New Jersey Boat Accident Attorney

New Jersey presents more than enough boating, fishing and water skiing opportunities for Garden State residents.  Our proximity to the water makes it awfully tempting to buy or rent a boat and take a mini-vacation every weekend.  Sadly, one negligent individual or drunk boater can transform a dream-like day on the water to an absolute nightmare.  Boating accidents have the potential to result in injury or drowning.  If you, a relative or anyone else you know has been injured by another boater’s negligence or wanton disregard for safety, you have the right to seek compensation for all related losses.

The Rules of the Water

New Jersey boat owners are not permitted to use such recreational vessels unless they are in proper working order.  Every single New Jersey boat should have the proper safety equipment.  Boaters are also required to obey navigational rules.  In general, local boat owners are expected to operate their vessel in a responsible manner.  If another boater fails to provide such respect, he or she can be found guilty of negligence.  If it is determined such negligence exists, the careless boater can be on the hook for all of your costs related to this unfortunate event on the water.

How to Proceed After a Boating Accident

New Jersey boat operators and riders are provided with specific legal rights and requirements, regardless of which local body of water they frequent.  As an example, boaters are required to stop and provide aid to fellow boaters involved in an accident on the water.  Boaters must also attempt to save those who are drowning and rescue them from danger.  Reach out to the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife as soon as possible to notify them of a boating accident that results in a disappearance or death.

Additional details including the boat’s name, registration number and the names/addresses of the vessel’s operator and owner must also be provided.  Be patient after this unfortunate event, remain calm and collected, gather the appropriate information and meet with an attorney.  It might also be necessary to provide the aforementioned group with a written report if the crash causes death, an individual’s disappearance from the boat, physical damage to the vessel in excess of $2,000 and medical care beyond first aid.  Such a report must be provided within 48 hours or less of the boating accident.  If the boat operator cannot submit the report, the vessel owner must do so on his or her behalf.

How a New Jersey Boating Accident Attorney can Help

Boating accidents are somewhat complex as they take place on the water where laws are different than those on the road.  Do not attempt to make it through this incredibly challenging legal maze without the assistance of a proven New Jersey Boating accident attorney such as Richard Schibell.  Your attorney will investigate the accident, conduct interviews with the investigating officer and identify every party that might have even the slightest liability.  There are some cases in which the court determines both the boat operator and the boat owner are distinctly liable for causing the accident.

Your boating accident attorney will assess your losses ranging from medical expenses already incurred to future medical expenses, present/future lost income, pain and suffering.  If you or a loved one have endured a disabling injury, lean on your boating attorneys to calculate the cost of continued care and assistance.  If necessary, your boating legal team will work closely with life planners to accurately estimate the total cost of the boating accident.  Legal assistance is necessary to prepare a comprehensive claim that reflects the true extent of the injuries and losses resulting from the boating accident.

The next step is to engage in negotiations with the insurance representatives of all responsible parties to obtain the financial settlement you deserve.  If Schibell & Mennie, LLC can negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance provider(s) in a timely manner, you will receive the funds you need to cover the cost of medical bills and other expenses without significant delay.  If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we have no qualms with taking the matter to court.  Ask our current and former clients about our litigation skills and you will be inundated with praise.

Let’s take a look at an example for further clarification.  If a fellow boater who caused a boat crash is charged with boating while impaired by alcohol or drugs, he or she will be subjected to criminal prosecution.  However, the criminal conviction of a boater who caused an accident does not provide compensation to replace lost wages if unable to work or cover medical bills.  A completely separate civil suit must be filed against each responsible party to obtain the proper amount of compensation for losses.

The Common Causes of Boating Accidents

An array of factors have the potential to cause a life-changing boating accident.  Unfortunately, plenty of people in New Jersey and beyond are negligent when operating boats.  According to the United States Coast Guard, there are some especially common causes of boating accidents.  These causes include the use of alcohol or drugs, inattention, boating at an excessive speed, behavior of passengers/skiers and general careless operation.

Every recreational boat in the state of New Jersey must have a personal flotation device for each guest.  Boats that measure 16 feet in length or longer must be stocked with at least one personal flotation device that can be thrown to those in need.  Youngsters must don a life jacket when the boat is moving unless restricted to an enclosed cabin.  Boat operators who take to the water after the sun sets are required to have lights.

Contact Our Experienced Boating Attorneys Today

It is clear the laws pertaining to boating accidents are quite detailed.  If you, a loved one or anyone else you know has been injured or perished in a New Jersey boating accident, reach out to Richard Schibell at Schibell & Mennie, LLC today.  We understand how serious boating accidents can be.  Our legal team is here to answer your questions, address your concerns and explain the letter of the law in plain English.  Meet with us and you will enjoy top-notch legal guidance centered on a thorough understanding of New Jersey’s boating and personal injury laws.  Give us a call at 732-774-1000 to schedule an initial consultation.

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