Mark Roman | October 30, 2023 | Boat Accidents
Florida weather allows for boating almost year-round. Boating is often associated with alcohol, as many boaters enjoy soaking up the sun with a beer or cocktail in hand. While it is not illegal for of-age passengers to drink while on a boat, operators cannot legally run a vessel while under the influence. If alcohol leads to a crash or injury on the water, a Clearwater boating accident lawyer can help victims understand their options.
Can You Drink While on a Boat in Florida?
In Florida, you are allowed to drink as a passenger on a boat if you’re at least 21 or older. Nonetheless, it is illegal to operate a boat if you’re intoxicated.
Florida law is similar for vehicle drivers and boat operators. A person with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or greater is considered under the influence, according to Florida law. A person under 21 cannot have any alcohol in their system at all while operating a boat.
Alcohol can significantly impair a person’s ability to operate a boat, much like it does when driving a car. It slows brain function, reduces coordination, and weakens judgment, focus, vision, and reaction time.
BUI and Consequences of Boating While Impaired
A person who drives a boat while impaired faces charges for boating under the influence (BUI) and legal penalties, including fines and prison time. Penalties depend on the details of the situation and the operator’s history. These repercussions can have a negative impact on a person’s life and future.
Aside from the legal consequences, boating while impaired significantly increases the chances of accidents. A boat operator’s negligence can result in collisions with other boaters or individuals in the water, resulting in severe injuries, and sometimes even death.
Common Injuries Resulting From Drunk Boat Driving Accidents
Boating accidents regularly lead to catastrophic injuries, especially when alcohol is involved. This is because impaired boat operators typically speed and engage in other dangerous behaviors that increase the severity of impact.
Injuries common to boating accidents in Clearwater include:
- Lacerations
- Brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
- Amputation injuries
Additionally, injuries from boating collisions usually require extensive medical care and rehabilitation, and even then, victims may not have the opportunity to fully recover. In the most unfortunate cases, boating accident victims succumb to their injuries.
Recovering Compensation for a Boating Collision
If you’re involved in a boat accident, you may have the chance to recover financially for your injuries and other related losses. By filing a claim, you can pursue compensation for things like:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering (Learn more about how pain and suffering are calculated in personal injury cases)
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Disability
If you’ve lost a loved one in a boat crash, you may be able to contact a lawyer for a wrongful death claim. Under a wrongful death claim, you can seek monetary recovery for the loss of your loved one.
Navigating a boat accident case can be challenging. A personal injury lawyer can provide much-needed guidance to help ensure you get the compensation you need and deserve.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help After Boating Accidents
While operating a boat while intoxicated is illegal in Florida, drunk boating accidents, unfortunately, still happen. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a boating accident involving alcohol, it is vital to speak with a personal injury attorney. A lawyer can investigate your accident and help you seek justice for the harm you’ve suffered. Whether you’re filing a personal injury lawsuit or wrongful death claim, your attorney can advocate on your behalf throughout your case. Allowing a personal injury lawyer to represent you gives you the best opportunity to obtain the fair compensation you need.
Have a question about a boating accident?
For more information, please get in touch with the legal team at Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers today to schedule a complimentary initial consultation with one of our attorneys.
