Connecticut’s ocean coastline, lakes, and rivers offer a variety of opportunities for boating, waterskiing, fishing, and sailing. More time spent on the water can translate into a higher likelihood of boating accidents. If you have been injured in a boat accident, you deserve the chance to hold the at-fault party responsible for the harm they’ve caused. The personal injury attorneys at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, are familiar with Connecticut boating laws and have over 100 years of combined experience advocating for injured clients.
Boat operator inexperience is a major contributor to water vessel collisions. The state does require that anyone operating a water vessel have a valid boating certificate issued by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, but this does not guarantee that boaters have the skills and experience necessary to safely operate a vessel in all scenarios. Being unfamiliar with Connecticut’s numerous boating laws, uncertainty over how to handle emergency situations, and confusion over navigation rules can all lead to boating accidents.
Other causes of accidents include:
Avoiding these situations that lead to accidents is important for water safety, and knowing the laws can help.
There are numerous laws that govern water safety and boating behavior in Connecticut.
Various regulations dictate the appropriate and safe speed for boaters on Connecticut’s waters, including the following requirements:
Boats must be equipped with a wearable life jacket for every person on board, and they must be easily accessible and fit appropriately. Additional life jacket requirements include:
A boater may be operating their vessel recklessly if they fail to exercise necessary care to prevent endangering others. This can include speeding in restricted areas or boating outside the allowed times. This is important because Connecticut’s modified comparative fault system states that each at-fault party is responsible for damages caused by their negligence or recklessness. Determining if reckless or negligent behavior led to the accident is important when apportioning fault among more than one culpable party.
Connecticut allows adults to use marijuana, but operating a boat while intoxicated is still prohibited. Many local police departments have Drug Recognition Experts who are trained to test whether someone is boating under the influence of drugs. If you are determined to be over the limit, or if you refuse to submit to an evaluation, your boating license may be suspended upon your arrest.
If you have been injured in a boating accident, contact the attorneys at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, to schedule a free consultation. We will review the details of the accident and apply the numerous Connecticut boating laws to determine the best course of action for you.
D’Amico & Pettinicchi proudly supports great causes throughout Connecticut. We are involved in our community and dedicated to making our community safer and healthier, and we carry that commitment through everything we do.
If you or someone you love has suffered an injury or illness, you need to take immediate action so we can start our investigation. It’s not just a legal matter; it’s about helping you rebuild your life.
We have a proven track record of success. Other lawyers refer their cases to us because we have the experience and resources to resolve these complex matters.
It’s important that you contact us right away, before evidence disappears and critical legal deadlines expire. Our office is centrally located in Watertown and we offer legal counsel to victims and their families throughout Connecticut. Contact us online or by phone to schedule a free remote or in-person consultation.
