According to the United States Coast Guard, approximately 50 percent of all boating accidents and 31 percent of all boating deaths involve alcohol consumption. In addition, boat drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above 0.10 percent are 10 times more likely to be killed in a boating accident than drivers with no alcohol in their blood.
If you have been involved in a boating accident and suspect alcohol may have played a role, let an experienced drowning lawyer at The Doan Law Firm, P.C. evaluate your case for free. Attorney Jimmy Doan will handle your case with respect, care, and compassion while aggressively fighting to hold the responsible party accountable.
Schedule your free consultation with the drowning attorney by calling (800) 349-0000!
Boating under the influence (BUI) is not only illegal and also clearly dangerous, but it is expensive. The 60,000 nonfatal boating accidents that occur each year run up a bill of about $240 million. Despite these statistics and other kinds of warnings, waterways around the U.S. are still the second most common location for accidental deaths.
Many boating enthusiasts are surprised to learn that alcohol use is more dangerous on the water than on land. The combination of sun and wind tends to dehydrate boat operators and their passengers, making them more vulnerable to the effects of alcohol. Unlike the solid roads automobile operators drive on, water is unpredictable and constantly changing, which requires more attentive concentration when driving a boat.
Because alcohol consumption impairs vision, balance, reaction time, and judgment, boat drivers and passengers under the influence may not be quick enough to compensate for the volatility of the water. This is especially true for inexperienced boaters and those who do not spend much time on the water.
Even though each state has laws and penalties in place to discourage boating under the influence, victims affected every year by drunk boating accidents do not always get the justice they deserve. A skilled attorney can seek compensation related to the accident. Although money cannot make up for injury or loss of life, it can give you freedom from whatever financial stress has come with the accident.
Contact The Doan Law Firm, P.C. right away to begin exploring the legal options available to you.