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We won a verdict for a single plaintiff in an action against a multi-national pharmaceutical company.
We won a jury verdict for a client who suffered head trauma and permanent scarring in an ATV rollover case in South Texas.
Won a settlement against a Fortune 500 pipeline company for burn victims of a plant explosion in South Texas.
Won settlement for family who lost loved one in trucking crash.
Life along the Galveston coast often involves being on the water. From weekend boating trips to commercial maritime activity to fishing charters – the waterways in and around Galveston are heavily trafficked. When a day on the water turns into an emergency, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. Physical pain, uncertainty about medical care, and questions about responsibility often collide at once.
At Kherkher Garcia, our team understands how quickly a boating incident can disrupt daily life. We approach every boat case with care and attention to detail. For those searching for a boat accident attorney in Galveston, clear guidance matters from the very beginning. At Kherkher Garcia LLP, we take pride in standing beside injured individuals and families during these difficult moments.
Schedule a free consultation with Kherkher Garcia and get trusted legal guidance after a serious injury.
Galveston Bay, Bayous, rivers, and the surrounding Gulf waters see heavy boat traffic year-round. Recreational vessels, fishing boats, charter operations, cruise ships, commercial cargo ships, and personal watercraft all share the same space. This increases the risk of serious collisions and onboard injuries. According to data published by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in its Texas boating incidents statistics 2024 report, boating accidents across the state continue to result in significant injuries and fatalities each year. Coastal counties like Galveston consistently report a high volume of incidents involving operator inattention, speed, and alcohol use.
An injury on the water often presents unique challenges that are not present in roadway crashes. Emergency response times may be longer, evidence can be lost to tides and weather, and witnesses are often tourists who return home shortly after the incident. Medical care may also involve transport by marine units or delayed access to trauma facilities, which can complicate documentation and treatment timelines. These factors can make early investigation especially important.
In Galveston, boating accidents frequently occur far from shore or in busy channels where multiple agencies respond. Coordination between local authorities, the Coast Guard, and emergency medical services can affect how reports are created and preserved. Our role as boat accident attorneys is to help injured boaters and passengers understand what steps are necessary to protect their rights. This includes explaining reporting requirements, preserving both physical and digital evidence, and addressing communication with insurers or other involved parties to prevent statements from being taken out of context. Early clarity can make a meaningful difference in how a claim develops over time.
Boat accident claims in Galveston often involve overlapping areas of law. Depending on where the incident occurred and the type of vessel involved, a case may fall under Texas personal injury law, federal maritime law, or both. Jurisdiction can impact filing deadlines, available damages, and the location where a lawsuit may be filed. Practical details, such as where the boat was launched, where the impact occurred, and how medical care was provided, often influence how evidence is gathered and which rules apply.
Insurance coverage adds further complexity. Some boat owners carry limited policies, while commercial operators may have multiple insurers disputing responsibility. Weather conditions, navigation rules, and vessel maintenance records frequently become central issues. Evaluating whether maritime law applies is essential, as it can alter liability standards and the remedies available under the law.
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Many boating accidents stem from preventable behaviors that become more dangerous in crowded coastal waters. In Galveston, heavy vessel traffic, tourism activity, and changing marine conditions increase the risk of serious incidents. Statewide data from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department consistently identifies operator inattention and excessive speed as leading contributors to reportable boating accidents in Galveston County cases.
Alcohol use remains a significant factor in serious injuries as well, especially during peak travel seasons. Other common causes of boating accidents in Galveston include:
While shifting tides and sudden storms can create hazards, weather alone is rarely the sole cause of these events. Many accidents occur because a vessel continues operating despite visibility issues, congestion, or mechanical concerns. Identifying these contributing factors early on after an accident helps establish fault and supports a stronger liability claim.
Liability after a boating accident may extend beyond the individual operating the vessel. Depending on the circumstances, responsibility could rest with a boat owner who failed to maintain the craft, a rental company that provided unsafe equipment, or a commercial operator that ignored safety regulations. In some cases, manufacturers may be accountable for defective parts or safety systems.
Texas law allows injured parties to pursue compensation from all parties whose negligence contributed to the harm. Careful investigation helps determine whether multiple forms of coverage apply, which can be especially important when injuries are severe or long-term.
We also pay attention to ownership and control, because the person at the helm is not always the person responsible for the boat’s condition. Rental agreements, maintenance logs, prior complaints, and training practices can show whether a business or owner created unsafe conditions before the vessel ever left the dock.
When more than one party contributed to the crash, timing becomes important. The sooner evidence is preserved, the more difficult it becomes for responsible parties to shift blame or downplay the seriousness of what happened. That is why we emphasize early fact gathering, especially in cases involving charter operations, marina services, or boats that may be repaired quickly after an incident.
Our firm evaluates every potential source of responsibility to protect our clients’ financial recovery. This thorough approach helps ensure that injured individuals are not left to absorb costs that should rightfully be covered by negligent parties or their insurers. It also allows claims to reflect the full scope of harm suffered, rather than a narrow snapshot of initial expenses.
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Boating accidents often result in traumatic injuries due to the lack of restraints and the force of impact with water or other vessels. Victims may suffer injuries, including:
These injuries often lead to long-term respiratory complications. Recovery can involve extended hospital stays, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.
Beyond physical harm, injured individuals may face lost income, reduced earning capacity, and significant emotional distress. Families can also experience loss of companionship or support when a loved one is seriously hurt. Addressing these losses requires a thorough understanding of how the injury affects every aspect of daily life.
At Kherkher Garcia, we take the time to document both the immediate impacts and long-term consequences, including how injuries affect work, family responsibilities, and overall quality of life. Clear documentation supports a fair valuation of a claim and provides an accurate picture of what the injured person has endured and may continue to face.
Compensation in a boating accident claim is intended to address both economic and non-economic losses. This may include:
In serious cases, compensation may also cover the cost of assistive equipment, in-home support, and modifications necessary to make daily life manageable during recovery. When injuries interrupt a career, documenting missed opportunities and long-term limitations can be just as important as proving the initial hospital bills.
A claim should also reflect the day-to-day disruption that follows a violent incident on the water. Sleep issues, anxiety around boating, and the loss of family routines can be significant, even when they are not captured on a single medical form.
At Kherkher Garcia, we build damages with that full picture in mind, so the claim matches the reality our clients are living.
In certain cases involving gross negligence, additional damages may be available under Texas law. According to the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Chapter 41 outlines the consideration of exemplary damages, which may be awarded when the conduct involves fraud, malice, or gross negligence. Understanding how these statutes apply requires careful legal analysis and clear supporting evidence. Each claim must be evaluated individually to determine which forms of compensation are appropriate under the specific facts and applicable law. Careful preparation helps align the claim with statutory requirements while presenting damages in a way that reflects real-world impact.
A boating accident can change everything in an instant, and the legal questions that follow often feel just as overwhelming. You are not expected to have all the answers right away. Kherkher Garcia is here to guide you through the process, explain the key aspects of your case, and handle the details with care and focus. A conversation with our team can bring clarity and help you understand the next steps. We begin by listening, then work toward a plan that reflects your concerns and the realities you are facing.
At Kherkher Garcia LLP, we approach every case with genuine attention and a commitment to protecting those harmed on Galveston waters. To discuss your potential case, call 713-333-1030 and let us help you take the next step forward.
Jesus Garcia Jr. is a founding partner of Kherkher Garcia LLP and a nationally recognized trial lawyer with more than 20 years of experience representing victims of catastrophic injury and wrongful death caused by corporate negligence.
Raised in Rio Grande City, Texas, Jesus brings a deep understanding of hard work, perseverance, and accountability to every case he handles. His commitment to justice has led to record-setting verdicts and settlements, including some of the largest recoveries in Texas history.
Known for his trial-ready approach and relentless advocacy, Jesus has dedicated his career to holding powerful corporations accountable and fighting for families when they need it most.
Terry Yates is a seasoned trial lawyer with decades of experience handling complex civil and criminal matters across Texas and nationwide. A lifelong Texan, he brings deep courtroom knowledge shaped by years of public service and private practice.
Board Certified in Criminal Law by both the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and the National Board of Trial Advocacy, Terry has tried numerous high-profile cases and previously served as an Assistant District Attorney in Harris County. He is also a graduate and former faculty member of the Trial Lawyers College under renowned trial attorney Gerry Spence.
In addition to his legal practice, Terry serves as an Associate Judge for the City of West University Place and as a legal analyst for ESPN radio.
Client Reviews
Outstanding law firm—the staff graciously took care of me from start to finish. I was intimidated by the legal process in general, but after meeting with Kherkher Garcia, that fear went right out the window. My attorneys explained each step of the process and remained helpful through it all. I never doubted that my case was in the best hands!! Thank you Kherkher Garcia!
Steve Kherkher was a pleasure to work with. He took care of every little detail of our case from start to finish. His staff were wonderful also. This law firm goes above and beyond to help their clients. I would 100% recommend them to anyone I know. Thank you Steve for caring about our family and making sure our grandson was taken care of after his dad’s wrongful death. I cannot say thank you enough!
My experience with Kherkher & Garcia has been great. The attorneys are highly skilled and professional. The communication has been excellent. They are results oriented and they take care of their clients.
Couldn’t have chosen a better law firm ! Steve will fight tooth and nail to make sure you get what you deserve . They kept me informed throughout the whole process, and made sure to explain everything in detail. Nice , caring , and honest people ! 10 / 10 would recommend !!
Jesus Garcia is one of the best trial lawyers I have seen in action. He commands the attention of the jury when he speaks. He is a down to earth person and that is probably why he gets amazing results. He is professional and will treat you with respect. If you ever need a personal injury lawyer, I highly recommend that you call Jesus Garcia.
It is difficult to share some of the most tragic details you will ever experience with someone you don’t know. The Kherkher Garcia law firm will make you feel like family. They are there for you every step of the way when you don’t know which direction to go. Honest and fair. You will be happy you chose them.
The attorney and staff was very polite, responsive, and hard working during this difficult process. They took the time to keep me up to date with any and all proceedings. Very knowledgeable and ethical practice and would highly recommend.
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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorneys Steve Kherkher and Jesus Garcia Jr., who have more than 50 years of combined legal experience championing the rights of those who have experienced catastrophic injury due to negligence.
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