Perth Amboy Boat Accident Lawyer
Water recreation activities are popular among New Jersey residents and visitors. There are hundreds of thousands of vessels registered with the state that take advantage of the numerous waterways in the area. Many use their boat to enjoy a day in the sun or a relaxing fishing trip whenever possible. Unfortunately, the large number of boaters and other watercraft owners also means there are accidents on the waterways each year.
Our personal injury attorneys know that most recreational boating accidents are preventable and result from human error. If you were in a boat crash, a skilled Perth Amboy boat accident lawyer at our firm could help you obtain a settlement.
Common Causes of Boat Wrecks
A boat operator’s failure to keep a proper lookout is a contributing factor in many collisions with other vessels, docks, or swimmers. Other causes of watercraft accidents include:
- Operator inattention due to using a phone, eating, or talking to passengers
- Operator inexperience
- Losing control of the vessel when speeding in no-wake zones or crowded areas
- Excessive alcohol use
- Overloading the watercraft, which can lead to capsizing the boat
- Dangerous water conditions due to inclement weather or environmental factors
- Violating the navigation rules
- Mechanical failure
During your consultation, our Perth Amboy attorney can answer your specific questions and provide guidance on your watercraft collision case.
Navigation Rules and Regulations
New Jersey enforces mandatory boating education classes for anyone 16 and under, and you must be at least 13 to take a boat safety course. After passing an approved course and obtaining a certificate, those aged 13 to 15 can operate electronic trolling motors or vessels that are 12 feet or longer with less than 10 horsepower. Boaters 16 and older can operate all power vessels after completing an approved course and obtaining a certificate. All powerboat operators on inland freshwater areas, such as marshes, bogs, and swamps, must have a certificate, and those on tidal waterways must obtain one from the state police.
While there is no specific statewide speed limit for all waterways, operators must act safely and prudently and travel at a safe speed for the circumstances. Boat operators must adjust speed for situations such as fog, heavy traffic, or nearby swimmers. They must comply with no-wake zones near shores and in marinas, and absolutely no reckless boating actions are permitted. Our attorney can review your boat crash case to determine if any additional laws may apply in Perth Amboy.
Safety Equipment
Those entering the waterways must ensure their vessels have specific equipment approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. Required equipment includes life jackets for every person aboard. Kids 12 and under must wear them at all times. All boats are subject to inspection at the game warden’s discretion.
Watercraft over 16 feet long must also have one throwable flotation device. Other required safety equipment includes a fire extinguisher, sound-producing device, visual distress signals, and navigation lights for night use. Penalties for missing equipment include fines and the potential for watercraft seizure.
Filing a Suit for Damages
When a boater or other person on the waterway is negligent and causes you harm, you have the right to file a suit to recover damages. Your lawyer must show that the boat operator was reckless by proving that the operator failed to comply with regulations and that those actions caused the Perth Amboy accident and your injuries.
After proving fault, the court compensates victims for medical care, lost wages, permanent scarring and disfigurement, pain and suffering, and more. Our lawyer could help you through the process and advocate on your behalf.
Contact a Seasoned Boat Accident Attorney in Perth Amboy
Recreational boating and watersports are enjoyed by many throughout the state, but when someone is negligent, a fun day can quickly turn tragic. You must hold boat operators responsible if their reckless behavior caused injuries and other losses.
A settlement could cover your medical care, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket or non-monetary damages. Call our Perth Amboy boat accident lawyer today to learn more.
