If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a boating accident in New Brunswick, you may need legal representation. Boating accidents can result in severe injuries and significant medical expenses. A boating accident lawyer in New Brunswick can help identify potentially responsible parties. You may be able to pursue compensation for your losses. At Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers, our team is ready to advocate for your rights.
Why Choose Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers for Your Boating Accident Claim
When you choose our firm, you work with a firm that has decades of experience handling personal injury claims. Our trial attorneys handle personal injury cases throughout New Jersey. We understand the difficulties accident victims face. Our attorneys have the background to handle boating accident claims. We focus on personal injury law. This means our work is centered on helping clients pursue compensation.
Our firm reports having recovered over $700 million for injured clients. Reported settlements and verdicts range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars. We take time to get to know you and your case. We understand your concerns and expectations. We’re committed to client service. We’re available to answer your questions. If you cannot come to our office, we may be able to come to you. We may visit your home or hospital room. You won’t pay any fees unless we recover compensation for you. We work on a contingency fee basis. Your initial consultation is free. You won’t have to pay anything up front.
Common Causes of Boating Accidents in New Brunswick
Operator Negligence and Reckless Behavior
Many boating accidents result from operator negligence. Reckless operation includes excessive speed. Operators may fail to maintain a proper lookout. They may ignore weather conditions. Some operators lack proper training or licensing. Operators who fail to follow navigation rules can put others at risk. When an operator’s negligence causes an accident, they may be held liable for injuries and damages.
Alcohol and Drug Impairment
Operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs contributes to many boating accidents. Impaired operators have reduced reaction times. They have poor judgment. They may struggle to maintain control of their vessel. New Jersey law prohibits boating under the influence, similar to laws for operating a motor vehicle. If an impaired operator caused your accident, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim. Under New Jersey’s dram shop laws, you may hold the establishment or individual who provided alcohol liable for your injuries
Types of Injuries from Boating Accidents
Boating accidents cause a wide range of serious injuries. Drowning and near-drowning incidents are among the most severe outcomes and may result in brain damage or death. Traumatic brain injuries can occur when victims strike their heads during the accident. Victims may be thrown from the boat. Spinal cord injuries and neck injuries can cause long-term or permanent impairment. They can also lead to chronic pain. Burn injuries may occur when fuel ignites or from contact with hot surfaces. Fractures and lacerations can occur when victims are struck by the boat, propeller, or debris.
Other injuries include:
- Hypothermia from prolonged exposure to cold water
- Internal injuries from blunt force trauma
- Infections from contaminated water exposure
- Crush injuries from being trapped under the boat
Each of these injuries may require extensive medical treatment and ongoing care.
What to Do After a Boating Accident
Immediate Safety Steps
Your first priority after a boating accident is safety. If anyone is in the water, throw flotation devices and attempt rescue only if it is safe to do so. Move the boat away from the accident area if possible to help prevent additional collisions. Check all passengers and crew members for injuries. If anyone needs medical attention, call 911. Do not move anyone with a suspected spinal injury unless they are in immediate danger. Following proper safety protocols immediately after an accident protects both lives and your legal claim.
Reporting and Documentation
New Jersey law requires certain boating accidents to be reported to the New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau. Reports are generally required if the accident results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $2,000. The operator or boat owner typically must file this report within 10 days.
Document the scene as thoroughly as possible. Take photos of the boats involved and the accident location. Note weather conditions and visible injuries. Get names, contact information, and insurance details of all parties involved. Collect witness information. Write down your account of what happened while details are still fresh. Preserve evidence such as damaged equipment, medical records, and communications with insurance companies. Proper documentation strengthens your claim significantly. Requesting surveillance footage from nearby businesses or vessels can provide crucial evidence.
Liability and Negligence in Boating Accident Cases
Determining liability in a boating accident requires establishing negligence. This generally means showing that someone failed to exercise reasonable care and that failure contributed to your injuries. In boating accidents, negligence might involve operating under the influence, speeding, failing to maintain a proper lookout, or violating navigation rules.
New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You may recover compensation if you were partially at fault, as long as you are not more than 50% responsible. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 30% at fault, you may recover 70% of your damages. If you are 51% or more at fault, you generally cannot recover damages.
Multiple parties might be liable in a boating accident. The operator who caused the accident may be liable. The boat owner might be liable if they negligently maintained the vessel or allowed an unqualified person to operate it. A boat rental company could be liable if it rented a defective boat or failed to provide proper instruction. A manufacturer might be liable if a defect in the boat or equipment contributed to the accident. A boating accident lawyer can investigate your case and help identify potentially responsible parties. Our attorneys have experience pursuing claims against multiple liable parties to maximize your recovery.
Compensation You May Recover
If you suffered injuries due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to recover compensation. This can include both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages may cover financial losses such as medical bills, future medical expenses, disability accommodations, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity. You may also recover costs for repairing or replacing damaged property. Understanding loss of earning capacity helps you receive full compensation for your future financial losses.
Non-economic damages may include compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In some cases involving particularly reckless or intentional conduct, punitive damages may be available under New Jersey law. When determining how much to ask for in a settlement, consider all these damage categories.
If your loved one’s injuries were fatal, you may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. Potential compensation can include funeral and burial expenses, medical expenses incurred before death, and loss of financial support. New Jersey law generally limits wrongful death damages to financial losses and does not typically allow recovery for survivors’ emotional distress.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statute of limitations for boating accident claims in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, you generally have two years from the date of the boating accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is called the statute of limitations. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to pursue compensation through the courts. It is often beneficial to begin the process sooner so your legal team can investigate and preserve evidence. Understanding the statute of limitations is critical to protecting your rights.
How long does a boating accident case take to settle?
The timeline for resolving a boating accident case varies. It depends on factors such as the complexity of the case, the severity of injuries, and whether the insurance company is willing to negotiate. Some cases resolve within months, while others may take a year or longer. If a case goes to trial, it may take additional time. Our attorneys keep you informed throughout the process and work to resolve your case as efficiently as possible. Learn more about how long personal injury lawsuits take.
Do I need to prove the other party was 100% at fault?
No. New Jersey’s comparative negligence rule allows you to recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, as long as you are not more than 50% responsible. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. This rule applies to all personal injury cases in New Jersey, including boating accidents.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
If you were partially at fault, you may still pursue a claim. Your recovery may be reduced based on your percentage of fault. A boating accident lawyer can help you understand how this rule may apply in your situation.
How much does it cost to hire a boating accident lawyer?
Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers works on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay legal fees upfront. The firm is paid a percentage of any recovery obtained on your behalf. Your initial consultation is free. Learn more about how much lawyers take from settlements.
What evidence do I need for my boating accident claim?
Strong evidence can support your claim. Helpful evidence may include photos and videos from the scene, medical records, witness statements, the official boating accident report, and communications with insurance companies. Documentation of expenses and property damage is also important. In some cases, additional reports or records may be used to evaluate how the accident occurred.
Contact Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers for Your Free Consultation
If you suffered injuries in a boating accident in New Brunswick, consider speaking with a lawyer about your options. The sooner you make contact, the sooner your case can be evaluated and investigated. Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers offers free consultations with no obligation. We will listen to your situation, answer your questions, and explain potential next steps.
Call (973) 364-8300 today to schedule your free consultation. If you cannot visit our New Brunswick office at 317 George Street, Suite 320, 3rd Floor, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, arrangements may be made to meet you at another location. We’re here to help you pursue compensation for your losses.
Written by: Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers Last Updated : May 25, 2026We are the trial attorneys with the experience and knowledge to get you the results you deserve. At Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers, we take time to get to know you, as well as your case. We are committed to excellence. It is important for our team to understand your fears, concerns and expectations. We are always available to answer any questions, and are willing to come to you if you are unable to come to us.
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