Philadelphia Boat Accident Lawyer

Boating accidents on Pennsylvania’s rivers, lakes, and waterways can cause devastating injuries and even fatalities. A Philadelphia boat accident lawyer helps injured individuals pursue compensation and hold negligent parties accountable under Pennsylvania law. Contact Rosenbaum & Associates today to arrange a free consultation if you or a loved one has been harmed.

Why Choose Rosenbaum & Associates

• We Investigate Thoroughly: We gather evidence, analyze accident reports, and consult maritime safety experts if necessary.
• We Know the Law: We apply both state and federal boating regulations to prove fault and liability.
• We Fight for Maximum Compensation: We pursue full recovery for your current and future needs.
• We Handle Complex Cases: From commercial vessels to recreational boats and jet skis, we manage all types of claims.

We treat every case as if it will go to trial, which gives our clients a strong position during settlement negotiations.

Pennsylvania Boat Accident Laws

Pennsylvania law requires all boaters to follow safety rules established by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC). Operators must act responsibly, carry proper safety equipment, and avoid alcohol or drug use while operating a watercraft. Violations of these rules often serve as evidence of negligence in civil cases. Important boating laws in Pennsylvania include:

• Boating Under the Influence (BUI): It is illegal to operate a boat with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.
• Speed Limits and Wake Rules: Operators must obey posted limits and no-wake zones to prevent injury to others.
• Life Jacket Requirements: Children under 13 must wear a life jacket, and all occupants must wear them during cold weather months.
• Operator Certification: Certain vessels require the operator to carry a boating safety education certificate.

Victims of boating accidents can bring a personal injury claim under Pennsylvania negligence law. They must show that another person or entity failed to exercise reasonable care and caused the accident. In fatal accidents, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim.

Who is Liable for a Philadelphia Boat Accident?

Determining liability in a boating accident depends on the type of vessels involved, the cause of the crash, and the behavior of the operators. Responsible parties may include:

• Boat Operators: Individuals who speed, drink while boating, ignore rules, or act recklessly.
• Boat Owners: If the owner allowed an unlicensed or unfit operator to use the vessel.
• Rental Companies: Businesses that rent boats without proper instructions or safety checks.
• Commercial Vessel Operators: Ferry or tour boat companies must follow strict regulations..
• Manufacturers: If a defective boat or equipment malfunction caused the accident, the manufacturer may be liable under product liability laws.
• Government Entities: In some cases, poor maintenance of docks or unsafe waterway conditions may result in claims against local or state authorities.

Liability may be shared among several parties. An experienced Philadelphia boating accident attorney will investigate the facts, determine fault, and hold all responsible individuals or companies accountable.

Contact Rosenbaum & Associates Today

Our firm offers free consultations, contact us to speak with a Philadelphia boat accident lawyer who will fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Call (215) 569-0200 or send us a message online.