Whether on land or on water, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol has always been dangerous.

According to San Bernardino County authorities, an alcohol-related boating accident in Lake Havasu has injured 6 people. The 21-foot-long Shockwave ski boat was allegedly travelling at a high rate of speed (50 mph) when it hit the shore.

The boat was ran aground more than 50 feet beyond the shoreline, two occupants were trapped inside four others were thrown aboard. The operator of the vessel, James McCarthy of Chino and two other passengers suffered serious injuries aside from bone fractures. The rest of the passengers also incurred fractures and injuries and were taken to the hospital.

Police claimed that alcohol is a factor in the boat crash.

According to the United States Coast Guard, most boat accidents are caused by the following:

• Distracted operation of the water vessel
• Driver’s lack of experience in operating the boat
• Excess speeding
• Operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Faulty equipment or mechanisms

Clearly, as stated by the above-mentioned factors behind boating accidents, human error is often the cause. And when there is fault or negligence in the accident, there is a person who can be held liable for any injury or damage incurred by the accident victims.

At this point, it would be best to hire a boat accident attorney or even a personal injury lawyer to help you establish a claim for damages against the liable party. These attorneys will know whom to blame for the accident – whether it is a drunk boat operator or even a negligent boat manufacturer.

Through their expertise in preparing a claim, gathering of evidence, negotiation in settlements or even filing a lawsuit, boat accident victims can be assured of receiving proper compensation.

There are many legal and safety issues involved in a boating accident so if you or your loved ones are ever involved in one, don’t hesitate to seek the services of a boat accident attorney or a personal injury lawyer. It’s the best way to ensure that any pain or suffering you endure because of the accident will be rightfully compensated.

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A middle-aged problem child – is this another case of the poor little rich boy, err, man?

Robert Ray Huizenga, the troubled 47-year old son of the former owner of Miami Dolphins football team was arrested for boating under the influence (BUI) and probation violation in Fort Lauderdale this week.

According to the police, Huizenga was arrested in a boat after a reported burglary at a home in Fort Lauderdale. They alleged that he refused to take a BUI test even though he strongly smelled of alcohol and was slurring his speech.

Patrick Stewart, 44, a man he was reportedly with at the time of the incident was arrested for trespassing and drug possession.

Huizenga’s lawyer said that his client is pleading not guilty to the charges of BUI.

At his age (and given the fact that he already has records and is currently under probation), Robert Huizenga really should have known better than to get intoxicated. Alcohol isn’t called the devil’s brew for nothing and people under the influence could really do stupid and potentially dangerous things.

Fortunately, Huizenga didn’t manage to hurt anyone else except himself and well, maybe also his father’s wallet. Litigation would be a pain from this point on and he would need lawyers who can get him off the hook and that’s most likely going to take a lot of money in view of his record.

Aside from the fact that boating and driving under the influence of either alcohol or drugs is considered a crime by most states, in California, people are required by law to submit to a chemical test to determine the alcohol and/or drug content of their blood when requested to do so by a peace officer.

According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, offenders 21 years of older at the time of arrest who refuse or fail to complete a blood or breath test, or (if applicable) a urine test will be penalized with:

•    1-year license suspension for the first offense.
•    A second offense within 10 years will result in a 2-year license revocation.
•    A third or subsequent offense within 10 years will result in a 3-year license revocation.

It’s such a shame that people sometimes think to get away from the consequences of their action and while it seems that the rich often get to go free, they end up paying more than they want. And sometimes, when enough is enough, all the money is the world will not buy them their freedom.

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