Missouri and Illinois Boating Accident Cases
For boating enthusiasts, Missouri’s lakes, rivers and waterways offer a number of recreational opportunities. Unfortunately, some boaters are careless or negligent in the operation or care of their crafts. As a result, innocent people are hurt or killed every year in boating accidents.
There are a number of ways boater can be careless. Common accident causes include:
- Operator error
- Excessive speed
- Inattentiveness
- Inexperience
- Failure to keep a careful lookout
- Faulty equipment
- Intoxication
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, about a third of all recreational boating deaths are linked to alcohol. After a series of alcohol-related accidents on Missouri’s waterways, the legal blood alcohol level for boaters was lowered in 2008 from 0.10 to 0.08.
Missouri law makes it illegal for intoxicated boaters to operate a vessel on the Mississippi River, the Missouri River or one of Missouri’s many lakes:
- Bull Shoals Lake
- Clearwater Lake
- Lake of the Ozarks
- Pomme de Terre Lake
- Lake Taneycomo
- Lake Wappapello
- Mark Twain Lake
- Stockton Lake
- Table Rock Lake
- Truman Lake
Whether an injury or death is due to operator error, faulty equipment or intoxication, negligent boaters may be held financially responsible for the personal injuries they cause. Although money alone is not enough to compensate for a serious personal injury, legal action can be used to hold someone accountable for his or her negligent, careless and wrongful acts.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Missouri or Illinois boating accident, you need the guidance of an experienced attorney. At Kolker & Germeroth, our attorneys have an impressive record of success in cases involving all kinds of complex issues. Call us now at 866-770-8691 or visit our contact page to schedule a free initial consultation. You may also fill out our special personal injury intake form. Evening and weekend appointments are available.
