Sarasota Boat DUI Accident Lawyer
Boating can be an exciting and enjoyable recreational activity, yet far too many serious injuries result from intoxicated boating in Sarasota and throughout the state of Florida. According to the Sea Tow Foundation, alcohol consumption is the leading contributing factor in all boating accidents that result in a fatality, and it is a frequent contributing cause to nonfatal boat accident injuries, as well. It is essential for anyone boating to know that consuming even a small amount of alcohol can affect your balance onboard a vessel and can reduce your reaction time significantly. Indeed, according to the Boat U.S. Foundation, the intoxicating effects of alcohol can be even more pronounced when you are on the water. If a drunk boater caused an accident in which you were injured, you should find out more about seeking financial compensation. Contact our experienced Sarasota boat DUI accident lawyer today.
Why Intoxicated Boating in Sarasota is So Dangerous
Drunk boating causes many crashes in Florida waters, including boating accidents in and around Sarasota. Nobody should ever have to fear that they will suffer catastrophic injuries or lose a loved one because of a drunk boater, yet intoxicated boating collisions are frequent in Florida where boaters can be out on the water year round. What makes intoxicated boating so dangerous? According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the following are reasons that “a boat operator or passenger with a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit runs a significantly increased risk of being involved in a boating accident”:
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Stressors that exist naturally in a boating environment — such as sun, wind, noise, and motion — intensify the intoxicating effects of alcohol because they cause a boat operator to become fatigued;
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Peripheral vision and depth perception, which are particularly important for boating safety, are reduced by intoxication;
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Blood alcohol concentration can increase while you are out on the water from drinks you had shortly before boating, which can result in a decreased ability to exercise sound judgment; and
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Alcohol consumption creates a false feeling of warmth in a person who is intoxicated, which can result in serious injuries in colder water.
How to Move Forward with a Sarasota Boating DUI Accident Lawsuit
If you were injured by a drunk boater, it is critical to start working with a Sarasota BUI attorney quickly to begin gathering evidence for your case. You may be able to obtain evidence that a vessel operator was charged with boating under the influence (BUI) under Florida law. In addition, you might be able to rely on witnesses who can attest to the vessel operator’s behavior while operating the boat or to their alcohol consumption.
You should always work with a lawyer who has experience handling maritime claims. While BUI injury cases have similarities to DUI cases involving drunk car or truck drivers, there are also important differences since these accidents happen on the water.
Contact Frank D. Butler Today
Drunk and drugged boating is no joke in Sarasota. If you or someone you love sustained serious or fatal injuries in a BUI crash, it is critical to seek advice from an attorney who can help you to determine your options and to assist you in filing a claim against the drunk boater who caused your injuries. Do not hesitate to get in touch with Frank D. Butler to find out more about drunk boating claims in Florida. Contact our experienced Sarasota boat DUI accident lawyer today for details about your case.
