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Drinking and boating is common, yet dangerous and illegal

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If you spend a day on the water, it may feel like everyone has a beer in their hand. People often view this as a casual time for relaxing with friends. Those who would never drive a car with an open container in their hand may do it on a boat. It’s just become part of boating culture.

However, the first thing to note is that doing this is illegal. Just like drivers, boaters are not allowed to operate their water vessels under the influence, nor are they allowed to actively steer and drive. The fact that it is common does not change the law or the danger this activity can create.

The high risk of drunk boaters

There are many problems with boating and drinking, starting with the fact that many boaters already have slower reaction times than they would in a car. Drinking just makes this worse.

Boaters also tend to have far less experience. Even if they go out on the boat every single weekend, that’s much less often than they drive a car as they commute to work every day. This lack of experience puts them at a disadvantage that is, once again, made worse by alcohol.

Drinking can also impair rescue efforts and lead to deaths when drunk individuals end up in the water. There are inherent risks to operating a craft on the water, regardless of the depth. Even simple accidents can also turn fatal.

What if someone injures you while boating?

It is good to know you shouldn’t boat under the influence, but other operators still will. If one of them injures you, then you must know how to seek compensation.

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Schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced lawyer from Phillips, Hayden & Labbee, LLP. The sooner you get us involved, the more we can do to help you.

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Sharon Elliott

When I first called their office I was able to speak to a paralegal and an attorney right away. They answered all of my questions. Throughout the process of my case the attorneys were in constant contact with me. I knew every step of the process. The staff and attorneys were very easy to talk to. I was extremely pleased with the outcome. My medical bills were high. They managed to get my doctors to write off a lot of the bills which saved me money. PHL is a great law firm. I highly recommend them to anyone. I promise, you won’t be disappointed.

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Amber Joye Rosen, Au.D.

I called numerous attorneys, Michael Labbee was not only the only attorney to call me back at all but called me the same day during his personal time. In the consult, he confirmed my rights as a party to this contract, went over all the ramifications the seller would incur by breaking our contract, and went over cost of litigation if that’s the route I needed to take. I felt more empowered at my options. He was not only knowledgeable and to the point, but kind (yet clearly willing to go to bat to people in their place for my rights!).

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Outstanding attorneys. Extremely knowledgeable of the law. They don’t back down from a challenge!

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Cal Webster

We hired Michael Labbee to build several contracts for our business. Michael and his team are very knowledgable and professional about multi aspects of what we need help on.

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Joey Gill

After my accident I contacted Tyler Hayden to get his advice on legal help and he said don’t worry, we can take care of this and that’s exactly what that firm did. From day one I felt comfortable talking to the lawyers and knew they had my best interest. I would 100% recommend Phillips, Hayden, & Labbee to handle your personal injury case. I’m glad I did.