According to the United States Coast Guard, in 2012, there were 4,515 boating accidents that involved 651 deaths, 3,000 injuries and approximately $38 million dollars in damage to property as a result of recreational boating accidents. The fatality rate was 5.4 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational vessels. These numbers are even more alarming because 14 percent of the deaths occurred on boats where the operator had received boating safety instruction.

As a result of these accidents, thousands of boating insurance claims are filed each year. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a boating accident that was caused by the negligence of another party, you should immediately consult with an attorney as you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, loss of income, pain and suffering, and other related costs.

Common Boating Accidents

Similar to motor vehicle accidents, boating accidents can occur in a variety of different ways. Some common boating accidents are discussed below:

• Collisions with other boats, personal watercraft and other types of watercraft. Boaters tend to operate their vessel in waters that are commonly crowded with other registered boats, personal watercrafts like Jet Skis and other watercrafts. As such, the probability of collision is rather high.

• Collisions with piers, buoys and sandbars. It is also not uncommon for operators of boats to collide into piers, buoys and sandbars, whether it is out of inexperience or flagrant disregard.

• Anchoring improperly. Improper anchoring, such as dropping the anchor in the wrong side of the boat, can cause serious boating accidents, including capsizing.

• Fires onboard ships, resulting from faulty, aged or non-insulated wiring, often result in catastrophic injuries to the passengers. Other causes of onboard fires include poorly grounded appliances, spilled gasoline and fuel leaks.

• Falling overboard and onboard the ship. Slip and falls onboard or overboard ships often result in serious boating accidents, injuries and death. Such falls are commonly the result of the driver’s excessive speed or reckless maneuvering of the ship, which causes unsteadiness for the passengers.

Common Causes of Boat Accidents

There are many different types of causes of boat accidents. The most common include:

• Driver intoxication from the use of alcohol or other types of controlled substances
• Reckless speeding and maneuvering of the boat
• Distracted maneuvering of the boat due to the use of cell phones, watching television or listening to loud music
• Equipment failure
• Maneuvering the boat in hazardous areas
• Maneuvering in the boat in bad and or dangerous weather
• Overloading the boat with too many passengers or items on aboard, which can suddenly shift the boat one way or the other.

Regardless of what caused your boat accident, you should immediately consult with an experienced attorney as you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.

Call Us!

Have you been injured in a boat accident that was caused by the negligent actions of another party? If so, we can help! For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation with a New Jersey boating accident lawyer, please call the Law Offices of Dan T. Matrafajlo at (908) 248-4404.