New York Boat Accident Law

A New York boat accident lawyer will help you get compensation for your mental and Boat Accident physical pain, suffering, loss of life scarring, medical bills and future medical expenses and lost wages. You may also be able to receive compensation for the death of loved ones.

The determination of fault can be made using the proximate causes principle, which includes the possibility of a injury or loss. An experienced attorney will analyze the facts and identify possible liable parties.

Ferry Boat Accidents

Ferry boats carry people from one location to another across rivers, lakes and other waterways. Commercial vessels must adhere to the Coast Guard's rules and regulations when they travel on a navigable waterway. This includes checking their equipment regularly for mechanical problems and making sure that there are enough personal flotation devices aboard for all passengers in the event of a major accident. The captain of a ferryboat is also responsible for navigating the vessel. If the captain engages in careless or negligent behavior, it could lead to a lawsuit.

Crew members and passengers can be injured on ferry boats due to numerous factors. Slip and fall accidents could occur on the staircases that lead to and off of a ferry as well as other surfaces on the boat. These accidents could result in broken bones, concussions, or head trauma. It is also possible for people to fall overboard when safety measures are not in place, or the boat is rocked by weather conditions.

If you're injured working on a ferry boat you can file a claim for workers compensation and take action against the company in accordance with maritime and admiralty laws. Your lawyer will be able identify who is responsible for your injury and make sure that you are compensated for your loss.

Personal Watercraft Accidents

The injuries suffered by passengers of personal watercrafts like Jet Skis and WaveRunners can vary from minor bruises and cuts to severe injuries resulting in traumatic brain injury or death. Direct contact with another vessel, or with a fixed object is the most frequent cause of serious injuries.

PWC collisions are frequent, especially with other personal watercrafts as well as speeding boats. Operators who aren't experienced often have difficulty judging their speed and distances. This can lead to head-on collisions which cause neck and back pain, traumatic injuries or spinal cord injuries, and even death.

Many personal watercraft accidents happen due to intoxicated or reckless drivers, who speed and operate their boats in reckless ways. Some of these accidents can be caused by defective products. For instance, a few personal watercrafts are equipped with pump-jet engines that are able to draw the water up and blow it out at high speeds.

Contact a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer as soon as possible when you or someone you love is injured in a water incident. You can establish liability and prove it by taking photos of bruises or wounds, jotting down crucial details about the incident, and gathering names of witnesses. It is important to seek medical care immediately to treat any injuries, as certain types of injuries like head injuries that are traumatic might not be apparent on an X-ray or other diagnostic tests for several days or even weeks after the accident.

Boating Accidents on Navigable Waterways

When a boat accident occurs on navigable waters it can fall under federal maritime law. It could be that the body of water is used for international or interstate commerce or because it was an area that could be used in the future.

In these cases state tort law could be a possibility. It is important to talk with a personal injury attorney familiar with this type of case to determine which law applies.

It is likely that there was negligence involved, regardless of whether the incident occurred on a private boat or a public vessel. In many instances, this is the operator of the boat. This is because boats require particular skills to operate safely and they are not a safe mode of transport if someone is not equipped with the necessary training or experience.

In other circumstances the negligence of a passenger could be at fault. This is especially true if the person was reckless or in a criminal way. A state agency may also be held responsible for their negligence in operating or maintaining the waterway where the incident occurred.

A boating accident could be devastating and often results in serious injuries, or even death. If you've been injured in a boating accident because of the negligence of someone else, you should contact an experienced Buffalo boat accident lawyer right promptly.

Boating Accidents on Non-Navigable Waterways

In analyzing the causes of boat accidents, there are numerous variables both within and out of the person's control. Some boat accidents are caused by the inattention of the boat's operator, such as when the boater speeds up or operates his boat at a higher level. Other causes are out of the control of the boater, like debris in the water, and the weather conditions.

Depending on where your accident occurred, either federal maritime law or state tort laws could apply. To qualify for federal maritime law, your incident must have an "nexus" to traditional maritime activities or have a disruptive impact on the maritime trade. Collisions between recreational vessels do not meet this criteria. Your case may be governed by state law.

When you're dealing with an accident on the boat it is important to contact an experienced lawyer immediately following the incident. An attorney can help determine if there was any laws broken and pursue compensation for damages. If you've been injured as a result of a boating accident, Joye Law Firm can help protect your rights and pursue the compensation you're entitled to. Contact us today to get started. Your first consultation is free. We don't receive any money until you pay us. We provide flexible scheduling to accommodate your needs. Located in New York City, we represent clients throughout the country. We have offices in Albany and Buffalo.