A 12-year-old boy was critically injured and rushed to Children’s Medical Center in Dallas-Fort Worth after a boating accident. According to CBS Dallas-Fort Worth, the boy was rushed into surgery due to serious injuries he sustained and he remained in critical condition for several days following the accident.
Two boats were about 200 yards off shore near Lynn Creek Park and were tied together at the time of the incident. Both boats had their lights on.
A third boat collided into the two idle boats at a very high speed. A 12-year-old aboard one of the boats was struck after what witnesses said sounded like an explosion. The boy was rushed to shore where he was transported via ambulance to the emergency room. Additionally, about thirteen other people suffered minor injuries.
The Grand Prairie Police Department has begun an investigation, but will not be pressing criminal charges. It does not appear that alcohol was a factor in the accident. However, our skilled Fort Worth boating accident lawyers argue that speed was a factor as the driver struck two idle boats.
In 2011 there were more than 4,500 boating accidents reported across the United States, which led to more than 3,000 injuries and hundreds of fatalities. This boating accident that caused one young man harm is only one of many that could occur this summer season.
If you have been in a boating accident contact a personal injury lawyer in Fort Worth to learn more about your legal options.
By following some general boating safety rules, boaters can help reduce the number of accidents and injuries that occur.
- Limit or avoid all alcohol consumption while driving a boat
- Life jackets should be available for everyone on the boat and be work or easily accessible. Although the actual collision could cause a fatality, many more boating fatalities are linked to drowning.
- Consider using an engine shut-off switch, which is connected between the driver and the ignition and shuts off the boat if the connection is broken.
This young man will face many obstacles as he recovers from his injuries, some of which may be life-changing. By following some basic boating safety tips you can help protect yourself and your passengers this summer.
Have you been injured in a boating accident?
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