Friend was drunk while operating boat. Can I sue?

Additional Information:

I was involved in a boating accident on my friends boat, he was drunk.  Do I have a case?  We had lunch which included alcoholic beverages before heading out on his boat that was docked at a Boston area marina. As a result of the accident my face hit the windshield and I cut my face and hurt my neck.

ATTORNEY ANSWER:

You have a case, but whether you have a winning one is another question.  The fact that you and your friend drank alcohol before you went boating indicates that you might be found by a jury to be comparatively negligent.   This means that although your friend was at fault–negligent–for the accident, you too are at fault for drinking with someone you knew to be drinking and then voluntarily riding with him.  However, if your amount of negligence is no greater than his, you may still recover a portion of your damages, including medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.  Although you may have a challenging case, you should seek the advise of a maritime personal injury lawyer.

The Boston Area Maritime Personal Injury Lawyers at our firm provide legal representation to individuals in the Boston area and handle cases involving boating accidents and injuries.   We serve clients from the Greater region including the cities and towns of: Wellesley, Needham, Dedham, Dover, Westwood, Norwood, Medfield, Millis, Holliston, Sherborn, Framingham, Natick and Wellesley.

Top