Springfield Injury Attorney
Represents Victims of Drunk Boating
Tourists and natives alike flock to Missouri’s beautiful rivers and lakes to enjoy boating and recreational activities. However, when boaters have too much to drink and cause accidents on the water, innocent parties suffer serious personal injuries and wrongful death as a result. Drunk boating and impaired operation of a vessel is just as serious as drunk driving. Springfield injury attorney David W. Ransin represents both local residents and visitors who sustained injuries, as well as families of those who have lost their lives, on Missouri waters due to negligent, reckless and drunk boaters.
In David’s 30 plus years as an Springfield injury attorney, when it comes to boating accidents alcohol is one of the msot common reasons for the accident. Missouri residents have a higher chance of being injured on Missouri waters due to the fact that we have hundreds of lakes and rivers. When these types of accidents occur, you will need an experienced injury lawyer like David to help you and your familiy navigate what can be a complex legal matter.
Boating While Intoxicated and Boating Accident Statistics
In Missouri, the legal limit while operating a water vessel is .08 blood alcohol content (BAC), but any level of impairment could result in boating while intoxicated (BWI) charges. Even if a boat driver is not over the legal alcohol limit or is not charged with BWI, he or she is liable for accidents caused by negligence and alcohol use. According to the U.S. Coast Guard’s most recent report:
- Alcohol is the leading cause of fatal boat accidents and is listed as the cause of 16 percent of wrongful death accidents on the water;
- Alcohol use is listed in the top ten of known primary contributing factors of all boating accident that cause death or personal injury;
- Vessels most commonly involved in boat accidents are open motorboats, personal watercrafts and cabin motorboats.
Damages Available to Drunk Boating Accident Victims
The real tragedy of boat accidents is that innocent individuals and families can do everything right and yet still be injured by a drunk or impaired boat driver. Boating accidents can result in traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury and wrongful death. When a drunk or impaired boater harms another individual, the injured party is entitled under law to receive compensation for damages suffered, including but not limited to:
- Economic Damages: Medical bills, lost wages and property damage.
- Non-economic Damages: Pain and suffering, disfigurement, loss of companionship and emotional distress.
Contact Ransin Injury Law After an Accident on Water
If you have suffered injuries while floating or boating on Missouri’s lakes and rivers, Missouri is likely the proper place to file a lawsuit. There is a limited amount of time to file, and witnesses and evidence must be investigated at once. David W. Ransin has been producing results for in-state residents and out-of-state visitors who have been victims of drunk boat accidents for over 30 years. David and his experienced team will be able to help investigate your boating accident and help you and your family establish your claim in order to receive the full compensation you and your family deserve. Contact our Springfield injury lawyer immediately after an accident for a no obligation attorney consultation.