The State of New Jersey is known for its waterways, and people come from all over the country to enjoy them. Unfortunately, the amount of traffic on the water and the failure of some people to operate their boats safely leads to many boat accidents each year. Accidents on the water can be severe and pose an increased risk of death due to drowning.
When you suffer severe injuries in a boating accident due to someone else’s negligent behavior, you may be permitted to seek recovery for your damages under state law. Establishing a boating injury case can be complex, so it is critical to have a proven Mercer County boat accident lawyer by your side to help fight for your legal rights.
Common Causes of Boat Crashes in Mercer County
There are many possible causes of boating accidents. However, in local boating injury claims, the common causes of accidents on the water typically relate to a boat driver’s negligence and failure to operate the vessel safely. For instance, the following forms of boater negligence can cause otherwise preventable accidents:
- Inexperienced operation
- Lack of training
- Reckless driving
- Failure to abide by safety regulations or boating laws
- Lack of knowledge of boating laws
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Distracted driving
When an individual suffers an injury in a boating accident, it is essential to seek the help of a lawyer to review the circumstances of the collision. An experienced attorney could help determine the cause of a boat crash and identify potentially liable parties.
Determining Fault for a Local Boat Collision
Establishing liability can be one of the most challenging aspects of a boating injury claim. Boat collision cases present unique challenges, as the water can make it harder to collect evidence for a claim. When evidence is scarce, an investigation must involve securing witness statements, law enforcement reports, toxicology reports, and even expert reports to reconstruct the accident.
When determining liability for an accident on the water, it is also important to note that a license to operate a boat is required under state law. Evidence that a driver was operating a boat without the required license may be used to help establish negligence. Although this evidence can be helpful, there are often multiple occupants of a boat, and it can become hard to determine who was operating the vessel at the time of the collision.
Circumstantial evidence often becomes essential in boating accident claims due to a general lack of physical evidence. A dedicated Mercer County lawyer understands the complexities of establishing liability for a boat crash and could work to ensure the timely preservation of available evidence.
Comparative Negligence in Boating Accidents
Under state law, an injured individual may be barred from seeking recovery for a boat crash based on their own negligence Liability on the part of an injured individual is known as comparative negligence. Under New Jersey Revised Statutes §2A:15-5.1, individuals are not permitted to recover damages if they are more than 50 percent at fault for the boating accident and their injuries.
If an injured person’s comparative negligence is found to be less than 50 percent, however, they may still obtain compensation, but their recovery will be limited by their assigned percentage of liability. A knowledgeable Mercer County lawyer could thoroughly investigate a boat crash claim to determine which parties’ negligence was the leading cause of the accident.
Contact a Mercer County Boat Accident Attorney Today
When a boat collision occurs, you may greatly benefit from the assistance of a skilled attorney to fight for the recovery of your damages. An attorney could gather the necessary evidence to support your claim, including your medical records, insurance policies, investigative reports, and more. With a Mercer County boat accident lawyer by your side, you could rest assured that a seasoned legal representative is fighting for your best interests. Call today to get started with your boating injury case evaluation.
Testimonials
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This team is incredible. They are friendly and knowledgeable. I appreciate everything they have done for me and would recommend them to anyone. Overall great experience
Testimonial from Paul D. -
My case settled recently after lasting 4 years. Grungo and Colarulo’s law firm were able to secure a large settlement award for my slip and fall accident. This money will help secure my future for the permanent injury I received as a result of the slip and fall. Everyone was very caring, and kept me informed throughout the entire process. Christine Lafferty is an excellent litigation lawyer. I highly recommend using them if you have been injured or in an accident. I hope I am never in a situation again to need their services, but I know who to go to if I, or any of my family members are ever injured. Thanks Grungo and Colarulo and staff for your compassionate service!
Testimonial from Pamela A. -
Thank you so much Grungo and Colarulo for helping me with my case. Special thanks to Erica Domingo, Esquire and her team. Erica Domingo and her team was very nice and helped me tremendously throughout my case like more than one year and half. They gave me the right advice and guided me through every step of my case. They gave me prompt and clear responses to all my questions. In addition, Erica and her team provided me with all the what if scenarios so that I can have a clear vison of the steps ahead.
I would definitely recommend Grungo and Colarulo.
Thanks again Erica Domingo, Esquire and her team
Testimonial from Ahmed A. -
My wife and I reached out to Grungo Colarulo in 2020 for advise on a legal matter. After a meeting with the Attorney and Paralegal, we decided to go forward with a case. This case required a lot of documentation, and expert review of the documentation which was aquired. Throughout the process, we were kept up to date monthly, and Grungo Colarulo was always responsive to any questions that we had. The entire staff at Grungo Colarulo are very professional, caring, and willing to go the extra mile. This firm is a definite recommend!
Testimonial from Patrick G. -
I left five (5) stars only because that’s as many as I could leave. If I could, I would have left 100 stars. Bob & Christine are the absolute best! My settlement far exceeded what I ever imagined. They are professional, friendly, and really listened to what I had to say. They kept me up to date with the progress of my case every step of the way. I can’t recommend them highly enough.
Testimonial from Sheila L. -
Very professional, communicates well, makes me feel like they have my best interest at heart, and overall just a great company. Christine and the whole team has been on top of everything. Would definitely recommend!! 10/10
Testimonial from Michael M. -
First and foremost I would like to thank the whole team at Grungo Colarulo!! In addition to that, Stephanie & Riley & Drenna have done such an outstanding job taking care of me in such a difficult and low point of my life. I was in a bad car accident & did not know how to move forward with what to do and how to process. Those ladies were there every step, every inch, every mile & beyond with helping me when I had no idea how to navigate. I will forever be thankful for them and for the outcome of my case! If you ever need assistance I highly recommend this practice!!! Beyond professional, helpful, precise, caring, knowledgeable & humble!!!
Testimonial from Rachel F. -
From my first phone call to the end of my case this firm was on the ball!! Always responsive and professional and kept me up to date and informed. This is my firm for any future needs!
Testimonial from Jeffrey F. -
This was my first time ever having to have a lawyer for an automobile accident. From the beginning they took care of everything. They put me at ease so I could concentrate on my medical needs. Everyone I spoke to during the process were always extremely pleasant and knowledgeable.
Thank you to Grungo Colarulo for representing me and getting the settlement you did to help me move forward. I would highly recommend Grungo Colarulo to anyone who wants outstanding legal representation.Testimonial from Pat G. -
This team has been nothing but gentle an generous. Being as this was my first time dealing with a worker’s compensation case I was lost and nervous. But the Grungo Colarulo team has made me feel as comfortable as possible. My needs were addressed with care in a timely fashion. I knew what was going on every step of the way.
Oh, did I mention, WE WON …This teams knowledge of the industry is TOP NOTCH!
Testimonial from Aminah M. -
A dear family friend referred us to a young attorney named Rich Grungo, Jr. We wanted answers and if necessary, justice for our father. From day one of a five-year journey, Mr. Rich Grungo, Jr. made our family and our pain his own. The man never stopped working for us. He kept us informed every step of the way. Questions were answered quickly and with great compassion and expertise. Even though Rich was always busy, he was never too busy for us. We always felt like we were his only clients
Testimonial from Mickey -
I had the opportunity to observe Mr. Grungo work in this case, both in the courtroom on the technical matters of the motions and also as his presentation to the jury in opening and presenting witnesses as well as utilizing animations… and drawings and films that were necessary for a proper understanding of the case…At all times during the presentation, Mr. Grungo operated mostly without notes and questioned the witnesses in a conversational manner which made it most effective. **
New Jersey Superior Court Judge Testimonial -
Thank you for everything. I honestly felt like you treated my son like he was your own son, for that I am grateful. I would recommend your services to anyone. Thanks for being so awesome to both of us.
Testimonial from HD -
It was a pleasure working with Bill. He constantly kept me informed. I would recommend Bill and his firm to anybody I know. They’ll be in good hands.
Testimonial from Gregory -
I had the opportunity to retain Mr. Colarulo for a vehicle accident I encountered. I give him my highest recommendation for anyone in need of an excellent Personal Injury Attorney. Not only does he have an in depth knowledge of the legal field, but he emanates a sense of trust-worthiness that makes you feel secure during the entire process. Mr. Colarulo has the knowledge, drive and enthusiasm that will get the job done for you. He comes highly recommended.
Testimonial from Denise -
Hi Rich, Well I’m on my way up to college to finish packing my son’s stuff up and to go to his Graduation tomorrow. It’s hard to believe how fast and how slow, at the same time 5 years can go by. I was just thinking of you as I am getting ready to leave and wanted to thank you once again for everything you have done for my son’s future. You are a good and just man. God Bless to you and your family.
Be Well,
Testimonial from Bob
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