In New Jersey, though, it's not required to have insurance for a boat. There are a lot of exceptions and nuances when it comes to boating injury jurisdiction. 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). If that occurs, a lawyer can pin down who's negligent or liable — whether it's a driver, equipment manufacturer, or someone else. How to obtain a New Jersey boat license|. A jolt from a wave or wake can injure a boat passenger. The 2-person crew had to be rescued by helicopter because they couldn't be reached by boat. Was the operator intoxicated?
Other boaters' behavior also affects you, just like you're affected by other drivers on the road. Continue reading to get to the bottom of this question, and learn other important things to know before you go boating in New Jersey. You have prior offenses. If you were born before 1979, you may operate any vehicle except personal watercraft. Many New Jerseyans enjoy boating, jet skiing, water skiing, and swimming in Lake Passaic, Wanaque Reservoir, or traveling to the shore. There are a few key laws that are crucial for all New Jersey boaters to know before they head out: Boating license requirements. Documenting provides evidence of nationality and allows for commerce between states, among other things. Boating Accidents Lawyer in New Jersey. 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.
A sail-powered vessel that's more than 12 feet long and any motorized vessel must be registered with the New Jersey Department of Motor Vehicles. 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 one boat operator is at fault for the collision, they could be found negligent and responsible for paying damages to the injured person. All damages or injuries, including property damage, caused by vessels on the high seas or navigable waters is usually resolved in federal court. New Jersey boating laws. Action by give-way vessel. You're under age 17.
NO RECOVERY – NO FEE – FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION. We implore you to consult with one of our well-experienced boating accident attorneys. A boater must be at least 13 years old. Reduce your speed, stop, or reverse your propulsion if you need to. No person should have to suffer an injury from a boating accident due to recklessness or negligence of the other party. Jurisdiction for a boat accident. 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. Any person who operates a power vessel must have a boating safety certificate. 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. However, Article III of the U. Or, maybe you work in a maritime industry like commercial fishing and you're on the water all day, every day.
As the temperature continues to climb in the Tri-state area, more and more people are taking out their boats to go fishing, relax or practice watersports. New Jersey has 130 miles of coastline. If the boater is older than 13 but under 16, they must complete an approved boating safety course to operate: - a vessel with an electric motor, or. 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 have written proof of a boating safety course from out of state (that is similar to the New Jersey course). If an injury or accident happens because the boat hits a wave, it's possible that no one is negligent. You need to complete a boating safety course and receive a boating safety certificate in order to operate a personal watercraft if you're in this age range. June 2015: 10-year-old Christoper D'Amico Jr. was killed when he fell overboard from a pontoon boat his father had rented and then was struck by the boat. To register a documented vessel, you must bring the following to the MVC: Boating under the influence. And, summer is a popular time for these types of accidents. Was the boat seaworthy and did it have enough appropriate safety equipment (like life jackets) for everyone on board?
How to register a homemade boat|. You can also have enhanced penalties if: - Your BAC is 0. 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. Was the accident the result of human error? Your boat hits another boat's wake. A New Jersey personal injury lawyer is your best source of information, guidance, and assistance if you need to bring a claim for your boat accident injury. Large commercial boats, speedboats, jet-skis, and other types of watercraft can expose people to tremendous risks.
You're under the influence of a narcotic, hallucinogen, or habit-producing drug. We can help you deal with the frustrations that arise from dealing with insurance companies and the party at fault in a collision. If you need to act to avoid a collision, use good judgment. Was the boat operator experienced and properly licensed? A documented vessel doesn't receive a New Jersey title but it must be registered in New Jersey if it's in N. J. waters for 180 days or more or if the owner leases, owns, maintains, or rents space in the state for storage, mooring, or servicing the vessel. Flooding or swamping.
Action by stand-on vessel. How to obtain an initial boat title and registration|. Boat traffic in the immediate vicinity.
If so, was it the boat operator's error or that of another person? Vessel registration & title. Either way, there are hazards on the water but there are also ways you can protect yourself. 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. Whether passengers were warned by the boat operator. Stay as close as possible to the starboard-side outer limit of a narrow channel or fairway.
This can be caused by: - Speed of the boat. At Corradino & Papa, LLC, our team of legal experts is comprised of highly dedicated lawyers who are skilled at handling boating accident cases. In addition, if the wake was created by another boat, that operator could be negligent if they were operating in a no-wake zone or violating boating safety regulations. Violating navigation rules.
However, it's important to keep caution about the dangers of boating, specifically when it comes to boating accidents. May 2020: Boater Matthew Conway died in a storm while sailing his rowboat in the Toms River. If you're operating a boat on non-tidal waters (inland, freshwater areas not subject to tidal influence such as lakes), you need a non-tidal boat license unless: - Your vessel has a motor of less than 1 horsepower or a 12-volt electric motor. Therefore, if you've been injured by the negligence of an uninsured boat operator, the only way to pursue your costs for medical treatment, property damage, or other losses is through the legal system.
But if you were a passenger on a boat and were injured in an accident, begin by asking these questions: - Did the boat operator use reasonable care in operating the boat? According to the same national study, May and July had the highest number of accidents at 108 each. Operator inattention. 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.
Your boat hits a wave. Always maintain a safe speed in order to take proper and effective action to avoid a collision. Vessels are documented by the United States Coast Guard, which issues a Certificate of Documentation.