When warmer weather hits Georgia, especially during the summer and holiday weekends, our lakes and rivers sharply increase in boating activity. While these outings are meant to bring friends and families together for fun, they can turn tragic when boat operators choose to mix alcohol with navigation. Boating under the influence (BUI) is a serious—and all too common—danger on Georgia’s waterways, and it leaves far too many victims with life-altering injuries or worse.
At Ashby Thelen Lowry, our Atlanta personal injury attorneys help those harmed by negligent boaters pursue justice and accountability under Georgia law.
Why BUI Is Especially Dangerous in Georgia
Georgia is home to over 400,000 acres of lakes and an extensive network of rivers, including Lake Lanier, Lake Allatoona, Lake Oconee, and the Chattahoochee River—all popular destinations for summer recreation. As the weather warms up and boats crowd the water, so does the risk of collisions, capsizing, and serious injuries.
Unfortunately, the presence of alcohol heightens those risks dramatically.
Operating a boat while intoxicated slows reaction times, impairs judgment, and makes it difficult for operators to navigate crowded waters safely. On holidays like Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day, incidents of BUI spike due to an increase in celebratory drinking and boat traffic. These conditions create a perfect storm for preventable injuries and fatalities.
Common Injuries from Boating Under the Influence
When alcohol is involved in a boating incident, the resulting injuries are often severe and life-altering. Unlike car crashes, where seat belts and airbags protect occupants, boat passengers are more vulnerable to impact, falls, and being thrown into the water.
Victims of boating under the influence crashes often suffer significant harm due to the unpredictable and dangerous nature of impaired operation on open water, including:
- Head trauma from being thrown overboard or colliding with watercraft.
- Broken bones or spinal cord injuries from impact or falls.
- Drowning or near-drowning incidents.
- Lacerations from propellers or jagged debris.
- Psychological trauma, especially in near-death or fatal incidents.
These injuries often require extensive medical care, long-term rehabilitation, and time away from work, resulting in a substantial emotional and financial burden on victims and their families.
Legal Options for Victims of BUI in Georgia
If you or a loved one was injured by a boat operator who was under the influence, you have the right to pursue a civil claim for compensation.
While criminal charges may be filed against the intoxicated operator, a personal injury lawsuit can help you recover damages for:
- Medical expenses and future care.
- Lost income or earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering.
- Wrongful death (in fatal cases).
In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish especially reckless behavior.
How Our Atlanta Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help
Pursuing justice in a boating collision case requires more than filing a claim—it involves proving negligence, investigating liability, and dealing with insurers who may try to minimize payouts. At Ashby Thelen Lowry, our boat accident lawyers understand Georgia’s BUI laws, boating regulations, and tactics to deny victims justice.
We thoroughly investigate every case, collect evidence such as police reports and witness statements, and work with accident reconstruction experts when needed. We aim to ensure you are fully compensated and that those responsible are held accountable.
Contact our Atlanta personal injury attorneys today for a free consultation.