water.
- Get medical attention even if symptoms seem mild.
- Take photos of the scene, vessel damage, injuries, and any safety equipment (or lack thereof).
- Collect witness statements and contact information.
- Preserve all documents, receipts, and communications.
- Contact Williford Law before speaking with insurance companies or boat rental agents.
We act immediately to preserve evidence, secure reports, and protect your legal rights.
Why Choose Williford Law?
- Deep experience in boating, maritime, and catastrophic injury law
- Skilled at uncovering liability across private, rental, and commercial vessels
- Access to marine accident reconstruction experts and safety consultants
- Proven litigation strength when insurers refuse to pay fair value
- No recovery, no fee — you pay nothing unless we win
Our goal is not a quick settlement — it’s full justice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue a friend or family member who caused the crash?
Yes. Most boating injury cases are paid through liability insurance, not personal assets.
What if the accident happened on a rented or chartered boat?
The rental or tour company may be held liable if it fails to maintain equipment, provide safety instructions, or screen inexperienced drivers.
What if alcohol or drugs were involved?
Boating under the influence (BUI) is both illegal and strong evidence of negligence. It may also justify punitive damages.
What if a loved one drowned? You may file a wrongful death claim if another party’s negligence contributed to the drowning or failed to prevent it
