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Boating Under The Influence

Michael Agruss

Written and Reviewed by Michael Agruss

  • Managing Partner and Personal Injury Lawyer at Mike Agruss Law.
  • Over 20 years of experience in Personal Injury.
  • Over 8000+ consumer rights cases settled.
  • Graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law: Juris Doctor, 2004.

One of the lesser known summer hazards, boating under the influence is both dangerous and illegal. The U.S. Coast Guard reports that alcohol consumption is the leading cause of fatal recreational boating accidents every year, exceeding fatalities caused by incompetent driving, carelessness, and excessive speed. All fifty states consider a boater with a BAC of 0.08% legally intoxicated, the same level as drunk driving. A drunken boating conviction carries stiff penalties and fines.

Most people are aware of the effects of alcohol, which is a depressant, on the central nervous system: comprised reaction times, loss of judgment and reasoning abilities, skewed depth perception and night vision, loss of balance and coordination. In a boat operator, any of these impairments can lead to a serious accident. Many boating accidents are preventable, and, sadly, many lead to severe injuries, and deaths, and not just of people in the boat–swimmers, water-skiers, and people in and on the water can become victims of drunken boaters.

If you are injured by a reckless boater, call the U.S. Coast Guard immediately. Gather some crucial information as soon as possible: police reports, the names and contact information of the other party; names and contact information of any witnesses; name and registration number or other identification number of the at-fault vessel; insurance information for the at-fault vessel; and photos of the accident scene.

If you have been injured in a boating accident, contact 844 See Mike, for a free consultation at 312-224-4695. 844 See Mike, handles personal injury cases throughout Illinois. 844 See Mike, will handle your personal injury case quickly, will advise you every step of the way, and will not hesitate to go to trial for you. This litigation strategy will provide you with the best possible compensation.

Lastly, 844 See Mike, does not get paid attorney’s fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. Therefore, you have nothing to risk when you hire our Chicago personal injury law firm–just the opportunity to seek justice. Call us today at 312-224-4695.

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