Home -> Law Blog Directory -> Personal Injury Law Blogs -> Des Moines Personal Injury Lawyer

Personal Injury Law

: Des Moines Personal Injury Lawyer

Iowa Prosecutor Increases the Charges against Boater Accused of Drunk Boating

By Steve Lombardi

Previously I posted, A Sioux City Councilman was injured in a boating accident on the Missouri River. It seems the case has taken another turn. It's being reported by the major news sources the boat driver has been charged with two felonies related to the death of a passenger.

Oscar Gomez, of South Sioux City, Neb., was rescued. The other man, Bruce Wright, also of South Sioux City, Neb., disappeared. His body was found two days later about 11 miles downstream.

No longer can you drink and drive while boating. The law doesn't allow it and here we have several people whose lives will be affected in the years to come. Also it's worth mentioning; boat owners need to carry liability insurance, usually through their homeowner's insurance policy or depending on the size of the boat and motor in a separate policy. That covers not just the owner when they make a mistake but also the injured or passengers that are killed. In this instance we probably have a widow and wife whose income streams have been stopped due to their husbands being injured or killed.

From the news sources this man's body wasn't found for two days. Consider this, drinking and driving a boat isn't any different than drinking and driving a car; if you injure or kill someone you're just as liable for medical bills, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain, suffering, brain damage, a head injury or severed limbs. Don't be foolish, consider the consequences.

Boating is serious business and needs to be taken as such.

Update: The AP reports the Nebraska man plead not guilty in Woodbury County District Court.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Steve Lombardi

Full post as published by Des Moines Personal Injury Lawyer on July 28, 2009 (boomark / email).