In This Article
Summer on the Water
New Hampshire's Lakes Region, centered on Lake Winnipesaukee, fills with boats every summer. Powerboats, personal watercraft, kayaks, and swimmers share crowded waters, and operator inexperience, speed, and alcohol contribute to collisions and injuries. Wake-related incidents and propeller injuries are particular hazards.
Liability on the Water
Boat operators owe a duty of care to passengers and others on the water. An operator who is intoxicated, speeding, operating recklessly, or violating navigation rules can be liable for resulting injuries. As on the road, alcohol is a frequent factor in serious incidents.
Insurance and Recovery
Boating claims may involve the operator's watercraft insurance or homeowner's policy. As with auto crashes, identifying available coverage is key, and injuries from boating accidents — drowning, near-drowning, propeller wounds, and blunt trauma — can be severe.
After a Boating Accident
Report the accident to authorities as required, seek medical care, and document what happened and who was involved. New Hampshire's three-year deadline applies. An attorney can help navigate the specific issues that arise in watercraft cases.
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