New Brunswick Boat Accident Lawyer

New Jersey has an extensive coastline, featuring numerous bodies of water, including the ocean, rivers, bays, and lakes, which makes recreational boating highly popular among residents and visitors. Unfortunately, this popularity leads to a higher rate of accidents from crowded waterways, poor weather conditions, and human error.

If the carelessness of a boat operator or passenger out on the water caused you harm, you can pursue compensation from the liable party with the help of a personal injury attorney. Call our knowledgeable New Brunswick boat accident lawyer at Garces, Grabler & LeBrocq to learn more.

What Are the Typical Causes of Boat Accidents?

Recreational boating accidents occur for a wide range of reasons, and conditions such as heavy summer traffic can significantly influence the number of crashes. Some examples of the most typical causes include:

• Alcohol use by boat operators
• Reckless boating, such as excessive speed and improper navigation
• Collisions with other vessels on the water, submerged objects, and docks
• Capsizing or falling overboard because of instability in rough waters
• Inclement weather conditions, such as thunderstorms, rain, wind, and fog

A New Brunswick attorney can explain the complete list of boating accident causes and answer your specific questions during a consultation.

Recreational Boating Safety

As a lawyer can explain in more detail, boaters of recreational vessels in New Brunswick have a specific legal obligation to act with caution, responsibility, and safety to avoid crashes and prevent causing harm to passengers or others around them on the water. They must also ensure that they have all of the legally required safety equipment on board, such as enough life vests for themselves and every passenger, before taking the boat out.

Per the guidelines provided by the New Jersey State Police, every child 12 years old and younger must wear a United States Coast Guard–approved life vest at all times. There must be enough vests on board for everyone, and during the colder months from November to May, all individuals must wear them while on boats under 26 feet long. When the operator fails to follow the regulations and people suffer harm, the civil court can hold them financially accountable.

Reporting Requirements

When boating crashes lead to the death or disappearance of the operator or passengers or when someone requires immediate medical attention, someone involved must report the incident to the New Jersey State Police Marine Services Division by the quickest means possible. For non-fatal accidents that result in property damage of $2,000 or more or minor bodily injuries, you must report within ten days of the accident. Failure to comply with the statute and report within the required timeframe can result in vessel suspension and fines of up to $500.

Obtaining a Settlement After a Boat Crash

Obtaining a settlement from the responsible party requires demonstrating that the defendant’s actions were negligent and played a direct role in the cause of the crash. The claim must also prove that you suffered bodily harm and other damages or financial losses as a result of the incident.

After you have successfully proven fault, the court typically awards payment to compensate you for your economic losses, including medical expenses, medication, travel expenses for doctor appointments, and lost wages. They can also award compensation for non-financial losses, such as permanent disabilities, scarring and disfigurement, and pain and suffering. A seasoned attorney in New Brunswick can help you determine the value of your damages after a boat accident.

Meet With a Practiced Boat Crash Attorney in New Brunswick

Spending the day on the water with friends and family is often a fun and relaxing experience, making it popular across the state. However, when someone fails to adhere to the safety guidelines and rules of navigation, an enjoyable day can quickly turn into a tragedy.

You may be eligible for compensation if you suffered bodily injuries and other losses due to the careless actions of someone else. Contact our office to schedule a consultation with a hard-working and skilled New Brunswick boat accident lawyer to discuss your case and options.