Showing posts with label Boating While Intoxicated Lake of the Ozarks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Boating While Intoxicated Lake of the Ozarks. Show all posts

Friday, July 8, 2022

Common Accidents in the Summer Leading to Personal Injury - and How to Avoid Them!

Summer is in full swing here at Lake of the Ozarks and that means visitors and locals alike are all spending more time on the roads and on the lake. It’s a time to make memories and have fun with family and friends. But it is also a time when there are more accidents and personal injuries. At Gibbons Law Firm, we know that nobody wants to suffer a personal injury at Lake of the Ozarks, so wanted to share with you three common ways that people are injured every summer at Lake of the Ozarks. If you would like to know how to stay safer and improve your chance to avoid sustaining or causing an injury this summer, this blog explains.

Boating Accidents

We are certainly in the middle of peak boating season right now at Lake of the Ozarks. It is an interesting scene made up of a variety of types of boats, a variety of lake activity, and a variety of driving skills and focus. Between the fishermen and women, the wake borders, the families pulling kids on towables, the cruisers, and the speed boats, there’s a lot going on out there. Every year unfortunately people get hurt, and it can occur a lot more often when alcohol is involved. That means some injuries can easily be avoided by planning ahead and having a designated driver. There are even boat captain services where you can hire someone to pilot your boat for you. The last thing you want to have happen while you’re out having fun is to be injured or to injure someone else. So keep it safe, look out for yourself and others, and don’t forget to make sure you and everyone else has their life jackets on just in case. 

Motorcycle Accidents

The Lake of the Ozarks is a prime destination location for motorcycle enthusiasts, and for great reasons. It’s a beautiful area with fun roads that twist and curve around in the beautiful Ozarks landscape. But there are also a lot of drivers here in the summer that are not familiar with the area, and the same scenery that is so fun to drive can create blind curves and hills that can be very unforgiving. It is always important to look out for motorcycles, and also for motorcycles to drive defensively and wear their safety gear. The damage done when a car or truck collides with a motorcycle is unimaginable. Again, these accidents or more likely and can be more devastating when alcohol is involved. Alcohol slows reaction time and can also cloud our judgment and even our visual perception. So don’t drink and drive, and look out for our friends on motorcycles.

Car Accidents

As we mentioned, the roads in the Ozarks have the beautiful hills and curves we enjoy so much. But we also have areas where there are no shoulders on the road, and areas that are hard to see around the hill or corner. Not to be redundant, but whenever alcohol is involved, once again, it can contribute to a larger number of car accidents at Lake of the Ozarks. It may seem like we are repeating ourselves, but the fact is, being diligent about drinking responsibly can prevent so many summertime accidents at Lake of the Ozarks.

Have a Designated Driver, and Know Your Rights!

At Gibbons Law Firm, we have represented countless victims of personal injury accidents at Lake of the Ozarks. We are painfully aware of how devastating an accident can be for someone who is injured, and how many ways their life changes forever because of that injury. So, we wanted to share some tips with you and help remind you of how important it is to drink responsibly. We also want you to know that if you or someone you know has been injured by someone else’s negligence, you deserve to know your rights and have someone that is going to stand up for you as your advocate. We understand it can be confusing and overwhelming to know where to start. That is why we offer free initial consultations, and we are happy to sit down with you and explain what your options are. Just call our law office in Lake Ozark to make an appointment. If you would like to hear more tips and helpful information from our personal injury attorneys at Lake of the Ozarks, please use the link below to follow us on social media.


Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.



Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm
2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4
Lake Ozark, MO 65049


(573) 348-2211

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Thursday, April 14, 2022

3 Common Types of Summertime Personal Injuries to Avoid at Lake of the Ozarks

Even though the weather can’t seem to decide day-to-day, summer really is right around the corner. Soon, people will be coming from all over the state to enjoy the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks. As personal injury attorneys at Lake of the Ozarks, we hope everyone has a fun and safe summer. We are aware that injuries happen every year, and we also know that some of them are avoidable. This week's blog is dedicated to the most common personal injury cases at Lake of the Ozarks. If you or someone you know is a victim of personal injury due to someone else’s negligence, it’s important for you to know your rights, so you can receive the compensation you need and deserve. If you would like to speak to a personal injury lawyer in mid-Missouri, give our office a call for a free consultation. To learn what causes some of the most common personal injuries during the summertime at Lake of the Ozarks, read on!

Motorcycle Accidents

The Lake of the Ozarks is just as attractive to motorcyclists as it is to boating enthusiasts! The natural scenery plus the fun curves and hills of the roads at the lake are a joy to experience on a motorcycle. But motorcycles are smaller, harder to see, and far less forgiving in an accident with a vehicle. It is important for drivers to look out for motorcyclists and allow them plenty of distance when traveling with them on the road. It is also important for motorcycles to look out, wear the proper safety gear, use turn signals, etc. 

Boating Accidents Involving Someone Who Has Been Drinking

Summertime is peak boating season, and there can be an extreme amount of traffic on the lake during that time. Boats of all speeds and sizes, and drivers of all levels of skill are out together at the same time. Some are enjoying their speed boats, while others are pulling the kids on the tube behind a tri-Toon, and others chasing waves on their PWCs. Sometimes people get hurt. Unfortunately, this happens more often when somebody has been drinking or is under the influence of alcohol. That is why the importance of having a designated driver cannot be underestimated. No one wants to be injured or cause someone else to be hurt. In addition, look out for your passengers by making sure they are wearing their life jackets while out on the lake.

Car Accidents Involving Someone Who Has Been Drinking

For similar reasons, car accidents happen more often in the summer. There are more people here, and not everyone is familiar with the roads. The Ozarks have a lot more curves and blind hills than other areas, so when we have visitors, it can be more of a challenge. On top of that there are more teenage drivers during the summer when school is out. There may also be more distracted drivers during the summer with people in town for reunions, vacations, and even parties and concerts. As people enjoy celebrating and making memories at the lake, they may make the mistake of getting behind the wheel after drinking.

Reach Out to Gibbons Law Firm Today. 

At Gibbons Law Firm, we are familiar with handling these types of personal injury cases. We see how devastating a life-changing injury can be for the victim and all the ways it can affect their future. We also understand the elements necessary to build a successful personal injury case. We want you to know that if you are suffering from a serious injury due to someone else’s negligence, you are welcome to a free initial consultation with our law firm in Lake Ozark. We can answer your questions and discuss your rights and how you might be able to seek compensation. You are worth the time, don’t hesitate to make the appointment. If you would like to stay in touch with us and hear more tips and legal information from our law firm, use the links below to follow us on your favorite social media channel. 


Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.



Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm
2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4
Lake Ozark, MO 65049


(573) 348-2211

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Friday, August 26, 2016

Boating & Alcohol Don't Mix

Another busy summer at the Lake of the Ozarks is beginning to wind down, but we expect that the water will stay pretty busy for several weeks yet to come - especially on the weekends. While there's absolutely nothing wrong with getting out and enjoying the water while the weather is still warm, the team at Gibbons Law Firm wants to remind you of one crucial boating safety tip: boating and alcohol don't mix.



The Dangers Of Drinking And Boating

Just as operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated is unsafe, driving a boat while under the influence of alcohol is incredibly dangerous. Alcohol consumption impairs judgment, clouds the mind, and decreases reaction time - all of which are incredibly dangerous for a boat driver. With vessels of all sizes traveling in all directions - not to mention the number of swimmers in the water as well - it is imperative the boat drivers use all their faculties to ensure their own safety and the safety of those around them. When they have been drinking, their ability to keep themselves and others safe on the water will likely decrease drastically.

Boat Injuries On The Lake Of The Ozarks

The Lake of the Ozarks is a wildly popular vacation destination, and tourists travel from all over the surrounding states to take part in all the fun activities the water presents. Unfortunately, playing on the water comes with certain inherent risks. Every year, many people are injured or even killed while out enjoying the Lake. If you know have been injured on the water due to the negligence of another person, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries.

When someone else's negligent behavior is responsible for your injuries, that individual may be responsible for paying for your medical expenses and the other financial burdens you may have to bear as a result of your injuries (such as reduced wages, missed time from work, etc). 

If you have been in an accident with an intoxicated boater, your injuries may be severe. Because the driver was performing a criminal act (drinking and boating) at the time that he caused your injuries, the stakes in your personal injury case may be much higher. In these instances, having the representation of an experienced Lake of the Ozarks personal injury lawyer may become invaluable.

BWI Charges Lake of the Ozarks

If you are caught consuming alcohol while driving a boat on the Lake of the Ozarks, you may face criminal charges. While it will not go on your Missouri driving record, Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) is a serious criminal offense that will remain on your criminal record for years to come. This charge may appear background checks conducted by prospective employers, educational institutions, housing professionals, etc. Consequently, your BWI charge will likely impact your life for years to come. If you are facing charges, reach out to a criminal defense attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks immediately.

Contact Gibbons Law Firm For Representation

With experience in both criminal defense and personal injury law, Gibbons Law Firm will be here to defend your rights no matter what legal challenge you may be facing. For more information about our legal services at the Lake of the Ozarks, visit our website at www.RGibbonsLawFirm.com. We look forward to serving you.





Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm
4075 Osage Beach Parkway, Suite 300
Osage Beach, MO 65065
(573) 348-2211

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No attorney-client relationship is created by the publication of this blog.