Alcohol-Related Boat Accidents

Boating is a common recreational activity for South Florida residents and tourists alike, as the ocean, numerous lakes, as well as the Everglades and Intracoastal surround the area. As much as enjoying alcoholic beverages seems to be encouraged on boats, operating a boat under the influence is not only illegal, but very dangerous to passengers, swimmers, and other waterway users. If you’ve been injured as a result of an alcohol-related boat accident, Miami boat accident lawyer Robert Dixon can help you determine your next legal step. Mr. Dixon and his staff represent victims in claims arising out of boat accidents to make sure they seek the compensation they need from parties responsible for causing their injuries. We assist clients across South Florida, including Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties, working tirelessly to provide compassionate and zealous legal representation throughout the duration of a case. If you’ve been injured, or lost a loved one in a fatal boating accident caused by an intoxicated party, contact our office to schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal options.

Most people know and understand the dangers of driving a motor vehicle while intoxicated. However, statistics show that alcohol use can be even more dangerous on the water, as sun exposure combined with the motion of a boat can hasten an operator’s impairment, and fatigue is also often experienced faster. Alcohol leads to deterioration of a boat operator’s ability to judge a situation accurately, and also interferes with cognitive functions and slows reaction times. The U.S. Coast Guard has listed alcohol as the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents. In fact, when a boat operator’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level is .10 percent or higher, a fatality is ten times more likely to occur in the event of boating collision. When an operator is under the influence, serious accidents such as a boat capsizing and passengers falling overboard are more likely. Catastrophic, permanent injuries like brain and head trauma or paralysis may result from these incidents, and those responsible for causing such harm should be held legally liable.

If you’ve been injured by an intoxicated boat operator, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries by filing a personal injury claim, and a seasoned injury lawyer can help. In the devastating event that you have lost a loved one in a fatal alcohol-related boat accident, a wrongful death suit may be pursued. ‘Negligence per se’ is a legal theory under which a defendant is held responsible for damages arising out of a situation because he or she has violated a law enacted for the purpose of protecting a certain group of people. Under Florida law, it is illegal to operate a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This statute is designed to protect others on the water from the dangers of an intoxicated boat operator, and thus, injuries caused by an intoxicated operator can fall under this rule. Once liability is established, victims may receive damages for past and future medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering. Families of loved ones can also be compensated for burial or funeral expenses as well as loss of consortium or support.

Boat operators have a duty to act responsibly when navigating a large vessel with many other people occupying the waterways. When they do not take that duty seriously, devastating injuries can be the result. Attorney Robert Dixon of the Law Offices of Robert Dixon is available to answer any of your legal questions in the aftermath of an alcohol-related boat accident. Call us at 877.499.4878 or contact us online to set up a free, no obligation consultation to learn more about our services and how we can help. We serve clients in areas including Miami, and West Palm Beach.