How Common Are Boating Accidents in New Hampshire?
Water recreation activities are a fun and exciting way to spend time in New Hampshire’s many lakes and coastline. Fishing, traveling, boat tours, and water sports are popular activities for local boaters. Over 100,000 boating recreational vessels are registered in New Hampshire as of 2020. With the increasing popularity of boats and water sports, there is also an added risk of boating accidents and collisions.
In 2020, the coast guard reported over 5,000 recreational boating accidents that included 767 deaths, over 3,000 injuries, and approximately $62.5 million in damaged property in the United States. If you have suffered physical injuries or other damages after a boat collision, seeking a Manchester personal injury attorney may help you gather the evidence and necessary information to file a claim. At Kenison Law Office, our expert boat accident attorney is available to review your case and determine the next steps in your injury case.
Common Causes of Boating Accidents
Many people partake in fishing and other activities within New Hampshire’s waterways. Additionally, the state is surrounded by 13 miles of the Atlantic Ocean coastline. Depending on the nature of an accident and if there were other watercrafts involved, several factors may contribute to a boating accident or collision.
Common causes of boating accidents include:
Boat operator inexperience
Bad weather conditions
Faulty boat parts
Boat manufacturer errors
Congested or hazardous waters
Drug or alcohol intoxication
Excessive speeding
Contributing factors to boating accident casualties include:
Boat operator negligence
Improper loading of passengers and gear
Boat or equipment failure
Environmental hazards and conditions
The primary contributing factor to boating accident deaths is alcohol use. Boating under the influence is a crime in New Hampshire. No individual operating a boat should have a BAC of 0. 8 or above. Otherwise, they may be charged with penalties and consequences. If boating while intoxicated, boat owners and their passengers may be at a higher risk for collisions and fatal crashes.
The Prevalence of Boat Accidents and Collisions
New Hampshire’s waterways include lakes, dams, reservoirs, and other bodies of water. With plenty of public lakes permitting public use for fishing, water sports, and leisurely boat use, there is an increased risk for accidents in crowded or dangerous areas. Most people enjoy taking their boat out on a lake during the summer months, but there may be a greater risk for collisions and hazards when crowding occurs. Boat owners must have proper training and certification to learn and understand the best water safety and boating skills to practice safely.
In 2020, the boating accident fatality rate was 6.5 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational vessels. Boating accidents do not only refer to the collision of two water vessels. Fatalities may occur in boating accidents, whether through an accidental drowning, being overthrown from the boat, or catastrophic injuries from a propeller incident.
Different Types of Watercraft Accidents and Collisions
In New Hampshire, it is not uncommon for waterways to be crowded throughout different seasons and increase the risk of watercraft collisions. However, collisions are not the only types of boat accidents that occur. Boat owners have a duty of care for their passengers and the other water vessels in their surroundings. Learning boat safety and seeking proper certification and training may help avoid preventable mistakes or accidents. Many individuals have suffered injuries from the collision of multiple watercrafts, being overthrown from a boat, unintentionally crashing with still objects, and other types of collisions or accidental circumstances.
Contact Kenison Law Office for a Consultation With Our Personal Injury Attorney
A boating day may end badly if an accident or collision occurs and injures boaters. New Hampshire’s waterways, made of many public spaces and boating areas, are used by many people throughout the year. Crowded boating days, hazardous conditions, and other factors may contribute to the many accidents that harm people in watercraft accidents. At Kenison Law Office, we understand the challenges and financial difficulties that injuries and damages from a severe accident may cause. Our knowledgeable and trustworthy attorney, John B. Kenison, Jr., is skilled in various personal injury cases.
If you have experienced a New Hampshire boat accident with sustained injuries due to another’s negligent acts, hiring a professional legal team may help you gather the evidence and legal resources necessary to file your claim. You do not have to navigate the process of an injury lawsuit alone, especially in the complexity of a boat crash or accident. You may contact our team by completing a contact form or calling us to schedule your free consultation.