302 504 4815

Call Us For Free Consultation

 

Summer Boating Accidents in Delaware: Who’s Responsible?

Law De > Blog  > Summer Boating Accidents in Delaware: Who’s Responsible?

Summer Boating Accidents in Delaware: Who’s Responsible?

Summer Boating Accidents in Delaware: Who’s Responsible?

Delaware’s coastal charm and inland waterways make it a top destination for boating and jet skiing during the summer months. From the Rehoboth Bay to the Nanticoke River, residents and tourists alike take to the water in search of fun and relaxation. Unfortunately, with increased activity comes increased risk.

A boating accident in Delaware can turn a day of fun into a legal and medical nightmare. Understanding who is responsible and how to pursue compensation is essential if you or a loved one has been injured. After a boating incident, don’t wait to talk to a Delaware boating accident lawyer from Edelstein Martin & Nelson today. 

Common Causes of Boating Accidents in Delaware

Boating collisions can happen for a variety of reasons, but many are preventable. Just like car accidents, boating accidents often involve driver negligence, inexperience, or recklessness.

Some of the most common causes of boating and jet ski crashes in Delaware include:

  • Boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Operator inexperience or distraction, especially with rental watercraft
  • Speeding or reckless operation in high-traffic areas like Indian River Inlet
  • Failure to maintain a proper lookout or navigate marked channels
  • Mechanical failure or poor vessel maintenance

Whether you’re on the Christina River or riding jet skis off Dewey Beach, operator negligence is often at the core of these incidents.

Boating Under the Influence in Delaware

Boating under the influence in Delaware is a serious offense and one of the leading causes of boating-related injuries and deaths. The legal blood alcohol concentration limit for boat operators is 0.08%, the same as for driving a car. However, because sun exposure, dehydration, and wave action amplify alcohol’s effects, impaired operation becomes even more dangerous on the water.

When a crash involves BUI, the intoxicated operator may face:

  • Criminal charges
  • Civil liability for injuries, property damage, or wrongful death
  • Punitive damages if the behavior was especially reckless

If you were injured by someone boating under the influence in Delaware, you may be entitled to compensation beyond standard medical bills and lost wages. A skilled Delaware boating accident lawyer can help you hold the responsible party accountable.

Who Can Be Held Liable After a Boating Accident?

Determining liability in a boating accident is often more complex than in typical car crashes. Multiple parties may share fault, depending on the circumstances.

Potentially liable parties can include:

  • The boat or jet ski operator: For reckless behavior, intoxication, or lack of proper licensing
  • The boat owner: If they allowed an unqualified or impaired person to operate their vessel
  • Rental companies: For failing to maintain equipment or neglecting to provide safety instructions
  • Boat manufacturers: If a mechanical defect caused or worsened the crash

For example, if a tourist rented a jet ski in Lewes and crashed into your boat due to faulty steering, both the rider and the rental company could share liability. If you’re unsure who is at fault, a knowledgeable Delaware boating accident lawyer can investigate the details of your case and identify all responsible parties.

Jet Ski Crashes in Delaware: What You Should Know

Jet skis are involved in a disproportionate number of boating accidents due to their speed, agility, and popularity among younger, less experienced riders. Whether rented or privately owned, jet skis pose serious risks when operated recklessly.

Common jet ski crash scenarios include:

  • Collisions with other personal watercraft or boats
  • Hitting swimmers or paddleboarders in crowded areas like Rehoboth Bay
  • Failing to slow down in no-wake zones

Jet ski riders, like boat operators, are subject to Delaware boating laws, including speed limits, right-of-way rules, and intoxication restrictions.

What to Do After a Boating Accident in Delaware

After any boating accident, your priority should be safety and medical care. But don’t overlook the importance of preserving evidence and protecting your legal rights.

Steps to take include:

  • Report the accident to the Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police
  • Take photos of vessel damage, injuries, and the crash location
  • Gather contact information for witnesses and other parties involved
  • Seek immediate medical attention, even for injuries that seem minor
  • Contact a Delaware boating accident lawyer as soon as possible

Call Edelstein Martin & Nelson Today

If you’ve been injured in a boating accident in Delaware, don’t try to navigate the legal waters alone. Whether your case involves a reckless operator, a jet ski crash in Delaware, or someone boating under the influence in Delaware, you deserve experienced legal representation.

Contact our proficient attorneys at Edelstein Martin & Nelson at (302) 295-5050 today to speak with a knowledgeable Delaware boating accident lawyer and get the compensation you’re entitled to.

No Comments

Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.

Call Email