10 Causes of Boating Accidents in New York

While boating is a lot of fun, it’s not without its dangers. The majority of boating accidents in New York are caused by human error. Inexperience contributes to many of these accidents as well. In many popular spots, people rent boats for a fun day on the water. Many of them may have never operated a boat before, and they risk injuring themselves, passengers, and other boaters.

Boating accidents can be serious, causing severe injuries or even death, which can devastate a family both emotionally and financially. This blog post will discuss 10 of the most common causes of boating accidents.

Have you been seriously injured in a boating accident in New York? If so, the experienced personal injury lawyers at Finz & Finz, P.C. on Long Island are here to help you get the maximum compensation that you deserve. Call now at (855) TOP-FIRM for a free and confidential case consultation.

Ten of the most common boating accidents in New York are as follows:

Operator Inattention

Operators must remember that staying safe is the No. 1 priority on the water. While time spent out on the water with friends or family is fun, operators must remain aware of their surroundings when the boat is in motion.

Improper lookout

Every boat should have a watch that stays on the lookout for any circumstances and conditions that could risk an accident. If a watch is not paying attention, this could lead to a serious collision.

Excessive Speed

Boating at a reasonable speed ensures the operator has time to react to dangers. Many waterways have speed limits, and traveling in a boat too fast can result in crashes with other boats, hazards, or rollover accidents.

Inexperience of operators

Operators need to have a grasp of the basics of boating and the rules of navigation. They also need to know how to deal with emergencies.

Inadequate Boat Maintenance

Boats require regular maintenance. Unaddressed issues with the engine, steering mechanism, hull, railings, or other parts can lead to accident-causing failures.

Defective Equipment

If there are defects in a boat’s engine, hull, flotation devices, or other pieces of equipment, this could cause a driver to lose control. It could also cause the boat to sink, potentially resulting in drownings. Equipment manufacturers may be liable for injuries that happen as a result of defective parts. A boat’s owner may be held liable if they did not perform the proper maintenance.

Operating While Under the Influence

As is the case of car accidents, alcohol and drugs can play a role in boating accidents. When someone operates a boat while drunk or under the influence of drugs, their abilities are impaired, which can lead to accidents resulting in serious injuries or death.

Crowded Waterways

Just as roadways become more dangerous as they get busier, New York waterways become more dangerous the more crowded they get. A wide range of watercraft, from canoes to sailboats to fishing boats to yachts, crowd the waterways in many areas. While all boat operators should know the maritime rules before they set sail, it’s impossible to guarantee that every operator is capable. Add to that the fact that waterways have no traffic lines or lanes. Everyone out on the water is at the mercy of all other boaters.

Fire or Explosions Onboard

Boats contain a lot of fuel and flammable materials. These materials are often confined and in poorly ventilated conditions. Fires and explosions can lead to third-degree burns and other serious injuries and can cause the boat to sink.

Environmental Causes

Environmental factors cause many boating accidents. Intense waves, rocks, and inclement weather can easily seriously injure or kill unprepared boat operators and their passengers. Inexperienced operators are more likely to run into trouble, as they may not be aware of these hazards and how to avoid them.

Types of Injuries

Boating accidents can lead to a wide variety of injuries, including:

• Brain Injury
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis
• Burns
• Broken Bones
• Cuts, bruises, and abrasions
• Amputation

In especially tragic boating accidents that result in a fatality, a lawyer can help pursue a wrongful death claim on behalf of the family who lost a loved one. While compensation from wrongful death claims cannot bring back your loved one, it can hold the liable parties accountable for their negligence and help provide you with the resources you need to move forward in life.

Do I Need a Boat Accident Attorney?

If you have been hurt in a boating accident in New York, you can greatly benefit from the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer. A skilled attorney who handles boating accident claims in New York will use their knowledge and skills to determine the laws applicable to your injury claim. A lawyer can determine all the liable parties, depending on where the boating accident occurred and the type of accident it was.

A lawyer will gather important evidence related to your claim, such as medical records, insurance information, and police reports. The evidence will help your lawyer get a grasp of the extent of your injuries and build your case for financial compensation. If settlement negotiations prove unsuccessful, your personal injury attorney will go to trial and present your case in front of a judge and jury.

Contact a New York Boating Accident Lawyer

While boating is a fun pastime for many in New York and Long Island, boats can be dangerous, especially when operated by a careless individual. Boat operators can be inattentive and inexperienced. They may also speed and operate the vessel while intoxicated.

If the negligent actions or inactions of someone resulted in an accident that caused injuries, an investigation should begin right away. The New York boating accident attorneys at Finz & Finz, P.C. on Long Island have many years of success in obtaining full and fair compensation for our client’s medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. Call (855) TOP-FIRM now for a free case evaluation.