With thousands of miles of shorelines and rivers, boating is a popular summertime activity in Michigan. If you spend time on the water, it is not unusual to see boaters enjoying a beer or a cocktail during boating season. But many people may not realize that boating and drinking is one of the most common causes of boating accidents and can be just as deadly as drinking and driving.

Alcohol is a contributing factor in more than half of all boating accidents and is the leading cause of boating deaths. If you were injured or someone you love was killed in a Michigan boating accident, the personal injury and wrongful death attorneys at Muth Law, P.C., can help. Muth Law has been helping injured people recover the compensation they deserve since 1987. We have a demonstrated record of success, and, based on the outstanding results we achieve on behalf of our clients, we have earned a reputation as one of the top personal injury law firms in Michigan.

If you were injured or someone you love was killed in a Michigan boating accident, Muth Law can help. Contact us today to schedule a confidential appointment to discuss your situation. We are committed to helping people navigate the aftermath of serious boating accidents and we know what it takes to win.

Why Is Boating and Drinking Dangerous?

Drinking and boating is dangerous, not just for the operator and their passengers, but for other people on the water, too. Every year, the US Coast Guard warns people of the dangers of boating and drinking and encourages people to avoid consuming alcohol or other intoxicating substances while on the water.

People on a boat tend to become impaired more quickly than on land. The stresses of a marine environment, such as the motion of the vessel and exposure to sun and wind, accelerate the effects of alcohol and can cause a person to feel the effects of alcohol or drugs more quickly than they would on land. Consuming alcohol or intoxicating substances can lead to a loss of coordination, delayed reaction times, and impaired judgment, all of which increase the likelihood of a serious boating accident.

What Are Michigan Boating and Drinking Laws?

In addition to the hazards of boating and drinking, boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol is also illegal. The same standards that apply to drunk driving apply to boating and drinking. It is unlawful to operate a boat with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .08% or higher, or while under the influence of marijuana or another intoxicating substance.

Michigan has a zero-tolerance policy for people under the age of 21 who operate a boat while intoxicated. Someone under 21 who has any amount of alcohol, THC, or another Schedule I substance in their system can be charged with a misdemeanor. The charges are more serious if someone was injured or killed in a boating accident.

Someone who operates a boat while intoxicated with passengers under age 16 on board is also subject to misdemeanor charges.

A boater who causes serious injury or death to another person while under the influence of alcohol or drugs faces up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.

A person who causes a boating accident can also be held financially liable for the harm they caused.

What Can You Do If You Were Injured in a Boating Accident?

Like other claims for personal injuries, people injured in boating accidents are entitled to compensation. To prove your case, you must show that someone else acted without reasonable care and that their negligence caused your injuries.

Most injuries suffered in boating accidents are covered by the boat owner’s insurance policy. But identifying who was at fault and holding them responsible for the harm they caused is not always straightforward. Our boating accident lawyers can analyze your situation, help you evaluate your options, and fight for the compensation you and your family deserve.

Muth Law Helps People Injured in Michigan Boating Accidents

When a boating accident causes serious injuries or wrongful death, you need an experienced boating accident attorney. Proving liability in a Michigan boating accident requires the expertise of a personal injury attorney who understands Michigan boating laws and can hold the correct parties responsible for the harm they caused.

For more than 40 years, Muth Law’s personal injury attorneys have helped people throughout Michigan recover the compensation they deserve after a serious accident. Our law firm has been recognized by Best Lawyers: Best Law Firms, and our attorneys have been individually recognized for their outstanding work in Personal Injury Litigation. Benjamin Muth was recognized as Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch and in Michigan Lawyers Weekly as a member of the Class of 2022 Hall of Fame, Up & Coming Lawyers.

To learn more, contact Muth Law today to schedule a free, confidential appointment to discuss your situation and how we can help. Call us anytime at 734-481-8800, email info@muthlawpc.com, or complete our online form.

Muth Law is based in Ann Arbor and proudly represents people who were injured and families of people who were killed in boating accidents throughout Michigan.