Lake LBJ’s steady water levels and long coves make it one of the busiest lakes in the Highland Lakes chain. A wake doesn’t stop where the boat turns away. It keeps rolling until it hits something. When that wave causes damage or injury, Texas law and your insurance policies both come into play.
What Texas Law Expects From Boat Operators
The Texas Water Safety Act makes it unlawful to operate a boat in a way that creates a hazardous wake or wash, or to exceed headway speed in a designated no-wake area. Boats are also required to slow down near shorelines, docks, other boats, and swimmers. A violation of these rules can be used as evidence of negligence in a lawsuit.
If Your Wake Causes the Damage
Boat liability coverage is generally designed to respond when you’re legally responsible for damage to someone else’s dock, lift, or boat, or for injuries to a swimmer or paddleboarder. Texas law also requires operators involved in an accident to stop, render aid when safe, and provide their name, address, and boat identification to anyone injured and to the owner of damaged property.
If Someone Else’s Wake Damages Your Dock
Your own homeowners or boat policy may help repair a damaged dock or boat, depending on how those structures are covered, and your insurer may then pursue the responsible operator. Gradual shoreline erosion from repeated wakes is usually treated differently from a single damaging event.
Where an Umbrella Fits
Serious injuries on the water can lead to claims that exceed a boat policy’s limits. An umbrella policy adds liability protection above your boat, home, and auto coverage, provided your boat meets the umbrella’s underlying insurance requirements and is properly listed. Policy wording varies, and an attorney can help with disputed claims.
Ross Insurance Group LLC in Horseshoe Bay, TX helps lake residents line up their boat coverage with their umbrella insurance. Boaters around Horseshoe Bay, TX and Lake LBJ can reach out to Ross Insurance Group LLC before next season.
