According to recent reports, a man now faces misdemeanor boating while intoxicated charges after a deadly accident at the Lake of the Ozarks, a popular summer recreation sport in central Missouri. The accident happened earlier this summer and involved a collision between two boats. The driver of the boat that apparently caused the accident said he simply did not see the other boat approaching on the water until it was too late to stop or swerve. However, after the accident, police determined that the operator of the boat had a blood alcohol content of .184, over double the legal limit.
One person, who was in the other boat, died in the accident. The victim was a 39-year-old man. Additionally, four other people suffered significant injuries. This accident serves as an important reminder to Missouri residents, including those in Kansas City who may travel to one of the many rivers, creeks and lakes in this state, that boating while intoxicated is full of danger.
As is the case with motor vehicles, everyone who operates a boat on Missouri waters has an obligation to do so carefully and safely. Like drivers of cars, those who choose to operate boats must follow certain rules and regulations.
Perhaps one of the most obvious of these rules is not to drive a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as doing so can lead to the same tragic result as a motor vehicle collision involving drunk driving. While those who negligently cause boating accidents due to drunkenness can and should be held legally accountable by victims who need compensation, the process is different in a number of ways than for an automobile accident. Personal injury legal options may be available to help victims pay medical bills and recover lost wages.
