Boat Accidents

Why Do I Need a Boat Accidents Lawyer in New Jersey?

Many people think that all New Jersey boating accident lawyers are the same, but this could not be further from the truth. When it comes to watercraft accident cases, you need a lawyer who has specific experience and knowledge in this area of law. They should also be familiar with the local laws and regulations, as well as the insurance process.

Unique Challenges in Boat Accidents

At Jaloudi Law, our attorneys have years of experience handling watercraft accident cases in New Jersey. We understand the unique challenges that these cases can present, and we will fight to get you the best possible outcome.

Recreational Boating Accidents

If you have been involved in a recreational boating accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a free case evaluation. We would be happy to discuss your case and see how we can help.

What are Common Boating Accident Injuries?

A boat accident can lead to serious injuries and even fatalities. Some of the most common injuries in accident victims from boat accidents include

• Fractures or broken bones
• Lacerations
• Concussions
• Head injury
• Neck injury
• Back injury
• Brain injury
• Spinal cord injury
• Wrongful death

If you or a loved one has been involved in a boat accident, it is important to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. 

New Jersey’s Boating Law

Anyone operating a boat in New Jersey waters must follow the state’s boating laws. These laws are designed to protect boat operators and passengers, as well as other people who may be using the waterways.

Some of the most important laws include the requirement to have a valid boat registration and to wear a life jacket at all times. Boat operators must also avoid operating their boats while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

If an accident does occur, boat operators are required to report it to the authorities. Failure to do so can result in serious penalties. New Jersey’s boating laws are important for everyone who uses the state’s waterways.

By following these laws, boaters can help to make sure that everyone enjoys a safe and enjoyable experience on the water.

Registration and Titling of Boating Vessels

Every sailboat above 12 feet and every motorboat must be registered with the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. The process of registering a boat makes sure that people who drive boats know the rules and laws that govern boating in the state.

Additionally, boat registration provides valuable information in the event of an accident or theft. Boat accident lawyers in NJ can use this information to help resolve claims and determine liability. For boat owners, registration and titling is a simple process that can help protect both their property and themselves.

Boating Licenses

Any boat operator in New Jersey must have a boat license and a boat safety certificate to operate a power vessel or personal watercraft in non-tidal waters. Non-powered boats are license-free. The license can be obtained by completing a boater’s safety course and passing a written exam.

Boat operators must also follow all state and federal laws, as well as local ordinances when operating their vessels. Failing to do so could result in serious penalties, including fines and jail time.

If you are involved in a boat accident, it is important to contact an NJ boat accident lawyer who can help you protect your rights.

What Causes Boat Accidents?

In the state of New Jersey, boat accidents are governed by the “Boating Safety Act,” which defines a boating accident as “any occurrence associated with the operation of a vessel on waters within the jurisdiction of the state that results in damage to property or injury or death to any person.”

If you have been in a boat accident, you should talk to an experienced NJ boat accidents lawyer and a personal injury lawyer. This person can help you get through the complicated legal process and get the money you deserve.

Common Boating Accidents

The main causes of boat accidents are lack of experience and overconfidence. Inexperienced boat operators often don’t know how to handle their boats in different situations, which can lead to accidents.

Overconfident boat operators often take unnecessary risks, which can also lead to accidents. The boat accidents lawyer NJ also says that boat operators should be aware of the conditions of the water and the weather before they go out on the water. Boat operators can reduce their chances of getting into an accident by being ready and aware of the conditions.

• Crashing against other boats. Boat accidents are not uncommon, and often involve both boat operators being at fault. In New Jersey, if one driver was injured, they could only sue the other if they were less than 50% at fault. This is because “The Rules of the Road” encourage motorboats to avoid sailboats, so the motorboat is usually at fault.

• Wake of the boat. According to boat accidents lawyer NJ, boaters must be aware of the risks inherent in running into another boat’s wake. The impact can easily drive passengers overboard and ruin the boat. Also, who is responsible for an accident depends on a number of factors, such as the speed of sailing, the size of the wake, the level of visibility, and the number of boats in the area at the time of the accident.

• The waves struck the boat. As any boat enthusiast knows, waves can be both beautiful and dangerous. They can create a strong current that can capsize or sink a boat, and they can also pull swimmers towards danger. Boat accidents are one of the leading causes of maritime deaths in the United States. 

• A collision between the sailboat and another object or land. The boat can be difficult to control. It’s feasible to hit a submerged object with excellent weather and visibility. Poor weather and visibility increase the risk of running aground or hitting the coast.

The boat operator’s culpability depends on the accident’s circumstances. If the operator had nautical charts and was cautious, they may not be negligent. In dense fog, without charts or a GPS, slamming into a jetty would be negligence.

What Happens if there is No Safety Equipment on Board?

Boat owners in New Jersey are required by law to include certain safety equipment on board their vessels. This gear includes life jackets, life rings that can be thrown, lights for navigation, flares, loud whistles, and fire extinguishers.

While the lack of this safety equipment will not cause an accident, it can certainly slow down rescues in the event of an emergency. For example, disabled boat passengers may need to use flares and whistles to signal passing boats for help.

And in the case of drownings, victims may be saved by life jackets and life rings. Without these safety measures in place, the boat’s owner could be sued for negligence. So if you’re a boat owner in New Jersey, be sure to follow the law and keep your boat well-equipped with all the necessary safety gear.

When is a Person Held Liable for a Boat Accident in Indiana?

Accidents that occur on boats can have several different causes. But most boat accidents happen because the person driving the boat is careless or doesn’t pay attention.

Careless boat operators often fail to take basic safety precautions, such as maintaining a proper lookout or keeping their boat under control. As a result, they are often involved in accidents that could have been easily avoided.

Boating Under the Influence or Drunk Boating

Boating while intoxicated is a serious offense that can result in criminal charges and liability for injuries. If you are involved in a boating accident, you should contact a boating accident lawyer in New Jersey as soon as possible.

Intoxicated boat operators are often given breathalyzer tests to determine their level of intoxication. If the driver was careless or reckless, they could be held responsible for any injuries that happened.

Overspeeding

Overspeeding is a typical boating error that can have serious consequences. Experienced boaters adjust their speed according to factors such as wind, weather, and wave height. In some locations, such as areas of shallow water or where there are obstacles, it is necessary to slow down.

When a boat hits a large wave at high speed, the operator can lose control. This can lead to passengers falling on the deck, the boat hitting another boat or object, or even a passenger drowning.

Reckless Boating Operation

Boat accidents can be serious and sometimes even fatal. If you or a loved one has been injured in a boat accident, you may be entitled to compensation.

To recover damages, you must prove that the other boat operator was careless. Reckless boat operation includes going out in terrible weather, racing other boats, or endangering others.

If you can prove that the other boat’s driver was careless and that’s what hurt you, you may be able to get money for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

What Do I Do After a Boating Accident?

If you are involved in a boating accident, the first thing you should do is call for help. If there are injured people on board, do your best to help them, but only if doing so will not put yourself or other passengers at risk. Once everyone is safe, you should exchange information with the other boat involved in the accident. This should include your name, address, and the boat’s VIN (Vessel Identification Number).

In the case of property damage, you should also get the name and address of the owner. After an accident, it’s important to contact a boat accident lawyer in New Jersey who can help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights.

How to Report a Boating Accident?

Any boat operator in New Jersey who is involved in an accident should take several steps to ensure that their rights are protected.

First, they should tell the county sheriff’s office, state police station, or law enforcement center of the department as soon as possible.

They should also file an accident report with the Department of Transportation within 10 days if someone dies or goes missing, is injured, or needs medical attention, or if the boat and other property are damaged by more than $2,000. 

When Can I Seek Compensation?

If you or a loved one were injured in a boat accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Personal injury claims must meet legal standards. 

The Legal Obligation

First, the accident’s perpetrator must owe the victim money. Operators must keep passengers and the public safe. 

Breach of Legal Obligation

A number of causes can cause a boat disaster, but for the victim to seek compensation, a legal requirement must be broken. The debtor failed to pay. Careless boat operators endanger the lives of others.

Cause

If you were hurt in a boat accident, you may be wondering if you can sue. The answer varies depending on the severity of your injuries and the reason for the accident. You must be able to show that the other boater’s activities caused your injuries to prove carelessness.

Damages

The victim must have suffered a loss to file a boat accident claim. This can include medical expenses, lost property, and pain and suffering.

If all four elements are met and the boat accident lawyer can prove negligence, the victim may have a case. In New Jersey, boat accident lawyers must prove the other boater’s negligence to seek damages.