BUI stands for Boating Under the Influence. It means someone is driving a boat while their body is affected by alcohol or drugs. This is just like drunk driving in a car, but on the water instead. When a person is impaired like this, their ability to steer, make quick decisions, or react to dangers is much worse. This puts everyone on or near the water at risk.
Because boats can move fast and water conditions change quickly, being sober while operating a boat is just as important as being sober behind the wheel of a car. The law treats BUI seriously because it’s very dangerous and can cause severe injuries and financial losses to the victim.
If you’re a victim of a BUI accident, contact a boat accident lawyer from the Morris Bart law firm to explore your legal options and potentially receive full compensation.
How Can You Prove Negligence in a BUI Case?
To win a BUI accident claim, you have to prove the other person was negligent. This means showing two things: that they were impaired and that their impairment caused the accident. You can use different types of proof to do this.
- One of the clearest ways to do this is a breathalyzer or blood test result that shows the driver had alcohol or drugs in their system. Police reports usually include this if the driver was tested.
- Witness statements can also help. If people saw the driver drinking before or during the trip or saw them acting drunk, their testimony supports your claim.
- Sometimes, video footage from nearby boats, security cameras, or even cell phones can show what happened.
- Accident reconstruction experts can analyze the accident scene and how the crash happened to show it was caused by impaired driving.
All this evidence builds your case to prove the other person was careless and caused your injuries.
What Can Victims Recover in a BUI Accident Claim?
If your claim is successful, you might be able to get money to cover many costs related to the accident.
- Medical expenses are a big part. This includes hospital bills, surgery, therapy, and even future treatment if your injury isn’t fully healed.
- You might also get compensation for lost wages if you had to miss work because of your injuries. If your injuries affect your ability to work in the future, that can also be included.
- Pain and suffering are other things for which you can recover damages. This means money for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Furthermore, if your property is damaged, like your boat or personal belongings, you can also get money to fix or replace them.
The goal of compensation is to put you back in the position you were in before the accident as much as possible.
How Long Do You Have to File a BUI Accident Claim?
There is a deadline to file your claim, which is called the statute of limitations. This varies depending on the state or country you live in, but usually, you have a few years after the accident to file a claim.
Waiting too long can mean you lose your chance to get compensation, no matter how strong your case is. That’s why it’s important to act quickly. As soon as possible after the accident, start gathering evidence and talk to a lawyer.
What Should You Do Next If You’re a BUI Accident Victim?
The most important thing is to protect your health and your rights. Here’s how you can do both:
- Get medical help right away. Don’t ignore any pain or symptoms.
- Report the accident to the police or the Coast Guard so there is an official record.
- Gather any evidence you can to support your case. Photos, witness names, and written notes about what happened will be valuable.
- Then, contact a lawyer to get legal advice. They know exactly what needs to be done, what documents to collect, and how to make sure you get compensation for all that you have lost and suffered.
