Boat Accidents

Boating Safety A Must When Enjoying Texas Lakes

Boating safety in Austin.

According to Texas.gov, the most common citations given to boaters are for not having enough life jackets on board or children under 13 not wearing life jackets. Nearly 85 percent of people who drown are not wearing a life jacket.

A typical boating fatality happens on a weekend between the hours of noon and 7 p.m. More often than not, the victim falls overboard and drowns before making it back into the boat. The real determining factor? Fifty percent of all boating accidents involved alcohol consumption.
Any Austin boating accident attorney will state that alcohol and water don’t mix.
Recreational boaters may think they are having fun on the water – in the sun, cruising, skiing and consuming alcohol. However, the effects of alcohol on the body can be magnified by sun and heat, causing individuals to become more intoxicated than they realize.

Coast Guard statistics indicate that most alcohol-related boating accidents involve the inattention of the operator plus excessive speed, drugs, alcohol or both. Usually, the boat operator is 35 or older.

A BUI (Boating Under the Influence) can be just as devastating as a DUI, and more likely to happen. Why? Open containers of alcohol are legal while boating, because boating is recognized as recreational. However, driving a boat will intoxicated is illegal and can lead to the driver receiving a BUI (Boating Under the Influence charge). Such drivers could wind up with a criminal record for drinking and driving a boat. More importantly, they can cause serious injury or death of other individuals.

If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of the negligent operation of a boat – including BUI – you should contact a boat accident lawyer immediately to protect your interests. Our Austin boating accident attorneys are always available to discuss your case and help you receive the justice you deserve. If you need assistance, please contact Terry & Kelly PLLC today for a free consultation.