Boating While Under the Influence - Not a Good Mix
By Doan Law Firm
Feb. 20, 2011 12:45p
Just as it is considered extremely dangerous to drive a car while under the influence of alcohol, it can be just as dangerous while operating a boat. Alcohol can impair ones ability to judge distances, speed, and carry out turning maneuvers while operating a boat and can easily lead to accidents in the water. Vision and reaction time can be affected as well creating a dangerous liability for others placing boaters, jet skiers, divers, surfers or swimmers in the area at great risk. Boating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and for good reason considering the ramifications of
drunk boating accidents.
Signs to Watch out For
If you are out in the water and happen to notice any of the following signs of drunken boating, do whatever you can to steer clear and notify officials as quickly as possible:
- Weaving and getting too close to swimmers or other boats
- Erratic driving, speeding, decelerating
- Erratic, uncontrolled steering
- Not acknowledging warnings from other boaters
- Failing to turn on lights or lamps when conditions are appropriate for their use
Being on the alert for intoxicated drivers can save lives. If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident as a result of someone else's negligence, you may be able to receive compensation for any injuries and more. It is important that you start taking the necessary legal action and hold those accountable who caused the accident. A drowning accident lawyer can help you file a personal injury claim. At the Doan Law Firm, we have lawyers who are highly trained in handling aquatic accidents; we can do a full investigation of the incident to determine the cause and who should be held responsible following a
boating accident. Our experience in this area is such that other attorneys turn to us for help and advice when dealing with
drowning or
near drowning accidents.
Contact a drowning accident attorney in our office for a free consultation and we will go over the details of your case.
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