Boating Accidents Attorneys In Manchester
With Massabesic Lake to the east, the Merrimac to the west and a short drive up to Lake Winnipesaukee, boats are a big deal in Manchester. But boating, as excellent as it is, comes with severe risks of injury, and when that happens, you may need a skilled, experienced boating accident attorney.
At Solomon Law Firm, we are personal injury attorneys for people across Hillsborough County. Our clients come to us for services as boating accident lawyers because we’re considerate and comprehensive in approaching the severe injuries that can come with boating accidents.
Responsibility For Accidents On The Water
Every sailor, every boat owner and anyone who has ever paddled a kayak can tell you that maneuvering across the water is wildly different from the land. There are no sudden starts or stops, turns are not fast, acceleration is not instant. There is no such thing as dodging out of the way on the water.
Momentum is key on the water. Mastering momentum takes time, experience, attention and working equipment. That’s why fault for accidents on the water can often land with:
- Operator
- Manufacturer
- Rental Company
If any of those parties fails at their duties, the pain and suffering for people on the water can be unimaginable. The dangers of broken bones and traumatic head injuries are unavoidable, but there’s also a real risk of drowning in a boat accident.
As your boating accident lawyers, we will investigate every aspect of your case and look at the actions of everyone leading up to it. We will look at the complex interrelation of faults for accidents on the water and help you understand the risks and challenges ahead. Your case will be decided on these questions:
Who had the right of way?
A key aspect of pursuing compensation for your case will be making your case based on who has the right of way. There are several complex rules for right of way that can be hard for people used to road rules to get the hang of. The easy rules are:
- Man-powered boats have the right of way over all others, including canoes, kayaks, paddle boats and sailboats.
- Commercial craft have the right of way as long as they’re in their prescribed lanes.
- When two boats head toward each other, neither has the right of way.
Following the rules of the water is the way to maintain safety, but it also helps secure your case in the event that a negligent boater collides with you.
Was the other operator qualified?
The law in New Hampshire requires everyone over 16 to operate a vehicle capable of reaching 25 miles per hour to have a boating license. However, that requirement is frequently ignored, leading to inexperienced, uneducated drivers.
Was any operator under the influence?
Drunk boating is as much of an issue as drunk driving, though it hardly carries the same general stigma. Still, if the responsible party in your accident was under the influence, that will make a significant difference in your case.
Boat Crash Attorneys Who Pursue Compensation After A Water Accident
A boat collision – as we mentioned above – is all about momentum. The faster and larger the boats move, the greater the injuries and damage to all concerned. However, you do not have to find a way forward to get compensation on your own. We are here to help you.
Every client we work with gets a free consultation. We explain the rules of insurance and maritime law in regard to your case. Then, we examine the facts as closely as possible to give you the real answers you have to your accident.
We are ready to get to work for you. Reach out to us today by calling our office in Manchester at or send an email using this form.