The operator of a boat involved in a Hudson River accident that killed a bride-to-be and her fiancé’s best man in July was charged in an 18-count indictment on November 7. The driver, 35-year-old JoJo John, is facing counts of first-degree vehicular manslaughter (2), second-degree vehicular manslaughter (4), second-degree manslaughter (2), criminally negligent homicide (2), first-degree vehicular assault (2), second-degree vehicular assault (4), and operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol (2).

John was operating a powerboat on the Hudson River in July allegedly under the influence of alcohol when he collided into a construction barge near the Tappan Zee Bridge, tossing a bride-to-be and her fiancé’s best man into the river. Both victims were killed in the accident. John and three others on the boat were injured. According to authorities, John’s blood alcohol content was .15 after the accident, almost twice the legal limit. Police also found “cocaine metabolites” in his system after the incident.

Many recreational boating accidents are caused by drunk boaters. Operating a boat is much like operating a motor vehicle. When drivers are intoxicated, serious accidents can occur. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, intoxicated boaters cause about one-third of all boating accidents.

What Do I Do if I Have Been Injured in a Drunken Boating Accident?

If you have been injured in a drunken boating accident, the first thing you should do is seek all necessary medical attention. If you can or someone else can, it is important after your accident, taking photos and documenting all evidence is also a good idea. It’s also important not to talk to anyone or make any statements about the accident until you speak with a maritime trial lawyer. Maritime attorneys can help you  work with the U.S. Coast Guard and other authorities who investigate the accident, help preserve important information and help determine the cause of the accident. When a tragedy such as a boating accident ruins a family vacation or a celebratory event like a wedding, it may seem hopeless, but an experienced attorney can help you put the pieces of your life back together. Our nationwide maritime attorneys understand the struggles victims and their families face after a boating accident, and we are here to help. Schedule a consultation with one of our lawyers to discuss your case, or connect with us on our Facebook page. We want to hear your story.

Latti & Anderson LLP– Nationwide maritime attorneys

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/07/justice/new-york-hudson-river-boat-crash/