Boating Accidents While Under the Influence

The law in Louisiana is very clear when it comes to operating boats while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• If you are underage with any alcohol in your system,
• Of age with anything over 0.08 blood alcohol,
• Or the owner of the boat being operated by an intoxicated person, you are going to be in trouble.

While it may be true that it’s harder to spot boaters who are under the influence, they are a common cause of boating accidents in the state and elsewhere. If you believe that you or a loved one have been a victim of an accident that is related to intoxication, you should consider contacting a Louisiana boating accident attorney as soon as possible.

Penalties, Fines, and Your Case

Boating while under the influence is a criminal offense in Louisiana; anyone caught doing so may face criminal charges and penalties. These may include fines of up to $1000 and or imprisonment for up to six months.

Because this is classed as a BUI, it will also affect any driving license the guilty party may have.

Whether criminal charges are successful or not, if you or a loved one was injured in a boating accident that involves alcohol or drug intoxication, you may be eligible for compensation under the state’s personal injury laws. Remember, there’s a one year statute of limitations on these types of cases in the state. You need to make a decision about pursuing this option quickly.

Getting the Correct Legal Advice

Involved in a boating accident? You may be eligible to receive compensation because the boat operation happened under illegal circumstances like intoxication. Consulting with a Louisiana boating accident attorneys as soon as possible will increase your chances of recovering damages for injuries, lost wages, and medical expenses.

When you do, have the following information on hand:

• The date of the accident.
• The extent of the injuries and damage to property.
• The financial losses that have resulted from the accident.
• Lastly, whether anyone filed criminal charges for operating a boat under the influence.

Louisiana Boating Accident Attorneys

Operating a boat under the influence is a serious crime, and it often results in serious injury. At Mike Brandner Law, our Louisiana boating accident attorneys will be able to tell you very quickly whether you have a viable case, what you might be entitled to claim for, and what the next steps are. Accidents happen. Don’t suffer twice. 

There’s nothing to lose by contacting us, and you might just get the closure and financial compensation you deserve. Don’t wait!