Memorial Day Weekend is one of the busiest and riskiest times of the year in Texas and Oklahoma. From boating accidents and DWI/DUIs to backyard injuries and firework mishaps, this holiday marks a sharp uptick in personal injury and criminal cases across the state.
At Bill Kennedy Law, we’ve spent years representing individuals and families affected by preventable accidents. Whether you’re hitting the lake, hosting a barbecue, or heading out on the road, understanding the risks can help you avoid legal trouble or know what to do if it finds you.
Here’s what our attorneys want everyone to keep in mind.
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Boating Accidents and BUI/BWI Charges
Boating While Intoxicated or Boating Under the Influence (BWI/BUI) is a criminal offense in Texas and Oklahoma and carries serious penalties, including jail time and fines. Boating accidents also make up a large portion of Memorial Day injuries.
Legal tip: If you’re operating a boat, you have the same legal responsibilities as you would behind the wheel of a car.
Stay safe by:
- Always wearing a life jacket
- Assigning a sober operator
- Obeying no-wake zones and speed rules
- Watching for sudden weather changes
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Grilling and Backyard Injuries
Barbecues may seem harmless, but we’ve represented clients injured by burns, structural fires, and even faulty propane equipment.
Legal tip: If you’re hosting, you may be held liable for injuries on your property. Document your setup and take basic safety precautions.
Prevent accidents by:
- Keeping grills at least 10 feet from structures
- Cleaning grease traps before use
- Supervising children and pets
- Having a fire extinguisher nearby
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Drunk Driving and DUI/DWI Arrests
Every year, Memorial Day weekend sees a significant spike in DUI and DWI-related crashes and arrests in Texas and Oklahoma.
Legal tip: A first-time DUI/DWI in Texas and Oklahoma can cost you thousands of dollars, a license suspension, and even jail time.
Avoid DUI/DWI risks:
- Use a rideshare or sober driver
- Don’t “sleep it off” in your car
- Know your rights if stopped at a checkpoint
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Road Trips and Car Accidents
Highway travel increases over the holiday and so do distracted driving accidents and personal injury claims.
Legal tip: After any car accident, seek medical attention and legal counsel immediately, even if injuries seem minor at first.
Drive safely by:
- Planning routes in advance
- Avoiding phone use or distractions
- Watching for motorcycles and pedestrians
- Ensuring your vehicle is road-trip ready
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Swimming, Drowning, and Water-Related Injuries
Lakes and pools bring fun, but also risk. Drowning remains one of the top causes of death for children under 14.
Legal tip: Pool and property owners may be held liable for unsafe conditions, even if a guest is trespassing.
Water safety basics:
- Always supervise kids near water
- Use life jackets in open water, not floaties
- Keep rescue equipment and a phone close
- Learn CPR or have someone nearby who has
- Fireworks Injuries and Liability
Even when legal, fireworks can lead to severe burns, property damage, and lawsuits.
Legal tip: Injuries caused by fireworks can result in civil liability, whether you’re a guest or a host.
If using fireworks:
- Confirm local laws and regulations
- Never allow children to handle fireworks
- Keep water or sand nearby to extinguish sparks
- Avoid lighting multiple fireworks at once
Legal Help Is One Call Away
Accidents happen. And sometimes, no matter how careful you are, someone else’s negligence or recklessness can change everything. Whether you are injured or facing criminal charges this Memorial Day Weekend, the legal team at Bill Kennedy Law is here to help.
We offer decades of experience in personal injury, criminal defense, and civil litigation with a reputation for fighting hard and caring deeply.
If your weekend doesn’t go as planned, call us. We’ll help you take the next right step.
Call Bill Kennedy Law for a free consultation at 903-337-1986 or visit billkennedylaw.com to learn more about your rights.
