Boating is a fun summer activity, especially for New Jersey residents who are surrounded by lakes and the Atlantic Ocean. However, it can also be dangerous and extremely damaging if something goes wrong. If you were involved in a boating accident in NJ, continue reading and speak with a New Jersey injury lawyer to learn about your rights regarding legal action and compensation.
What is a Boating Accident?
Boating accidents are any incident on the water involving a boat or other water vessel. Because boats are powerful machines and are generally surrounded by open water, an accident can be devastating for both the boat and the passengers on board.
Common types of boat accidents include the following.
- Collisions with other vessels
- Collisions with objects like docks, buoys, and rocks
- Passengers falling overboard
- Flooding/sinking
- Capsizing
- Fires/explosions
- Grounding
If you are out on the water and are involved in an accident, you could sustain physical injuries, develop mental ailments, or incur property damage. It is important that you understand your legal rights after being involved in a boat accident.
Can I Take Legal Action After a Boating Accident in NJ?
Yes, if you sustained injuries and other damages in a boating accident in New Jersey, you can take legal action. Your right to pursue a claim or lawsuit depends on who was responsible for the incident.
If another party’s negligent or reckless behavior directly caused or contributed to the accident and your damages, you can take legal action for justice and compensation. As with any personal injury case, you must be able to provide evidence demonstrating that the other party was negligent or reckless and how your damages arose as a result of their actions.
What is the Statute of Limitations for a Boating Accident in New Jersey?
A statute of limitations is a timeframe during which the victim of an accident or injury has the right to initiate legal action against the responsible party. New Jersey places a cap on the amount of time a victim has to file a claim or lawsuit to ensure fairness in the legal system and prevent situations where evidence is lost or degraded over time.
The statute of limitations for damages sustained in a boating accident is two years in New Jersey, the same as all personal injury claims. If you were injured or harmed in a boat accident, you have two years from the date of the incident to file a claim or lawsuit. If you do not do so within the timeframe, you could lose your right to compensation.
It is important to understand all of your legal rights and obligations to ensure you do not miss out on your chance for compensation. To learn more and secure skilled legal representation, reach out to a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer today.
