Alcohol-Related Boat Accidents in Maryland: Know the Risks and Your Rights in a Claim
During the warm weather months, the Chesapeake Bay and other waterways throughout the state are busy with boaters. Spending a day on the water is always fun, and many people bring coolers of beer and other adult beverages. While there’s nothing wrong with having a few drinks, if you are the one operating the boat, it can put you and your passengers in danger.
Alcohol is a common factor in Maryland boat accidents, which can cause potentially devastating injuries. Our experienced Maryland personal injury attorneys explain what you need to know to protect yourself throughout the busy boating season.
How Dangerous Is Boating Under the Influence in Maryland?
While drinking and boating often go hand in hand, having even one or two alcoholic beverages while behind the wheel of a boat poses significant risks. The U.S. Coast Guard warns that alcohol use remains one of the most common causes of boat accidents and is to blame for nearly a quarter of all boating deaths each year.
Common ways alcohol use can impact you on the water include:
- Impaired judgment, leading to reckless behavior such as speeding or ignoring life jacket requirements.
- Reduced coordination, making it harder to maintain balance on the boat and perform the tasks required of a captain.
- Distorted vision makes boat operators more sensitive to glare.
- Slowed reaction times, making it harder to respond to unexpected events.
Under the Maryland Statutes, operating a vessel while drunk or otherwise impaired is illegal, and violators face serious criminal penalties. They can also be held liable when injuries happen.
How To Protect Against Alcohol-Related Boat Accidents in Maryland
Using alcohol while boating can turn a peaceful day on the water into a potential tragedy. To reduce the risk of alcohol-related boat accidents in Maryland, limit the amount you bring on trips and avoid having even just a few drinks when operating any watercraft.
If another boater appears impaired, keep your distance, get the boat name and registration number, and notify the authorities. If you are injured in a Maryland boat accident and suspect alcohol is to blame, take these steps:
- Call for emergency help immediately and get medical attention for all injured parties.
- Notify the Maryland Department of Natural Resources as required by law.
- Take photos and videos capturing vessel positions, visible damage, and any conditions on the water.
- Get the names and contact information of all witnesses before leaving the area.
Even if you don’t have obvious symptoms, avoid downplaying the situation and get medical care immediately. If contacted by insurers, get professional legal help before making any statements.
Contact Our Experienced Maryland Personal Injury Attorneys Today
Alcohol-related boat accidents in Maryland can quickly turn a fun day on the water into a nightmare. At Berman Sobin Gross LLP, we help injured victims hold those at fault accountable and obtain the compensation they need to cover their losses. To request a consultation, call or contact our experienced Maryland personal injury lawyers today.
Sources:
weather.gov/safety/safeboating-week
news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4231745/coast-guard-reports-fewest-boating-fatalities-in-more-than-50-years/
mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gnr§ion=8-738&enactments=false
