Minnesota is well-known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, and Fairmont features its own chain of five lakes—George, Sisseton, Budd, Hall, and Amber. Summertime means a chance to take the boat out on the water and enjoy the season. But this opportunity is not without its risks.
Most of the common causes of boating accidents in Fairmont are avoidable by simply being careful, but that does not mean they will never happen. If you have been hurt in a boating accident, talk to a boating accident lawyer at Maschka Personal Injury to learn about your legal options. Our team is based in Mankato and takes pride in serving all of Southern Minnesota.
Boating Under the Influence
In some respects, operating a boat is similar to operating a car. Like driving a car, the boat operator must maintain control and have constant awareness of their surroundings. Many of the common causes of boat crashes are the same causes of car crashes on the road.
The most common cause of crashes on the water in Fairmont is operating the boat while under the influence of alcohol. Summertime on the lake invites the opportunity to kick back with a drink and enjoy the warmth, but it is important to do so responsibly. Like driving under the influence, boating while intoxicated (BWI) is illegal and can put others at risk. Unfortunately, one person’s bad decision can upend someone else’s life in an instant. If that has happened to you, we are here to help you regain control of your life and help pave the way forward.
Minnesota Statutes § 86b.33 explicitly states that a person is not allowed to operate a motorboat on the waters while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Anyone operating a boat is subject to Minnesota Statutes § 169A.20, which states that the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08. Violating the state’s BWI laws is a crime, which can vary from a misdemeanor to a felony.
Much like a DUI, the criminal penalties for a BWI do little to help victims and their families if they have been hit by a drunk boater. Instead, they may be able to file a civil claim for compensation with the guidance of an experienced attorney. We will work to take the burden off your shoulders and help you pursue justice and the financial support you need to heal.
Operator Inexperience and Recklessness
Although a motorboat is similar to a car, major differences exist. One of the biggest differences is that a boat handles differently on the water than a car handles on the road. This means that a motorboat requires more skill to maintain control.
That is why operator error is a common cause of motorboat collisions on Fairmont waterways. Errors can come in many forms, and most of them are due to a lack of experience. Unlike a car, a boat cannot just come to a complete stop or make a sharp turn to avoid a collision. Inexperienced boaters may not understand that they need to give more space to others on the water.
Similarly, experience and education about boating safety help operators understand the rules of the water. Lanes or lines are absent on the water, so boaters must be aware of each other and observe the rules on how to proceed safely. Speed limits also apply, and can vary depending on the distance from the shore. Speeding or reckless boating will increase the risk of an accident.
If a boating accident is caused by one of these errors, the operator may be held responsible under the legal concept of negligence, like in a car accident. Injured boaters may have a claim against the negligent operator, and a lawyer can help with this process.
Talk to a Fairmont Attorney About Common Causes of Boat Crashes
If you have been hurt by one of the common causes of boating accidents in Fairmont, you may have a claim for compensation. Our team at Maschka Personal Injury is here to help you restore your life. We are here to help you understand your options, and we will stand up for you when it matters most.
A compassionate lawyer can be by your side for support and guidance throughout the process. Call us today to talk with an attorney about your situation.
