Boating is a popular pastime in New Jersey. While landlocked states restrict boaters to sailing on lakes, New Jerseyans can venture out to the Atlantic Ocean. Each body of water offers unique scenery and recreational experiences, but they are not without their hazards.
If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries in a boating accident caused by someone else’s negligence, filing a personal injury lawsuit could help you recover your damages. However, you must understand the statute of limitations for boating accidents in Paramus and file your claim before the deadline. At Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC, our skilled boat accident attorneys can ensure you file on time, guide you through the legal process, and advocate on your behalf to secure fair compensation for your injuries.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Accidents Involving Two Recreational Boats?
The statute of limitations is the window of time in which an injury victim can take legal action against the liable party or parties. The court is likely to dismiss a case if you initiate a lawsuit after the statute of limitations has expired. Therefore, understanding the filing deadline is essential.
In Paramus, the statute of limitations can vary depending on the circumstances of the boating accident and who the named defendant is. Most accidents involve a collision between two recreational boats on a lake, river, or ocean, just off the coast, and are usually the result of operator negligence. This could be due to the operator piloting the boat while impaired by drugs or alcohol, inattention, or traveling at an unsafe speed.
Anybody injured in a boating accident can sue the person responsible. This could be the operator or passenger of the other vessel, or the negligent operator’s own passenger if the accident caused significant injuries.
According to New Jersey Statutes Annotated 2A:14-2, victims have two years from the date of injury to file a claim against the negligent party.
What Types of Boating Accidents Could Be Subject to a Different Statute of Limitations?
As noted above, the deadlines for filing boating accident claims in Paramus can vary depending on the named defendant. Examples of cases where the statute of limitations may differ include:
Accidents Involving Commercial Watercraft
In some cases, individuals on the water in a recreational capacity may sustain injuries in a collision or other incident involving a commercial vessel. In these instances, maritime law may apply, which could impact the statute of limitations and other aspects of the legal process.
Accidents Involving Government Worker Negligence
If you are involved in a boating accident caused by a negligent government worker, you may need to contend with questions of sovereign immunity. This would not necessarily bar a lawsuit, but it would likely result in much shorter filing deadlines and affect other aspects of your case.
No matter what type of boating accident you were involved in, it is helpful to consult with a skilled attorney as soon as possible to learn how the statute of limitations applies.
Contact a Boating Accident Attorney To Learn About Lawsuit Filing Deadlines in Paramus
Boating accidents can cause life-changing injuries. At Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC, we are committed to helping victims seek full and fair compensation.
If you sustained injuries due to somebody else’s negligence and have questions about the statute of limitations for boat accidents in Paramus, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
