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Driving Under the Influence is Just As Dangerous On the Water as On the Road

Every year, hundreds of people are injured or killed in boat-related accidents. According to the 2016 California Recreational Boating Accident Statistics, a data report published by the State of California Natural Resources Agency, there were 588 boating accidents in California alone. Of these accidents, 266 resulted in injuries and 50 resulted in fatalities.

Boating accidents involving a drunk boat operator can happen on privately owned boats, cruise ships, jet skis, ferries, or other watercrafts. If you have been injured in a boating accident because of a drunk driver, you should know your rights. This article will help you understand how you can obtain financial compensation when you have suffered injuries because of a negligent boat operator.

California Boating Laws

The majority of U.S. drivers are aware that driving under the influence is a serious crime that can cause extensive harm to others. Responsible drivers know that they need to be fully alert when operating a vehicle in effort of avoiding unnecessary accidents. Unfortunately, many people will fail to recognize that boating demands just as much careful consideration.

Law Offices of Justin King : Driving Under the Influence is Just As Dangerous On the Water as On the Road : Every year, hundreds of people are injured or killed in boat-related accidents. According to the 2016 California Recreational Boating Accident Statistics, a data report published by the State of California Natural Resources Agency, there were 588 boating accidents in California alone. Of these accidents, 266 resulted in injuries and 50 resulted in fatalities.Boating is a leisure that many people use to relax on hot summer days. Many use their water crafts to fish or to just have some fun. Regrettably, many will also take alcoholic beverages or other intoxicating substances as part of their vacationing. While drinking alcohol on a boat is not illegal in the State of California, operating a water vessel is.

Under the State of California, it is unlawful to operate a vessel under the influence of an intoxicating substance. California law states that a person’s blood alcohol limit for operating a boat is the same as operating a car – 0.08%. An individual who has been convicted of boating while on the influence of an intoxicating substance could be fined up to $1,000 or spend six months in prison. Moreover, consuming alcohol by the watercraft operator and/or passengers is a significant factor in about 25% of all deadly boat accidents in the State of California. Boating while under the influence has become the main factor in deadly recreational boating incidents. Boat operators are recommended to avoid consuming alcoholic beverages, which could affect the driver’s balance, judgment, reaction time, and vision.

When Boating Accidents Occur

Water vessel operators have a reasonable duty of care to those around them when they are driving. Although most vessel operators drive safely, some are careless and their negligence usually leads to the unnecessary injury of others.

A recent death involving a San Bernardino family due to a drunk driving incident involving watercraft shows the dangers of drinking while operating a watercraft.

The facts are similar to many drunk driving accidents on the road. While boating on the Colorado River, three San Bernardino County residents were struck by a 20 foot long ski boat operated by a drunk driver. One passenger was killed and the two others were hospitalized with serious injuries. The ski-jet operator was arrested for using the watercraft while intoxicated and is facing manslaughter charges.

Drinking and Boating Do Not Mix: Consequences Offenders Could Face

Operating a boat while under the influence is a crime under California law. Reiterating prior information, the California Harbors and Navigation Code states that penalties for boating while intoxicated may include up to a $1,000 fine and six months in jail. By simply operating a water vessel on California waters, water vessel operators consent to be tested for alcohol and/or drugs if arrested by a law enforcement officer. The refusal to submit to testing may result in increased penalties under the law.

Boating while under the influence is a misdemeanor under California law; however, this could be enhanced to a felony charge under certain circumstances. A felony conviction in California will carry much harsher penalties that could affect the wrongdoer for many years.

Social Dilemmas Involving Boating in California

Law Offices of Justin King : Driving Under the Influence is Just As Dangerous On the Water as On the Road : Every year, hundreds of people are injured or killed in boat-related accidents. According to the 2016 California Recreational Boating Accident Statistics, a data report published by the State of California Natural Resources Agency, there were 588 boating accidents in California alone. Of these accidents, 266 resulted in injuries and 50 resulted in fatalities.A significant part of the issues involving drinking and boating is that it is generally considered socially acceptable to drink while operating a boat. In fact, many vacationers will often plan to have alcoholic beverages while on the boat. Although some operators may initially reject the activity, having others on the vessel that engage in drinking can easily lead to the operator’s change in perception.

There are no open container laws for boats like there are for cars in California. Many people do legally enjoy an alcoholic beverage while out on the water. However, if you are found drinking and are involved in an accident, the result will not be good for any party involved.

On the Road, On the Water, It Does Not Matter

Boating accidents can be just as dangerous as car accidents and even worse in circumstances where victims are thrown from a boat into the water and drown. Boating accidents cause many of the same injuries as car accidents, such as concussions, neck, spinal and brain injuries, as well as broken bones and bruising.

If you are ever involved in an accident involving a water vessel and the operator of the other boat was found to be intoxicated, even under the legal limit, it is likely that the operator will be found liable for causing the accident. Few people give any leeway to those who injure others while under the influence. Many people equate drinking with carelessness and those views show when it comes time to give a verdict in a personal injury case.

Contact an Experienced Rancho Cucamonga Personal Injury Attorney

If you or someone you know has been injured by a drunk driver, of a car, boat or other motorized vehicle, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney in Fontana. Individuals who have been injured as a result of a negligent motorist have the legal right to file a lawsuit against the careless driver. By filing a lawsuit, injured victims could receive financial compensation for their grievances.

The attorneys at the Law Offices of Justin King can guide you through the process of recovering for your injuries and give you the best chance possible at getting you the compensation you need to get your life back on track. Contact them at (909) 297-5001 for a free confidential case evaluation.

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5.0
Based on 46 reviews
powered by Google
CR
17:05 25 Oct 24
Thank you so much to Oliver King and Garrett Tuckerman for helping me with my case. They've been outstanding. Although the process was overwhelming, I felt reassured, supported, and listened to. I highly recommend the Law offices of Justin King to anyone who needs help.
Savana Martinez
18:30 04 Sep 24
The team at Law Office of Justin King went above and beyond with my case.It was my first big automobile accident while being 6 months pregnant and I was terrified. I called them the same day and they took on my case immediately.Throughout the whole process they were communicative and on top of everything. I would recommend to everyone and would go back to them again if need be.Thank you to this amazingly firm !
Hate Nine
06:01 04 Sep 24
Wow! I can't say enough good things about the Law Offices of Justin King. Attitude starts at the top, & this firm is top tier. They represented me (& yes we won!) for an injury I sustained while riding my motorcycle westbound on the 10. Someone changed lanes without looking, which resulted in a knee injury, a lot of physical therapy, & a totaled motorcycle. I wasn't sure what to do or if this were even something worth pursuing. I found Justin's webpage & sent a quick message to him on a Saturday night then thought nothing of it. My first call from Justin was Sunday morning. I was immediately impressed. After hearing a bit of my story & asking a few questions I was ready to have Justin represent me. My first question was "How much do I need to come up with to get this started? Justin replied, you don't owe anything until we win. Not unless, until. That set the tone of the next 2 years of my life. As your case progresses it'll require work from you & a whole team working to represent you. Staci will call & let you know she's emailing documents that require signatures; Garrett will call to ask for details they need to understand & yes, he will call to remind you that you forgot to sign a document 3 days earlier. These are great people who genuinely care. They will take time to understand your needs & they communicate every step of the way. If you are injured, you need to call Justin & his team right away. You will not be disappointed!Google only allows 5 stars, but these guys deserve 10!
Vivian Garcia
01:00 15 Aug 24
I was involved in my first big automobile accident last year, in Yorba Linda. I was a bit overwhelmed as you can imagine. Friends suggested that I hire an attorney to handle my case and I was not quite sure how to proceed. I was very fortunate when I was referred to Justin King’s office.I met with Mr. King and found him to be very personable and he listened to my concerns. I felt very comfortable and confident that he would help me in getting a fair outcome to my case.I want to also thank Garrett Tuckerman for all he did in keeping me updated with everything going on with my case and for being there whenever I had any questions or concerns. I also want to mention Leoni Barrera who was always pleasant and supportive when I called.I highly recommend The Law Offices of Justin H. King for your personal injury needs. I feel that Mr. King and his whole staff, with their knowledge, expertise and professionalism will help make your experience a less stressful one.
Lisa Perchez
21:53 29 Jul 24
Last July I was struck by a falling case of liquor at Total Wine in Rancho Cucamonga which led to a slip and fall. My friends and family urged me to contact a lawyer after discovering I needed surgery to repair my broken wrist. A friend found Justin King on Google. Justin was compassionate, accessible, and took charge from the very first meeting. He was able to obtain the surveillance video capturing the entire incident, and made an appointment for me to see a prominent neurologist after the video showed the case struck the front of my head. The entire staff at The Law Offices of Justin H. King were very easy to work with, and I always felt like my case was getting personal attention. Thank you Garrett, Staci, and Leoni! My case went to mediation and settled for more than 3x what they originally offered. If you have been injured in an accident, I highly recommend The Law Offices of Justin H. King.
Leslie S.
18:26 13 Jul 24
I want to thank Justin and his amazing office. They made a very traumatic/ nightmare of a situation into a more bearable situation every step of the way. They kept us updated and we were reassured that we were in good hands. I want to also express my gratitude to Garrett for being so empathic and supportive through the ups and downs that comes with a case. We are so blessed to have had them handle our case. I would recommend them to anyone who is looking for a professional and dependable office. Thank you again Justin King Office!!!
Melinda Jordan
09:02 18 Dec 22
I went from feeling like a basket case from all the stress to feeling calm and collected after talking to Justin. He is a phenomenal personal injury lawyer and is a truly calming and reassuring presence. This firm helped me in ways I can't even adequately put into words, other than to say Thank You, Justin, to you and your awesome team.
Marjorie Harris
04:14 18 Dec 22
After an auto accident, I felt really nervous calling an attorney because I had never worked with one before. But from the first conversation I had with Jessica, I felt so at ease. Justin then called me and was so easy going and we had a nice conversation too. The entire staff took great care of me and I am very happy.
Sheila Hughes
03:45 18 Dec 22
I was in a car accident that was not my fault two years ago. A friend of mine had a family member who had been helped in the past by Justin King, and they suggested I call him. I'm so glad I did! Justin and his team took great care of my situation and got a great settlement for me. I highly recommend them if you have been in an accident. You will be very happy with what this firm. They are smart, hard-working, honest, and take great care of their clients.
Margaret James
04:43 01 Dec 22
Justin's entire staff is the best car accident lawyer team in Rancho Cucamonga. Justin, Oliver, Jessica, and Garrett all provided me with excellent service and treated me like family. They are all such great people, and always so honest and responsive to me. I gladly recommend them to anyone needing the services of a car accident lawyer in the Inland Empire.
Wm Holland
06:13 17 Nov 22
When I needed a lawyer following a car accident on the Interstate 15 Freeway in Rancho Cucamonga, Justin King, and his team were there for me. I appreciated how his entire staff always seemed happy to answer my questions and were so good about returning all my phone calls and emails. I could tell this firm has immense experience in helping people get their life back after an unfortunate car crash. I was so happy with the outcome of my case and the results Justin obtained from the insurance company on my behalf. I have recommended their office to all my family members and neighbors. I hope you never need to call them. But if you need the best car accident lawyers, I can vouch that they are excellent.
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5.0
Based on 46 reviews
powered by Google
CR
17:05 25 Oct 24
Thank you so much to Oliver King and Garrett Tuckerman for helping me with my case. They've been outstanding. Although the process was overwhelming, I felt reassured, supported, and listened to. I highly recommend the Law offices of Justin King to anyone who needs help.
Savana Martinez
18:30 04 Sep 24
The team at Law Office of Justin King went above and beyond with my case.It was my first big automobile accident while being 6 months pregnant and I was terrified. I called them the same day and they took on my case immediately.Throughout the whole process they were communicative and on top of everything. I would recommend to everyone and would go back to them again if need be.Thank you to this amazingly firm !
Hate Nine
06:01 04 Sep 24
Wow! I can't say enough good things about the Law Offices of Justin King. Attitude starts at the top, & this firm is top tier. They represented me (& yes we won!) for an injury I sustained while riding my motorcycle westbound on the 10. Someone changed lanes without looking, which resulted in a knee injury, a lot of physical therapy, & a totaled motorcycle. I wasn't sure what to do or if this were even something worth pursuing. I found Justin's webpage & sent a quick message to him on a Saturday night then thought nothing of it. My first call from Justin was Sunday morning. I was immediately impressed. After hearing a bit of my story & asking a few questions I was ready to have Justin represent me. My first question was "How much do I need to come up with to get this started? Justin replied, you don't owe anything until we win. Not unless, until. That set the tone of the next 2 years of my life. As your case progresses it'll require work from you & a whole team working to represent you. Staci will call & let you know she's emailing documents that require signatures; Garrett will call to ask for details they need to understand & yes, he will call to remind you that you forgot to sign a document 3 days earlier. These are great people who genuinely care. They will take time to understand your needs & they communicate every step of the way. If you are injured, you need to call Justin & his team right away. You will not be disappointed!Google only allows 5 stars, but these guys deserve 10!
Vivian Garcia
01:00 15 Aug 24
I was involved in my first big automobile accident last year, in Yorba Linda. I was a bit overwhelmed as you can imagine. Friends suggested that I hire an attorney to handle my case and I was not quite sure how to proceed. I was very fortunate when I was referred to Justin King’s office.I met with Mr. King and found him to be very personable and he listened to my concerns. I felt very comfortable and confident that he would help me in getting a fair outcome to my case.I want to also thank Garrett Tuckerman for all he did in keeping me updated with everything going on with my case and for being there whenever I had any questions or concerns. I also want to mention Leoni Barrera who was always pleasant and supportive when I called.I highly recommend The Law Offices of Justin H. King for your personal injury needs. I feel that Mr. King and his whole staff, with their knowledge, expertise and professionalism will help make your experience a less stressful one.
Lisa Perchez
21:53 29 Jul 24
Last July I was struck by a falling case of liquor at Total Wine in Rancho Cucamonga which led to a slip and fall. My friends and family urged me to contact a lawyer after discovering I needed surgery to repair my broken wrist. A friend found Justin King on Google. Justin was compassionate, accessible, and took charge from the very first meeting. He was able to obtain the surveillance video capturing the entire incident, and made an appointment for me to see a prominent neurologist after the video showed the case struck the front of my head. The entire staff at The Law Offices of Justin H. King were very easy to work with, and I always felt like my case was getting personal attention. Thank you Garrett, Staci, and Leoni! My case went to mediation and settled for more than 3x what they originally offered. If you have been injured in an accident, I highly recommend The Law Offices of Justin H. King.
Leslie S.
18:26 13 Jul 24
I want to thank Justin and his amazing office. They made a very traumatic/ nightmare of a situation into a more bearable situation every step of the way. They kept us updated and we were reassured that we were in good hands. I want to also express my gratitude to Garrett for being so empathic and supportive through the ups and downs that comes with a case. We are so blessed to have had them handle our case. I would recommend them to anyone who is looking for a professional and dependable office. Thank you again Justin King Office!!!
Melinda Jordan
09:02 18 Dec 22
I went from feeling like a basket case from all the stress to feeling calm and collected after talking to Justin. He is a phenomenal personal injury lawyer and is a truly calming and reassuring presence. This firm helped me in ways I can't even adequately put into words, other than to say Thank You, Justin, to you and your awesome team.
Marjorie Harris
04:14 18 Dec 22
After an auto accident, I felt really nervous calling an attorney because I had never worked with one before. But from the first conversation I had with Jessica, I felt so at ease. Justin then called me and was so easy going and we had a nice conversation too. The entire staff took great care of me and I am very happy.
Sheila Hughes
03:45 18 Dec 22
I was in a car accident that was not my fault two years ago. A friend of mine had a family member who had been helped in the past by Justin King, and they suggested I call him. I'm so glad I did! Justin and his team took great care of my situation and got a great settlement for me. I highly recommend them if you have been in an accident. You will be very happy with what this firm. They are smart, hard-working, honest, and take great care of their clients.
Margaret James
04:43 01 Dec 22
Justin's entire staff is the best car accident lawyer team in Rancho Cucamonga. Justin, Oliver, Jessica, and Garrett all provided me with excellent service and treated me like family. They are all such great people, and always so honest and responsive to me. I gladly recommend them to anyone needing the services of a car accident lawyer in the Inland Empire.
Wm Holland
06:13 17 Nov 22
When I needed a lawyer following a car accident on the Interstate 15 Freeway in Rancho Cucamonga, Justin King, and his team were there for me. I appreciated how his entire staff always seemed happy to answer my questions and were so good about returning all my phone calls and emails. I could tell this firm has immense experience in helping people get their life back after an unfortunate car crash. I was so happy with the outcome of my case and the results Justin obtained from the insurance company on my behalf. I have recommended their office to all my family members and neighbors. I hope you never need to call them. But if you need the best car accident lawyers, I can vouch that they are excellent.
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