In the summer, New Jersey can be a boater’s paradise with its many lakes, rivers and the famous Jersey Shore. However, boating can also be dangerous if not done safely.
The US Coast Guard reports over four thousand boating accidents each year with over 600 of these accidents resulting in death and causing injury to thousands more. In addition, boating accidents cause almost $40 million dollars in property damage each year.
Boat accidents occur largely because people underestimate the dangers of watercraft or simply do not understand the nautical navigation rules and safety laws. Boating education is crucial to limiting boat accidents and required by the State of New Jersey. In New Jersey all vessels are responsible for adherence to the Navigation Rules International/Inland.
In addition, recreational vessels are required to carry specified safety equipment, such as approved personal flotation devices, that must be carried and readily accessible for each person on board. The required safety equipment must be Coast Guard approved and should be be kept in good, serviceable condition, be readily accessible, and be of the proper type and/or size.
If you are injured in a boating accident due to the negligence or careless of a boat operator, they are liable for the damages caused.
Boat Accident Attorney Brent Wieand
The Wieand Law Firm is lead by attorney, Brent Wieand, an experienced civil trial lawyer who handles boat accident injury claims in New Jersey. He is dedicated to representing people who have suffered traumatic and serious injuries, and families of people killed in vehicle accidents.
The Wieand Law Firm is proud to serve clients throughout New Jersey including the areas of Atlantic County, Cumberland County, Burlington County, Cape May and Ocean County.
In a boat accident case, we will do a thorough investigation of the claim to uncover if the injury was a result of negligence or recklessness of another. This includes obtaining witness statements, police reports and inspecting the vessel involved in the mishap. Depending on the circumstances, we will retain top notch experts in areas such as accident reconstruction, engineers, admiralty and maritime expert witnesses to prove your case in court.
If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury or was killed while water boating, skiing, cruising or fishing in New Jersey waters, contact the Wieand Law Firm for a free consultation as to your legal rights.
Can I sue if I was Injured in a NJ Boating Accident?
Whether you can sue will depend on the specific circumstances of your accident. In order to recover for your injuries in court, you will need to prove that your injuries were caused as a result of another’s negligence. There are several factors which frequently contribute to boating accidents. If the answer to any of the following questions is “yes” you should call a lawyer right away.
- Was the operator of the boat intoxicated?
- Did the vessel capsize due to boater error?
- Was the vessel seaworthy and properly equipped with safety equipment such as life jackets?
- Was the boat defectively designed or manufactured?
- How experienced was the boat operator and was he paying careful attention if a collision occurred?
- Did the boat operator use reasonable care when operating the boat?
In addition you will want to find out whether there is liability insurance available to cover the victim’s damages. The state of New Jersey does not require boat operators to purchase an insurance policy to operate a boat. However, many boaters elect to purchase liability insurance coverage to protect their assets in the event of serious accident.
If you or a loved one was seriously injured or killed in a boating accident, you should always consult with an experienced boat accident lawyer in New Jersey as to your legal rights. The Wieand Law Firm is proud to represent seriously injured people in their time of need. We handle cases involving vessels of all sizes ranging from jet skis, and speed boats to large yachts and pontoon boats. Call us today at 1 (215) 666-7777.
Do I Need a License to Operate a Boat in New Jersey?
Yes! New Jersey boat operators need a New Jersey boat safety certificate to operate a motor powered vessel on New Jersey waterways. Out of state residents are not exempt from this requirement. But, there is an exception for visitors who are in the state for less tan 90 days which permits them to operate a boat if they possess a boat safety certificate issued by their home state, or if they can show proof of passing a boat safety course approved by another state, the United States Coast Guard or the National Association of State Boating law Administrators.
*Disclaimer: This article is not legal advice. You should always consult an attorney with questions regarding your particular legal circumstances. The Wieand Law Firm is based in Philadelphia and proud to represent clients throughout New Jersey. We also handle Pennsylvania boating Accidents.
