New Jersey boating licensing and requirements checklist|. Jurisdiction for a boat accident. Liability for a New Jersey boating accident. Take action to avoid a collision.
A jolt from a wave or wake can injure a boat passenger. You must have a sight- and hearing-based lookout available to be on alert for appraising any hazards and risk of collision. In general, you need to establish the other party's negligence in order to recover damages for a boating injury. 10 most common causes of boating accidents. Reduce your speed, stop, or reverse your propulsion if you need to. Was the boat seaworthy and did it have enough appropriate safety equipment (like life jackets) for everyone on board? How to register a documented vessel|. And, summer is a popular time for these types of accidents. How to obtain a New Jersey boat license|. However, Article III of the U. At Corradino & Papa, LLC, our team of legal experts is comprised of highly dedicated lawyers who are skilled at handling boating accident cases.
Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Failure to have proper safety equipment on board. With a successful lawsuit, you could recover and get compensated for all damages and losses sustained in a boating accident. We have achieved millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts on our clients' behalf. Your boat hits a wave. You may not operate any vessel if your blood-alcohol content (BAC) is 0. There are a few key laws that are crucial for all New Jersey boaters to know before they head out: Boating license requirements. How to obtain an initial boat title and registration|.
Most personal injury cases begin in state trial courts and only go to federal court if there's an appeal. The force of wave or wake. Vessel registration & title. If your vessel is directed to stay out of the way of another, do so. There are more than 150, 000 registered boats and personal watercraft in New Jersey. Visibility of the wake. It's easy to be knocked down, thrown from a seat, or tossed overboard. All New Jersey boat operators must follow these rules and if you're operating a vessel that's more than 12 meters long, you must have a copy of these rules on board: - Lookout. Top 5 most common types of accidents. NO RECOVERY – NO FEE – FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION. If you need to act to avoid a collision, use good judgment. A vessel that's 12 feet long or longer and has an engine less than 10 horsepower. According to the same national study, May and July had the highest number of accidents at 108 each. If you're injured in a car accident, your first step is probably to try to settle your claim with the negligent driver's insurance company.
You're under age 17. You may apply for a motorboat or a personal watercraft license that can be used on fresh, non-tidal waters or lakes, creeks or rivers without a tide. Stay as close as possible to the starboard-side outer limit of a narrow channel or fairway. Many New Jerseyans enjoy boating, jet skiing, water skiing, and swimming in Lake Passaic, Wanaque Reservoir, or traveling to the shore. If one boat operator is at fault for the collision, they could be found negligent and responsible for paying damages to the injured person. You must have a boat license in order to operate a power vessel or personal watercraft (jet ski or wave runner) on non-tidal waters. You have prior offenses. This can be caused by: - Speed of the boat.
Type of boat (motorboat or sailboat). A documented vessel must weigh at least 5 tons, except for oil spill response vessels. Serving Boating Accident Clients Throughout the State of New Jersey. Action by stand-on vessel. Collision with a fixed object. Documenting provides evidence of nationality and allows for commerce between states, among other things. We can help you deal with the frustrations that arise from dealing with insurance companies and the party at fault in a collision.
Operator inattention. Any person who operates a power vessel must have a boating safety certificate. Was the boat operator experienced and properly licensed? If you're operating a power-driven vessel that must cross in order to avoid colliding with another power, your vessel shouldn't alter course to port for a vessel on its own port side. Was the accident the result of human error? You have written proof of a boating safety course from out of state (that is similar to the New Jersey course). You are competing in a race authorized by the State Police, or. If you were in a boating accident, it's important to know what you're entitled to recover and how. While boating is a fun pastime for many people, maritime activities can unfortunately be dangerous and lead to injury. May 2020: A 53-foot fishing vessel ran aground in Ocean County, New Jersey. Either way, there are hazards on the water but there are also ways you can protect yourself.
Whether passengers were warned by the boat operator. A person over 16 may get a boating license after completing a boating safety course to operate any power vessel and may obtain a boating safety certificate. You can also have enhanced penalties if: - Your BAC is 0. Your vessel is 12 feet or longer with less than 10 horsepower.
The "high seas" are beyond the jurisdiction of any country, and navigable waters are those in interstate or foreign commerce. We have complete confidence in our ability to provide you the resources you deserve. How to register a homemade boat|. November 2019: Three people were seriously injured after a boating accident in Cape May when their 26-foot recreational boat crashed next to the Coast Guard station in the Cape May Inlet. If you're considering a personal injury lawsuit after a boat accident, it's important to determine which court has jurisdiction (in other words, where to file your lawsuit). All damages or injuries, including property damage, caused by vessels on the high seas or navigable waters is usually resolved in federal court. The 2-person crew had to be rescued by helicopter because they couldn't be reached by boat. Call our office today for a free confidential consultation with our experienced attorney team, during which we discuss your unique needs and concerns regarding any kind of boating accident injury. If you and another vessel are approaching each other head-on, you should both move starboard and pass each other on the port side. Failure to take necessary care of these vehicles can also result in catastrophic accidents involving unsuspecting water activity enthusiasts. If you're a leisure or recreational boater, you probably head out on a nice day because you love the smell of the saltwater, the feel of the breeze on your face, the gentle rocking beneath your feet, and maybe the fun times spent with family or friends. Were there any defects of the boat, itself?
Just like you're not allowed to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you're not allowed to operate a boat while intoxicated or using drugs, either. If that occurs, a lawyer can pin down who's negligent or liable — whether it's a driver, equipment manufacturer, or someone else. If you were born before 1979, you may operate any vehicle except personal watercraft.