New York City Boating Accident Lawyer

Boating accidents in New York City waterways can happen in seconds, leaving victims with serious injuries and mounting medical bills. Whether your accident occurred on the East River, Hudson River, or NYC Harbor, Parker Waichman LLP helps boating accident victims recover the compensation they deserve. Our New York City personal injury attorneys have recovered over $2 billion for clients across all practice areas, and we handle boating accident claims on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Why Choose Parker Waichman LLP for Your Boating Accident Claim

Parker Waichman LLP brings decades of personal injury litigation experience to your boating accident case. Our founding partner, Jerrold S. Parker, has practiced law for over 40 years and has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America for personal injury litigation since 2010. He holds an AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5.0 rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest possible peer review rating for legal ability and ethical standards.

Our team includes Senior Litigation Counsel Alex Tovstolug, who brings 15 years of experience in personal injury cases and has earned peer endorsements for his dedication and skill. Partner Brett A. Zekowski holds a perfect 10 out of 10 rating on Justia and focuses on helping injured individuals recover fair compensation.

The firm has recovered over $2 billion for clients in personal injury, mass tort, and product liability cases. We maintain multiple office locations throughout the New York City area, including in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Port Washington, to serve you conveniently. Our clients rate us 4.8 out of 5 stars across 549 reviews, reflecting our commitment to client service and results.

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. We are available 24/7 to discuss your case and offer a free consultation to evaluate your boating accident claim.

Common Causes of Boating Accidents in New York City

Boating accidents result from many different causes, and identifying the source of negligence is critical to building a strong claim. Common causes of boating accidents in NYC include:

• Operator negligence and reckless behavior
• Speeding and failure to maintain safe speed for conditions
• Alcohol and drug impairment (boating under the influence)
• Distracted operation, including cell phone use
• Failure to follow navigation rules and regulations
• Inadequate lighting or visibility equipment
• Mechanical failure and poor vessel maintenance
• Operator inexperience or lack of proper training
• Hazardous water conditions and severe weather

Many boating accidents involve alcohol impairment. Studies show that alcohol use is a factor in a significant percentage of fatal boating accidents, as it impairs judgment, balance, and reaction time, just as it does when operating a vehicle on land. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, alcohol use is involved in approximately one-third of all boating fatalities, making it one of the leading contributing factors in recreational boating accidents. When negligence causes injury, our New York City boating accident lawyers can help you pursue compensation.

Types of Boating Accidents We Handle

Boating accidents take many forms depending on the type of vessel involved and the circumstances of the collision or incident. Parker Waichman LLP represents victims injured in jet ski and personal watercraft collisions, ferry and water taxi accidents, yacht and sailboat collisions, cruise ship injuries, tour boat and charter boat accidents, speedboat and motorboat collisions, dock and pier accidents, and wake injuries from other vessels.

Each type of boating accident presents unique legal considerations. For example, ferry and water taxi accidents may involve commercial operators with specific safety obligations, while jet ski collisions often involve reckless operation in congested waterways. If you’ve been injured in any type of boating accident, our New York personal injury lawyers can help you understand your legal options. We have successfully recovered compensation for clients injured in all types of maritime incidents.

Injuries Resulting from Boating Accidents

Boating accidents can cause severe and life-altering injuries. Common injuries we see in boating accident cases include drowning and near-drowning injuries, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis, broken bones and fractures, severe lacerations, burn injuries from fuel fires, hypothermia from cold-water exposure, internal organ damage, and wrongful death.

Drowning and near-drowning injuries represent the most serious outcome of boating accidents. According to Coast Guard data, drowning accounts for 67.5% of boating fatalities. Tragically, 83% of drowning victims were not wearing life jackets at the time of the accident. The severity of injuries often depends on factors such as water temperature, time in the water, and how quickly rescue personnel arrive. In cases where a boating accident results in death, families may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim to recover compensation for their loss. The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control provides additional resources on water safety and drowning prevention.

Liability in New York City Boating Accidents

Determining who is legally responsible for a boating accident is essential to recovering compensation. Multiple parties may bear liability depending on the circumstances.

The boat operator bears responsibility for operating the vessel safely and following navigation rules. Boat owners may be liable for accidents caused by their vessels, even if they were not operating the boat at the time. Charter companies and rental companies have a duty to maintain their vessels in safe condition and to rent only to qualified operators.

Manufacturers may be liable if a defect in the boat, engine, or safety equipment caused or contributed to the accident. Other vessel operators may be liable if their negligent operation caused a collision or wake injury. Under New York law, comparative negligence rules allow you to recover even if you were partially at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you could recover $80,000. Our experienced attorneys can evaluate liability in your specific case.

Compensation Available for Boating Accident Victims

Boating accident victims can recover several types of compensation, including economic damages that cover your actual financial losses and non-economic damages that compensate you for pain and suffering.

• Economic damages include all medical expenses related to your injury, both past treatment and future medical care you will need. Lost wages cover income you lost while recovering from your injuries, and lost earning capacity compensates you if your injury prevents you from earning at your previous level in the future. Property damage covers the cost of repairing or replacing your vessel.
• Non-economic damages include compensation for pain and suffering, disability and disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases of wrongful death, family members can recover for the loss of the deceased’s financial support and companionship.

In cases involving gross negligence or boating under the influence, punitive damages may be available to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future. New York does not impose caps on non-economic damages in most personal injury cases, which means your compensation is not artificially limited by law. Contact our team to discuss the full value of your claim. Our personal injury lawyers have recovered billions in compensation for injured clients.

How Parker Waichman LLP Handles Your Boating Accident Case

When you hire Parker Waichman LLP to represent you, we handle every aspect of your case from start to finish. We begin with a free consultation to evaluate your claim and explain your legal options.

Our investigation process includes gathering evidence from the accident scene, obtaining the official accident report from the Coast Guard or local authorities, interviewing witnesses who saw the accident, and collecting video footage if available. We work with medical experts to document your injuries and establish the full extent of your damages.

We communicate directly with the defendant’s insurance company and negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement. If the insurance company refuses to offer adequate compensation, we prepare your case for trial and are ready to present your claim to a jury. Throughout the process, we keep you informed and answer your questions promptly. Learn more about how we handle personal injury cases and our proven track record of results. See our client testimonials to learn how we’ve helped boating accident victims recover fair compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Boating Accidents in NYC

What should I do immediately after a boating accident?

Your first priority is safety. Seek medical attention for any injuries, even if they seem minor at first. Report the accident to the Coast Guard or local authorities as required by law. Document the scene by taking photos and videos if you are able to do so safely. Gather the names and contact information of any witnesses. Contact an experienced boating accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your legal rights.

How long do I have to file a boating accident lawsuit in New York?

New York law sets strict deadlines for filing personal injury lawsuits. Generally, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. For wrongful death cases, the deadline is two years. These deadlines are firm, and if you miss them, you lose your right to recover compensation. This is why it is critical to contact an attorney promptly after your accident.

Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the boating accident?

Yes. New York follows a comparative negligence rule that allows you to recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for the accident. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 25% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you can recover $75,000. This rule encourages injured parties to pursue claims even in situations where they bear some responsibility.

What if the boating accident resulted in a death?

Wrongful death claims allow family members to recover compensation when a boating accident causes someone’s death. In New York, family members can recover for the financial support they lost and the loss of companionship with the deceased. Parker Waichman LLP has extensive experience handling wrongful death cases and understands the emotional and financial challenges families face after losing a loved one. Our wrongful death attorneys are here to help.

Do I need to hire an attorney for a boating accident claim?

While you have the right to represent yourself, boating accident claims involve complex maritime law and insurance company tactics designed to minimize payouts. An experienced boating accident attorney knows how to investigate your claim, value your damages accurately, and negotiate or litigate effectively. Insurance companies take claims more seriously when they know an attorney is involved, and you are far more likely to recover fair compensation with legal representation.

How much is my boating accident case worth?

The value of your case depends on many factors, including the severity of your injury, the cost of your medical treatment, your lost wages, your age and earning capacity, and the strength of liability evidence. Each case is unique, and only after a thorough investigation can we provide an estimate of your case’s value. We encourage you to contact us for a free consultation to discuss your specific situation.

What is the difference between a boating accident claim and a lawsuit?

A claim is a demand for compensation made to the defendant’s insurance company. Most boating accident cases settle through the claims process without going to trial. A lawsuit is filed in court when the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation. Parker Waichman LLP is prepared to pursue either path, and we will recommend the strategy most likely to maximize your recovery.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP for Your Free Boating Accident Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident in New York City, contact Parker Waichman LLP today. Call (212) 267-6700 to speak with an experienced boating accident attorney. We are available 24/7 to discuss your case, and we offer a free consultation with no obligation.

We serve clients throughout New York City and the surrounding areas from our convenient office locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Port Washington. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Do not delay. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can begin investigating your claim and protecting your legal rights.