Primary Causes of Maritime Accidents in Galveston, Texas
Galveston sits on the Gulf Coast and serves as one of the busiest port cities in Texas. Between the commercial shipping and recreational boating activity alone, the waters around Galveston see heavy traffic throughout the year.
That level of activity naturally increases the risk of accidents on the water. If you’ve been injured in a maritime accident, determining what caused it can play a key role in building a claim that stands up to legal scrutiny.
What Factors Cause Most Maritime Accidents Near Galveston?
Maritime accidents happen for many reasons, but certain causes come up far more frequently than others.
In and around Galveston, the most common factors include:
- Operator negligence, such as failing to follow navigation rules or operating a vessel while distracted
- Poorly maintained vessels or equipment that break down at critical moments
- Crew fatigue, which is especially common during long shifts on commercial vessels or offshore rigs
- Sudden weather changes on the Gulf, including storms and high winds
- Lack of proper safety training for crew members
Some of these causes fall within a vessel operator’s control, while others point to broader failures by employers who neglect maintenance and safety standards.
How Does Federal Maritime Law Apply to My Case?
Maritime accidents are usually governed by federal law rather than Texas state law. This makes these cases very different from a typical car accident or premises liability claim.
A few key federal statutes may come into play depending on your situation:
- The Jones Act allows crew members who qualify as “seamen” to file negligence claims against their employers.
- General maritime law provides a separate basis for claims involving unseaworthiness, meaning the vessel was not reasonably fit for its intended purpose.
- The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) covers certain dock workers and harbor employees.
The law(s) that apply to you depend on your role at the time of the accident and where the injury took place. A personal injury attorney experienced in maritime cases can help you figure out which legal path gives you the best claim.
What Steps Should I Take After a Maritime Accident in Galveston?
What you do in the hours and days following a maritime accident can have a direct impact on your ability to recover compensation.
Try to keep these steps in mind as best you can:
- Report the accident to the vessel’s captain or your employer as soon as you can.
- Get medical care right away. Certain maritime injuries, particularly those involving head trauma or chemical exposure, may not present symptoms immediately.
- Document the scene if possible. Photos of the vessel’s condition and your injuries can become valuable evidence later on.
- Avoid signing any paperwork from your employer and their insurer before talking to a lawyer.
Following through on these steps helps preserve key evidence and protects your ability to pursue a claim down the line.
Contact a Galveston Maritime Accident Lawyer at The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Maritime law is a highly specialized area, and pursuing a claim after an accident on the water involves a very different process than most personal injury cases. The deadlines and legal standards that apply are not the same as what you might expect from a typical injury claim filed in state court.
Please contact an experienced maritime accident lawyer at The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers to get a free initial consultation today. We have offices in Friendswood and Galveston, Texas:
The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers – Galveston Office
2101 Mechanic St. Suite 253
Galveston, TX 77550
(409) 207-9299
The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers – Friendswood Office
312 S. Friendswood Dr.
Friendswood, TX 77546
281-992-8633
