Boating Accident Lawyer
Fighting for boating accident victims in New York waters
Experienced Boating Accident Representation
New York's waterways—the Hudson River, East River, Long Island Sound, and countless lakes and harbors—attract thousands of recreational boaters every year. Boating accidents caused by negligent operation, alcohol, excessive speed, or equipment failures result in serious injuries, drownings, and death.
Boating accident cases involve complex maritime law, state boating regulations, and Coast Guard rules. Determining liability requires investigating operator qualifications, blood alcohol levels, navigation rule violations, vessel maintenance, and weather conditions.
Gammons Injury and Malpractice Lawyers, P.C. has experience handling boating accident cases throughout New York waters. We investigate accidents, work with maritime experts, and fight for injured passengers, swimmers, and other boating accident victims to recover maximum compensation.
Common Types of Boating Accidents
Boat Collisions
Vessels colliding with other boats, personal watercraft, or fixed objects
Jet Ski Accidents
Personal watercraft accidents causing serious injuries to riders and swimmers
Dock and Marina Accidents
Injuries from slips, falls, or hazardous conditions at docks and marinas
Drowning and Near-Drowning
Passengers or swimmers drowning due to operator negligence or safety violations
Propeller Injuries
Severe injuries from boat propellers striking swimmers or passengers
Passenger Falls Overboard
Passengers thrown overboard by sudden maneuvers or wakes
Common Causes of Boating Accidents
Boating under the influence (BUI)
Excessive speed and reckless operation
Operator inexperience or inattention
Ignoring navigation rules
Equipment and mechanical failures
Overloading vessels
Weather and water conditions
Lack of proper safety equipment
Wake violations
Operating at night without lights
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is liable in a boating accident?
Liability may fall on the boat operator for negligent operation, boat owners for inadequate maintenance or lending to unqualified operators, rental companies for renting defective vessels, boat manufacturers for defects, marinas for unsafe conditions, or other boat operators. Maritime law and state boating regulations govern liability.
What laws apply to boating accidents in New York?
New York state boating laws, federal maritime law, and Coast Guard regulations apply depending on where the accident occurred. Accidents in New York harbors, rivers, and lakes are governed by state law. Federal maritime law applies to navigable waters. Understanding which laws apply affects your case and recovery options.
What is considered negligent boat operation?
Negligent operation includes operating under the influence (BUI), excessive speed, reckless maneuvers, ignoring navigation rules, operating without proper lookout, failure to yield, wake violations, overloading vessels, operating at night without lights, and allowing unqualified persons to operate boats.
What compensation can I recover from a boating accident?
You may recover medical expenses, future medical care, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, scarring and disfigurement, and in wrongful death cases, funeral expenses and loss of companionship. Boating accidents often cause drowning, traumatic brain injuries, and other severe injuries.
How long do I have to file a boating accident lawsuit?
Generally, three years from the accident date under New York law. However, maritime law claims may have different deadlines. Contact an attorney immediately—maritime cases have specific notice requirements and shorter deadlines may apply.
Why Choose Gammons Injury and Malpractice Lawyers, P.C.?
Maritime Law Experience
We understand maritime law, state boating regulations, and liability issues in boating accident cases.
Thorough Investigation
We obtain accident reports, boat registration records, operator blood alcohol results, and witness statements.
Work With Maritime Experts
We consult with boating safety experts and accident reconstruction specialists to establish liability.
No Fees Unless We Win
We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Injured in a Boating Accident? Call Now
Maritime cases have specific deadlines. Contact us for a free consultation. Available Available 24/7.