Yacht Accidents

As the victim of a yacht accident, you could be entitled to substantial financial compensation for your losses. Most yacht accidents can – and should – be avoided, and if a boat manufacturer, dock owner, operator, or other party is responsible for your injuries, you deserve to be fully compensated. At Morrow & Sheppard LLP, we represent yacht accident victims throughout the Houston area, seeking maximum compensation for their medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.

What Caused Your Yacht Accident?

In order to seek compensation for your injuries, the first step is determining the cause of the accident. Once we know the cause, then we can identify the party (or parties) responsible. Once we know who was at fault, then we can aggressively pursue just compensation on your behalf.

All of this means that we will begin your case with a thorough investigation. Evidence in boating accidents can disappear quickly, so it is important that you get us involved as soon as possible. We have extensive experience investigating harbor and offshore accidents, and we work with trusted accident reconstructionists and other marine experts who can help us pinpoint the mistake or defect that led to your injury.

Some of the most common causes of yacht accidents that can justify claims for compensation include:

• Collisions with other watercraft or fixed objects (such as piers and bridge supports)
• Exceeding the boat’s weight rating (overcrowding)
• Grounding and making contact with propellers
• Hitting waves at unsafe speeds and angles
• Lack of operator training and experience
• Negligent boat maintenance or repairs
• Operating a charter in dangerous weather
• Operating a yacht under the influence of alcohol or drugs

In addition, many yacht accidents are caused by problems with the yachts themselves. Yachts must be built to withstand the forces of nature out on the open water, and they must be designed to avoid putting passengers at unreasonable risk of injury. If there was a defect in the design or manufacture of the boat on which you were injured, the manufacturer, wholesaler, retailer, and any other company involved in the chain of distribution could be liable for your losses.

Recover Just Compensation for Your Losses

Boating accidents are often traumatic experiences, with many involving life-or-death situations. If you were injured in a yacht accident, in addition to recovering your medical expenses, you could also be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering, emotional distress, lost income, and other losses.

To make sure that you are able to recover the full compensation you deserve, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. You should also avoid discussing the accident with anyone except your attorney. At Morrow & Sheppard LLP, we can guide you through all of the steps you need to take in order to preserve your right to maximum compensation.