Missouri Injury Attorney Blog

According to the Missouri State Water Patrol, there was a Missouri boating accident that involved two boats on the afternoon of June 28, 2009, on Table Rock Lake near Indian Point Village. Carl Sparkman, 20, of Republic, MO, hit the port side of the Bombardier PWC, which was being operated by Cameron Wells, 18, of Springfield, MO, with his Honda PWC.

Sparkman’s Honda went over the top of Wells’ Bombardier and struck Cameron. This blow knocked Wells of off the boat and into the water. He was then taken to Cox South Hospital in Springfield, MO with serious personal injuries.

Table Rock Lake is located in the heart of the Ozarks and it is a beautiful place where people of all ages can get together and enjoy our Missouri lakes. However, our lakes can become a dangerous place when operators of boats and watercrafts forget their responsibilities and operate their craft in a negligent manner. Boat owners and operators have a duty to be responsible out on our Missouri lakes and waterways in order to prevent injuries or even deaths for their passengers and passengers of other watercrafts, as well.

According to the National Safe Boating Council, the top five contributing factors for recreational boating accidents in the United States in 2007 included:

1. Operator inattention
2. Careless operation
3. Negligent passengers
4. Excessive speed
5. Alcohol

If you or a loved one has suffered personal injuries or death due to the negligence of another party on our Missouri waterways, you would be well-advised to retain the services of Missouri boating accident injury attorney David Payne. David will investigate this accident to discover what party was at fault. The negligent party would then be held liable for the personal injuries and damages caused by the accident.

This accident is an important reminder for us to exercise caution when we take to Missouri lakes, rivers, and streams. Always wear a life jacket and be responsible when consuming alcohol and operating a watercraft. As of August 28, 2008, Missouri’s blood alcohol concentration level (BAC) for boating while intoxicated (BWI) is 0.08%. The majority of boating accidents can be prevented if boaters exercise the utmost care when operating their boat or watercraft.

Call David Payne anytime at 417.847.7516 for a no obligation consultation.