BWI, Boating While Intoxicated, Causes Accident and Injures Passengers | Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

Just days after a Hanover, Virginia (VA), man was sentenced for a deadly boating accident that killed a Henrico teacher and seriously injured nine others, another man has been charged with boating while intoxicated, or BWI. This second man also allegedly crashed into a channel marker and injured his passengers.

So, what was this guy thinking? As a maritime injury lawyer I really don’t know what leads people to make such bad decisions but I do know this man is facing three charges in connection to the crash.

Sadly, as a Virginia personal injury attorney I am seeing more and more of these types of cases.  In 2009, the Coast Guard counted 4730 accidents that involved 736 deaths and 3358 injuries.  The fatality rate was 5.8 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational vessels. This rate represents a 3.6 peercent increase from last year’s fatality rate of 5.6 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational vessels. So unfortunelty although the number of crashes had decreased the number of fatalities has increased.

Boating accidents can occur all over Virginia and are prevelant in Hamptonroads where there are many lakes, ocean access and river’s that are available to boaters. The joys of boating and fishing are part of what makes a great quality of life in Tidewater, Virginia (VA).

If you, a family member or friend have been injured due to a boating or personal watercraft accident caused by careless or negligent conduct, check our case results section on this site, and we can provide specific legal advice to you during a free legal consultation.

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