Many Different Causes of Recreational Boating Accidents in New Jersey
According to the US Coast Guard, there were 4,515 recreational boating accidents and 651 boating fatalities in 2012. These personal injury accidents were caused by a variety of factors:
- Operator of boat was drunk: Intoxication is one of the main causes of boating accidents in New Jersey.
- Operator of boat was speeding: If the boat was being driven at an excessive speed when the accident occurred, the operator of the boat may be liable
- Operator of boat was reckless or careless: Operator inattention is a major cause of boating accidents
- Operator of boat was inexperienced: Sometimes the operator of the boat is not licensed to operate the boat or lacks basic boating safety educational certificates
- Improper supervision of a minor who was operating boat: A parent can be held liable if he or she fails to supervise their child on the boat
- Boat was not seaworthy: The owner of a boat has an obligation to properly maintain safety, navigation, and communication equipment
- Boat had a design or manufacturing defect: A machinery system or engine failure can cause a boating accident
- Operator ignored warnings and operated the boat in dangerous weather conditions
Depending on the cause and circumstances, a boating or recreational accident can result in serious injuries, including spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, hypothermia, heat exhaustion, scarring, burns, or wrongful death.
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Serious Criminal Charges and Potentially Severe Penalties for Causing a Boating Accident
A person who is responsible for a boating accident can potentially face serious criminal charges:
- Boating under the influence (BUI): This is related to driving under the influence (DUI); a BUI conviction can impact a person’s motor vehicle driving privileges in New Jersey
- Vehicular homicide
- Assault by vessel
- Failure to display proper certification: If you are operating a boat on state waters, you are required to have a New Jersey Boat Safety Certificate
- Negligent operation of a vessel: You can be issued a citation for negligently operating a boat
- Failure to report an accident: If the accident caused death or injury, you have 48 hours to report it; if the accident resulted only in property damage, you have 10 days to report it
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No Recovery, No Fee; Do Not Delay in Speaking with an Experienced NJ Personal Injury Lawyer about Your Recreational Boating Accident
If you’ve been injured in a boating accident, be careful not to sign away your rights to the insurance company. Speak with a lawyer before speaking with an insurance adjuster. You want an experienced attorney who knows how to persuade insurance companies to offer fair settlements.
The skilled personal injury lawyers at Lombardi and Lombardi, P.A., will not let an insurance company pressure you or bully you into a low settlement. Call us 732-906-1500 or use our online contact form to schedule a no-obligation consultation. We handle all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, so we only get paid if we win your case.
Additionally, we have an office conveniently located in Edison Township, NJ, which means that we are never out of reach for our clients in Middlesex County, Ocean County and Monmouth County.
