Boating Accidents and Water Hazards
When most people go boating in the busy waters off Long Island, they look forward to a leisurely time, basking in the sunshine and floating on the waves. But what many boaters fail to consider is that boating can be, and often is, as dangerous as speeding through the streets of downtown Manhattan during rush hour. In 2015 alone, the U.S. Coast Guard reported 4,000 boating accidents. As a result, there were more than 626 deaths, 2,613 injuries, and a staggering $40 million dollars in property damages.
What many people also fail to consider is that their rights are protected in the water in much the same way they are protected on dry land, Tucker Lawyers PC is here to help if you’ve been in a boating accident that resulted in personal injury.
Why Choose Us?
At Tucker Lawyers, PC we have the experience and resources to protect you and your property and ensure you have the best opportunity to receive the compensation to which you are entitled.
We handle all types of personal injury from our offices in and around New York City. We are members of the Injured Workers’ Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association, the New York State Trial Lawyers Association, and the American Association for Justice. We’ll evaluate your claim for free, and based on the merits of the claim will advise whether to move forward. We receive no payment until your case is successfully settled.
We understand that ultimately what you need is results to help deal with your property damage and personal injuries. We have secured settlements ranging from tens of thousands to over $1 million for our clients. We will fight vigorously on your behalf regardless of the size of your claim.
Because of the statute of limitation laws in New York, it is important to waste no time contacting us. Call Tucker Lawyers PC immediately at (516) 399-2364.
How We Can Help
Boating law is a specialized field, and it varies from state to state. Our boat and ferry accident lawyers at Tucker Lawyers PC are well-versed in New York boating law. We have the experience to fight for a fair settlement or argue vigorously on your behalf in a courtroom.
We take our commitment to our clients very seriously. We consider getting you the compensation you deserve to be a joint venture, and we are more than willing to answer any questions you might have. We will also ask you several questions to ensure we have a clear understanding of your case and the impact your boating accident has had on your life. A look at our client testimonials gives you an idea of our passion for the law and for making people who have been injured economically and physically whole again.
“I would highly recommend Tucker Lawyers. During a very stressful time and not knowing where to turn Tucker Lawyers really stepped up to the plate and put my mind at ease. They were very attentive and guided me and my family through this ordeal with a very successful outcome. John Tucker was fantastic. Very diligent and kept on top of things. You have a client for life.” – Client testimonial.
Boat Accident Causes
There are too many causes for boating accidents resulting in fatalities to list them all, but the most common are:
- Alcohol – Alcohol impairs judgment and often leads to bad decisions, including reckless behavior.
- Hazardous Water – Water conditions can create situations in which even the most careful boaters have no control. It is important to pay attention to warnings and hazards.
- Operator Inexperience – What may be safe for an experienced boater often isn’t for a new one. Boaters should know their limitations by attending safety classes, learning from more experienced boaters, and knowing their local waters.
- Operator Inattention – Like anything else, a lack of attention may lead to terrible consequences, especially on the water.
- Excessive Speed – The faster the speed, the harder a craft is to control, and excessive speed can lead to dangerous consequences.
Many of these accidents are based on operator error. To avoid them, Tucker Lawyers, PC recommends taking safety courses sponsored by the National Association of State Boating Laws and following boating rules established by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Accident Statistics
Even if every safety precaution has been taken, nothing can take into account the actions of other boaters. There is no way to truly prepare for the erratic behavior some people exhibit on the water. When this turns into an accident, the numbers can be grim. In 2015:
- 76 percent of boating fatalities were from drowning.
- More than 70 percent of boating fatalities occurred from boaters without safety training.
- There were 158 instances of at least one person being struck by a propeller, resulting in 150 injuries and 27 deaths.
- The top five contributing factors in boating accidents were operator inattention, operator inexperience, improper lookout, machinery failure, and excessive speed.
- The highest fatality rates occurred in open motorboats (46 percent), kayaks (12 percent), and canoes (11 percent).
Canoeing and Kayaking
Because of the abundance of waterways, New York is a natural destination for boaters of all types. However, some places are better suited for different types of vessels than others. Because of heavy traffic, some waterways are better suited for motorboats, while others are safer for smaller boats, including canoes and kayaks.
Canoeing and kayaking have grown in popularity in the New York City area. For example, in Queens, the Long Island City Boathouse offers excursions into Hallets Cove, while the Flushing Meadows Corona Park is also a popular destination for canoeing. Other favorite spots for paddling are the Clove Lakes Park in Staten Island, the Gowanus Canal and Newtown Creek in Brooklyn, Hunts Point Riverside Park or the Harlem River in the Bronx, and the Hudson River in Manhattan.
But while canoeing and kayaking can be great fun for friends and families, they are not without risks of injury. Shoulder injuries are common among those who like to paddle out on the open water, especially for those new to the activity. And, as is the case with all vessels, everyone who takes to the water in canoes and kayaks must wear a lifejacket to reduce the likelihood of drowning injuries.
If you or someone you love was injured in a canoeing or kayaking accident, call our team at Tucker Lawyers, PC at (516) 399-2364.
To-Do List After a Boating Accident
No matter what kind of boat you’re in, there are actions you must take to protect yourself after any type of boating accident:
- Report the accident to the United States Coast Guard.
- Obtain pictures to preserve as much evidence as possible.
- Seek medical attention after any injury.
- Understand that the insurance company has different priorities than you do.
- Hire an experienced attorney who will complete all filings to protect your rights and ensure that you will receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact New York Boating Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one has suffered a boating accident due to the negligence of another person, the New York boating accident attorneys at Tucker Lawyers, PC are here to help. We can help you determine the full extent of your damages so you can receive compensation for the injuries and losses you have suffered. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you. The consultation is free, and we receive no payment unless and until we win your case.
Tucker Lawyers, PC is a New York City personal injury law firm that helps victims of personal injury and their families in Bronx, Queens, and Kings Counties, as well as all of New York City. If you have been involved in a boating accident and believe you have a potential claim, call Tucker Lawyers, PC in the City at (212) 563-1900 or on Long Island at (516) 399-2364.
Frequently Asked Questions for Boat Accident Cases
If you have been injured in a boat accident, you probably have several questions. Clients frequently ask our NYC boat accident lawyers the following questions:
Do I need an attorney to handle my claim?
The insurance company employs an army of attorneys, claims specialists, and experts to win the case, so you will need to hire an attorney that specializes in this type of law. Our legal team has decades of experience and a proven track record of maximizing settlements. We are in the best position to guarantee you get everything you are entitled to.
How long do I have to bring a claim?
The statute of limitations (or time in which a claim must be brought from the date of the accident) is three years for a personal injury claim. If a claim is being brought for wrongful death, the claim must be brought within two years from the date of death. If the claim is being brought against a municipality, the time to bring a claim is significantly shorter, depending on who the claim is against, so you should consult with an attorney immediately.
Do I have to pay any legal fees if I lose my case?
Our attorneys work on a contingency fee. That means if you don’t win your case, we don’t get paid.
How much is my case worth?
It is difficult to know the exact value of your case without reviewing all of the documentation and the specifics of your case. There is a large range of possible settlements depending on your injuries and other factors, and our experienced legal team will maximize the value of your case.
How long will it take to settle my case?
Every case is different, but our legal team utilizes the most advanced technology and aggressive legal strategy to expedite our clients’ cases. We can often resolve cases years faster than some other firms.
How will I pay my medical bills?
Initially, the boat owner will submit your medical bills to the insurance company. However, if the boat owner did not purchase insurance to cover medical bills or if your bills exceed the coverage, your medical bills will be paid by your private health insurance. If you do not have health insurance, your medical bills will be submitted as an item of special damages as part of your claim against the liable party.
What should I do after a boating accident?
First, report the accident to the United States Coast Guard. If possible, take pictures of the boat and the accident scene. You should then seek immediate medical attention.
Is the driver of the boat that caused the accident responsible to pay for my damages?
Boating rules require safe operation and proper safety equipment. If the operator of a boat fails to follow these rules, we will fight to hold them liable.
The period following a boating accident is stressful, and you should not feel like you are going it alone. Our boating accident attorney will answer all of the questions you and your family have and make sure you understand that you are not just another case to us. We approach every client as if they were a member of the family, and answering all of your questions is just part of what we do to try to take away some of your burdens.
Top 5 Mistakes Made After a Boat Accident
- Failure to report the accident to the United States Coast Guard
- Failure to obtain pictures to preserve as much evidence as possible
- Assuming you will feel better and not seeking medical attention
- Believing that the insurance company will deal with you fairly
- Not hiring an experienced attorney who will complete all filings to protect your rights and ensure that you will receive the compensation that you deserve.
Get Help from an NYC Boat Accident Lawyer
You should never go through the stressful period following a boating accident alone. Our NYC boat accident lawyers are ready to stand up for your rights and get you fair compensation. We are not afraid to go head-to-head with deep-pocketed insurance companies. If they refuse to settle for a fair amount, we will stand up in court and fight on your behalf. Call Tucker Lawyers, PC today for a free consultation at (516) 399-2364.
Managing Attorney John. J. Tucker, Esq.
John has personally handled thousands of clients who were victims of another’s negligence and fights relentlessly for their rights. John enjoys bringing closure to a client’s matter so that the injured party can move forward with their life. His background enables him to evaluate complex liability related claims and bring resolution to claims in a record time frame. [ Attorney Bio ]