# Are Boat Accidents Covered by Maritime Law in Texas? | Attorney Brian White **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. When Maritime Law Applies to Boating Accidents in Texas  2. Maritime Law vs. Personal Injury Law  3. Laws That Govern Injured Sea Workers 4. Who Is Legally Responsible for Boat Accidents 5. Learn the Laws That Apply to Your Case - Contact Us for a Free Case Review 6. Contact a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer to Help You With Your Claim ![Are Boat Accidents Covered by Maritime Law in Texas?  ](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Are-Boat-Accidents-Covered-by-Maritime-Law-in-Texas--300x176.jpg) According to the [Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Annual Report](https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/boat/media/texas-boating-incidents-statistics-2023.pdf), boat accidents injured 97 people, killed 28 others, and resulted in nearly $770,000 of property damage in 2023. The most common cause of these accidents is operator inattention. If you have been involved in a boating accident, it is critical that you understand the laws that apply to the case.  Car accidents have a more straightforward legal system. Most of the same rules apply regardless of which road the collision occurred on. However, when a boat accident occurs, the location of the accident dictates the laws that apply. An experienced [maritime injury lawyer](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/maritime-injury-lawyer/) can review your case and determine the laws that apply. ## When Maritime Law Applies to Boating Accidents in Texas  Maritime law applies to vessels out at sea and in “navigable waters,” defined as waters that are subject to the ebb and flow of the tide” and have been, are currently being used, or may be used to “transport interstate or foreign commerce.” In particular, sections of the following areas may be navigable waters and subject to maritime law: - [Angelina River](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angelina_River) - [Big Cypress Bayou](https://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/pwdpubs/pwd_rp_t3200_1059b/media/big_cyp_crk_byu.pdf) - Brazos River - [Colorado River](https://www.americanrivers.org/river/colorado-river-2/) - Neches River - Red River - [Rio Grande](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/rio-grande-valley-tx/jones-act-lawyer/) - Sabine River - Sulphur River - Trinity River Otherwise, bodies of water within a state’s borders are subject to state law, including Lake Houston, Lake Conroe, and Sheldon Lake in [Texas](https://www.texas.gov/). Notably, Texas state waters extend nine nautical miles from the shoreline of the [Gulf of Mexico](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_of_Mexico). Complicated legal disputes often arise regarding this specific issue. It’s best to contact an attorney if you’re not sure if maritime law applies to your case. For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ## Maritime Law vs. Personal Injury Law  It is essential to know whether maritime law or state law applies to your personal injury claim because these laws have fundamental differences, including: - Filing deadlines – The statutes of limitations to file a lawsuit are different for personal injury claims vs. maritime claims. For [personal injury claims](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CP/htm/CP.16.htm#:~:text=Sec.%2016.003.%20%20TWO,the%20injured%20person.), the statute of limitations is usually two years, but for maritime claims based on federal law, it is generally three years from the accident date. There are exceptions to these time limits. - Damage caps – Personal injury cases in Texas sometimes have a cap on compensatory damages. Maritime cases do not necessarily have the same cap; it depends on the specific type of claim. - Factfinder – Personal injury cases are [tried](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/will-my-personal-injury-case-go-to-trial/) before state judges, but maritime cases are heard by judges in federal district court. Both jurisdictions allow the right to a trial by jury.  There are also different rules for workers injured at sea. ## Laws That Govern Injured Sea Workers Maritime law can also apply when a worker is injured while out at sea. The [Jones Act](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/jones-act-lawyer/) is the central law that establishes a boat or vessel worker’s right to file a lawsuit if their employer was negligent. These [claims allow injured workers](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/) to recover more compensation than they would typically be eligible for under a workers’ compensation claim, but they require you to show your employer was negligent.  [Click to contact](/contact-us/) us today ## Who Is Legally Responsible for Boat Accidents Various parties may be [liable](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/whats-liability/) for boat accident injuries. Possible parties and legal theories of why they bear liability in your case may include: - Boat operators who drive while intoxicated, distracted, or in violation of laws  - Boat owners who entrust the boat to someone unsafe to operate it - Boat rental companies who rent out boats that have not been properly maintained  - Boat manufacturers when the boat is defectively designed or manufactured If you were injured while working, you may have options available to you as well. An experienced boat accident lawyer can investigate your case and determine who is responsible for your injuries. Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Now ## Learn the Laws That Apply to Your Case – Contact Us for a Free Case Review A central question in a boating accident case is which laws apply. Sorting out jurisdiction can be complicated as state law may apply in some situations, but maritime law may apply in others.  Contact Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers for help with your case. ## Contact a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer to Help You With Your Claim Our offices Houston — Greenway/Upper Kirby 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350 Houston, TX 77098 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 364-1466](tel:+17133641466) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%203120%20Southwest%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20350%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077098) Houston — East Freeway 11811 East Freeway, Suite 630-06 Houston, TX 77029 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 609-1893](tel:+17136091893) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011811%20East%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20630-06%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077029) Houston — South Loop 2600 South Loop West, Suite 293 Houston, TX 77054 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 281-4904](tel:+17132814904) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%202600%20South%20Loop%20West%2C%20Suite%20293%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077054) Houston — Katy Freeway 11511 Katy Fwy, Suite 515 Houston, TX 77079 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 909-7537](tel:+17139097537) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011511%20Katy%20Fwy%2C%20Suite%20515%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077079) Houston — Clear Lake 1300 Bay Area Blvd, Suite B268 Houston, TX 77058 By appointment only Call [(936) 508-2854](tel:+19365082854) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201300%20Bay%20Area%20Blvd%2C%20Suite%20B268%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077058) The Woodlands 1776 Woodstead Ct, Ste. 203 The Woodlands, TX 77380 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201776%20Woodstead%20Ct%2C%20Ste.%20203%2C%20The%20Woodlands%2C%20TX%2077380) Champion Forest (Cypress) 4606 FM 1960 Rd W, Ste. 444 Houston, TX 77069 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%204606%20FM%201960%20Rd%20W%2C%20Ste.%20444%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077069) --- ### About the Author Brian White ![About the Author Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/brian-white-houston-personal-injury-lawyer-300x300.jpg) [Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/our-attorneys/brian-white/) earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. He is a [Board-Certified](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/brian-white-is-board-certified-in-personal-injury-trial-law/) Personal Injury Trial Lawyer. Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and [community initiatives](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/community-involvement/). [Client testimonials](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/testimonials/) highlight Brian’s compassion, open communication, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents. [Avvo](https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/77098-tx-brian-white-74113.html) / [Justia](https://lawyers.justia.com/lawyer/brian-elliott-white-201630) / [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/attorney-brian-white-378410166) Call or Text [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) or Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Personal Injury Blog Posts: [![How AI Is Transforming the Way Personal Injury Cases Are Handled](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/How-AI-Is-Transforming-the-Way-Personal-Injury-Cases-Are-Handled-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/how-ai-is-changing-the-way-personal-injury-cases-are-handled/) [How AI Is Changing the Way Personal Injury Cases Are Handled](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/how-ai-is-changing-the-way-personal-injury-cases-are-handled/) Artificial intelligence has moved beyond Silicon Valley into everyday fields like medicine, finance, and law. In Texas [![The Difference Between Special Damages vs. General Damages Explained](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/The-Difference-Between-Special-Damages-vs.-General-Damages-Explained-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-difference-between-special-damages-vs-general-damages-explained/) [The Difference Between Special Damages vs. General Damages Explained](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-difference-between-special-damages-vs-general-damages-explained/) If you’ve been injured in a car accident or other incident in Texas, you’re likely wondering what kinds of [![The Difference Between Tort Law and Personal Injury Law](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The-Difference-Between-Tort-Law-and-Personal-Injury-Law-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-difference-between-tort-law-and-personal-injury-law/) [The Difference Between Tort Law and Personal Injury Law](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-difference-between-tort-law-and-personal-injury-law/) When someone gets hurt because of another person’s actions, determining which area of law applies can be confusing. [![You Received a Hospital Lien. What Exactly Does This Mean?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/You-Received-a-Hospital-Lien.-What-Exactly-Does-This-Mean-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/you-received-a-hospital-lien-what-exactly-does-this-mean/) [You Received a Hospital Lien: What Exactly Does This Mean?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/you-received-a-hospital-lien-what-exactly-does-this-mean/) If someone else injures you, you might find yourself unable to pay your medical expenses, even with health insurance. --- Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/are-boat-accidents-covered-by-maritime-law-in-texas/