Understanding Your Legal Rights After a Recreational Boating Accident in New England

Recreational boating is a very popular activity in the New England area. This is particularly true in the warmer months of the year when boating gives you the opportunity to enjoy our region’s beauty with loved ones.

Of course, it’s important to understand the potential risks involved in this activity. Taking proper safety steps is key to avoiding injury or tragedy. Unfortunately, even if you are cautious, you can’t prevent others from being negligent. It’s thus possible you or a loved one may be harmed in a New England recreational boating accident due to someone else’s actions or carelessness. It’s vital to understand your legal options if this happens.

Common Examples of Recreational Boating Negligence

Negligence can take many forms in a boating accident case. The following examples should help you better understand whether you may or may not have grounds to file a claim or lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries and related losses:

• You’re safely navigating the waters on your own vessel when you’re injured in an accident involving a collision with another boat. It’s discovered that the accident occurred because the other boat’s operator was intoxicated. Operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a clear example of negligence.
• You’re the guest on someone else’s boat when a collision occurs.
• You or a loved one are injured in a drowning accident because the owner of the boat failed to equip the vehicle with sufficient flotation devices and other such safety equipment. Similarly, you might be hurt in an accident on someone else’s boat if they overloaded the vessel or otherwise ignored basic safety rules.
• In some cases, accidents occur simply because boat operators lack the proper experience or licenses. Operating a boat without the proper training and license puts everyone else at risk.
• Properly monitoring weather conditions is essential for safe boating. Sometimes, negligence involves a boat’s operator not accounting for the weather when deciding to take their boat out.

Just as there are speed limits on the road in New England, there are also limits to how fast someone can operate a boat on our waters. Another common example of negligence that can result in an accident is speeding and disobeying or ignoring other boating restrictions and regulations.

Perhaps you’re doing some recreational boating at night. You could be harmed in an accident if another vessel doesn’t have its lights on.

Again, these are just examples. They don’t necessarily cover all the ways in which negligence can lead to a boating accident in New England. If you are not sure whether you have a valid case, review the matter with a legal professional. They can answer your questions and help you better understand whether you have grounds to seek compensation.

Pursuing Compensation in a New England Recreational Boating Accident Case

The compensation that may be available after a boating accident can vary depending on many factors. If you or your loved one sustained injuries requiring medical treatment, you can file an insurance claim or lawsuit seeking compensation accordingly.

If your injuries will leave you in need of ongoing care, you can also seek compensation for the cost of future treatment. Additionally, compensation may be available for lost wages and/or lost earning potential if injuries are severe enough to prevent a victim from working.

Compensation may also be available for non-economic damages. These are losses and struggles resulting from an accident that may not necessarily have a definite dollar value. A common example would be the pain and suffering someone might experience in the aftermath of a boating accident as they recover from their injuries.

Usually, the negligent party or liable party in these cases is the operator of another boat. However, there are potential exceptions. For example, maybe you were injured in a boating accident because a piece of safety equipment was defective. In this case, the liable party might be the product’s manufacturer or designer.

Such examples highlight the complexities of these cases. Luckily, you don’t have to face down insurance companies and liable parties alone when seeking compensation after a boating accident in New England.

At Swartz & Swartz, P.C., our Boston Maritime Accident lawyers are available to investigate your case and pursue compensation on your behalf while you recover from your injuries. Learn more about what we can do for you and your family during this potentially difficult time by contacting us online or by calling us at (617) 742-1900 for a free consultation.

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If you or someone you know, needs help from a lawyer, contact the law offices of Swartz & Swartz, use our live chat, or send us a message using the form below and we’ll get in touch to assess your case and how we can help.