July 9, 2021
After many months of lockdown, people are eager to take full advantage of the summer months and New Hampshire’s abundant coastline. Many people are taking to the water to enjoy boating and other recreational water activities. While the state welcomes these activities, it is important that individuals understand the inherent dangers of boating in New Hampshire. Boating carries an inherent risk, and those who take to the water must be aware of boating regulations and how to prevent an accident.
After a boating accident, law enforcement or marine authorities will usually respond to the scene to render aid and determine who is at fault for the accident. However, injury victims often experience a delay in treatment because of the challenges reaching the scene. Further, in many cases, passengers and operators are thrown out of their vessels, causing additional difficulties. As such, boating accidents tend to result in more serious injuries to everyone involved. New Hampshire boating injuries can cause victims to experience property damage, lost time at work, and a difficult road to physical and psychological recovery. In some cases, boating accidents result in lifelong disabilities and death.
For instance, the U.S. Coast Guard recently released its most recent Recreational Boating Statistical Report. The startling report indicated 767 boating fatalities in 2020, which is over a 25% increase from the previous year. As other recreational activities were on the decline during the pandemic, boat sale records, insurance policies, insurance claims, and boat emergency reports all indicate an increase in boating during this period. The increased exposure to boating likely contributed to more vessels on the water and a higher number of inexperienced boaters on the water.
In addition to crowded waterways and inexperienced boaters, alcohol continues to rank as the leading cause of boating injuries throughout the country. A New Hampshire boater may face charges for Boating Under the Influence (BUI) if their blood alcohol content (BAC) exceeds 0.08 percent. In addition to citations and fines, boating under the influence can result in serious injuries or fatalities to the boat operator or others.
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department and Department of Public Safety govern the safety certifications and training that boaters must complete before operating their boat. New Hampshire boaters must complete the training course and pass an exam if they do not have a license from another state.
Have You Suffered Injuries in a New Hampshire Boating AccidentIf you or someone you know suffered injuries in a New Hampshire boating accident, contact the attorneys at Peter Thompson & Associates to discuss your rights and remedies. In addition to boating accidents, our attorneys have significant experience successfully representing injury victims in their claims stemming from New Hampshire motor vehicle accidents, slip and fall incidents, amusement park injuries, medical malpractice, and nursing home abuse and neglect cases. Our attorneys ensure that clients of the firm receive the best possible representation in their claims for damages. Contact our office at 800-804-2004 to schedule a free consultation and discuss available compensation after your New Hampshire accident.