Six people are lucky to be alive Sunday morning after a catastrophic New Jersey boat collision near Ham Island. The specifics of the boat wreck are not yet known. With that said, the 30-foot smashed into a fixed navigation aid just off the coast of New Jersey sometime after midnight. All six people sustained injuries and are hospitalized. The nature and extent of these injuries are not currently known. The names of those on the watercraft have not been released as of this time.
Common Causes of Boat Collisions
Unfortunately, there is nothing particularly unique about the New Jersey boat collision that has injured all six people onboard the watercraft. Boat collisions occur with alarming regularity in New Jersey and across the United States. There are some more commonplace reasons why these oftentimes deadly boat wrecks occur. These are:
- Distracted boat operator
- Lack of proper lookout onboard
- Distracted lookout
- Intoxicated or impaired boat operator
- Intoxicated or impaired lookout
- Speeding
- Reckless operation
- Boating in inclement weather
- Boating at night
As made mention a moment ago, as of daylight on Sunday morning, indeed as of noon, there is yet no information as to what caused the boat in question to collide with a fixed navigation aid. Odds are that one or more of the mentioned commonplace causes of these types of New Jersey boat collisions will end up being factors in the wreck that has send a half dozen people to area hospitals.
Who is Likely Responsible for the New Jersey Boat Collision?[MB1]
Ultimately, the investigation into the New Jersey Boat collision will identify who is responsible for the wreck. There are a number of factors that come into play when ascertaining who is liable for such a collision and the injuries sustained by people onboard a watercraft.
- In this case, because the watercraft slammed into a fixed, identifiable, and mapped object just off the coastline, the boat operator is certain to be identified as a party responsible for the accident. There may be further investigation into the state of the operator despite the fact that this individual appears to be one of the people hospitalized. Chief among the elements of such an investigation will be ascertaining whether or not the pilot was operating the watercraft under the influence of alcohol or some other mind-altering substance.
- The matter of boat ownership will also come into play during the course of the investigation into the New Jersey boat wreck. For example, if the owner of the watercraft is also the pilot, the investigation into ownership is short lived. On the other hand, if the boat is owned by an entity like a charter company, and the boat operator is an employee of that enterprise, another responsible party is likely to be that business.
- The possibility does exist that the navigation aid had become unmoored, that the equipment was not at its plotted location. If such a detachment had occurred, and the equipment was not where it was plotted to be located, some other entity or governmental agency might be included in the list of parties responsible for the New Jersey boat collision. (Having made note of this possibility, that does not seem to be the case based on very preliminary considerations of the accident scene.)
Legal Rights Following a Boat Accident
If you’ve been injured in a boating accident caused by the negligence of some other party, you’ve vital legal rights that must be protected. The first step in protecting your crucial legal interests is to consult with a seasoned, tenacious boat accident lawyer, like a member of the experienced and dedicated legal team at The Doan Law Firm.
A nationwide law practice, you can reach The Doan Law Firm any time of the day or night, every day of the year, by calling us at (800) 349-0000. We can schedule a consultation with you at any one of our 40 offices located across the country, at your home, or at the location where you may be vacationing at the time of a boat wreck. We can also arrange a virtual consultation and case evaluation with a boat accident lawyer online as well.
There is never a fee charged for an initial consultation and case evaluation with a Doan Law Firm boating accident lawyer. Indeed, we never charge a fee unless we win your case for you.
