Boating Accident Lawyer in Long Island

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Most of us are aware of how dangerous driving a car can be. But many people are not as concerned about the potential dangers involved in boating. Boaters face serious injuries if they slip on the boat, crash into another vessel, or become stranded without food and water.

Our Long Island boating accident attorneys have decades of personal injury experience, and we have recovered more than $1 billion in total compensation for our clients. Our legal team, which includes a former New York Supreme Court Justice, has received national recognition for our success. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Long Island personal injury lawyer.

Overview of New York Boating Laws

Some of the key boating laws in New York are:

  • It is illegal to go faster than is safe for weather, traffic, and water conditions
  • Going fast enough to produce a wake behind your boat is illegal in any area with a “slow, no wake speed” sign present
  • You must slow to five mph or less if you are within 100 feet of a dock, pier, raft, anchored vessel, or the shore
  • It is illegal to allow passengers to ride on parts of a boat where there is a chance of falling overboard without fixed seating
  • Swerving through traffic, getting too close to other vessels, and other reckless acts are illegal while operating a boat in New York
  • Boating while impaired is illegal. The same legal limit of 0.08 percent blood-alcohol concentration applied to drivers is used for boat operators
  • All boats must be equipped with enough life jackets for every person on board
  • All boats must be equipped with a signaling device in case of an emergency

New York and Long Island Boating Accident Statistics

According to the United States Coast Guard (USCG), there are as many as 5,200 boating accidents across the country each year, resulting in as many as 750 deaths, 3,100 injuries, and $62.5 million in property damage. In New York, four of the most common causes of boating accidents are operator inattention, operator inexperience, a lack of proper lookouts, and excessive speed.

Most Common Causes of Boating Accidents

Negligent boat operators cause many of the boating accidents on Long Island. However, they aren’t always at fault. Some of the most common causes of boating accidents are:

  • Slipping on the deck — Water, spilled drinks, or other liquids on the deck can cause someone to slip and fall, and potentially even fall overboard.
  • Distracted driving — Just as someone driving a car needs to stay focused on the road, anyone piloting a boat needs to watch for other vessels or hazards and maintain a safe speed. If a boat operator is distracted, it’s easy for an accident to happen.
  • Reckless driving — Operating a boat is much different than driving a car because boats take much longer to turn and slow down. Getting too close to other vessels, going too fast, and making overly sharp turns can all cause an accident.
  • Reckless passengers — Passengers can injure themselves if they act recklessly, such as by roughhousing with others, slipping on a wet deck, or distracting the operator.
  • Boating while impaired — Many people underestimate the dangers of boating while impaired. They may take unsafe risks or make costly mistakes while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Collisions with other boats or underwater objects — It is easy for a boat to collide with another vessel or strike an underwater object if the pilot is impaired, distracted, or behaving recklessly.
  • Lack of proper maintenance — If a boat is not properly maintained, it could experience mechanical failure on the water, leading to a collision or causing the boat to become stranded.
  • Lack of proper safety gear — The best way to avoid injuries while boating is to avoid accidents entirely, but passengers can also sustain injuries if an accident occurs and the boat does not have all the required safety equipment, such as life vests, a life raft, flare guns, and first aid kits.

Common Boating Accident Injuries

Boating accidents in Long Island often cause serious injuries, including the following:

You shouldn’t have to suffer the financial consequences of being injured in a boat accident caused by someone else. A Long Island boating accident attorney can help you seek compensation for your losses.

Compensation Available in Long Island Boating Accident Claims

Boating accidents can cause severe injuries and financial losses, but a personal injury claim may allow you to recover compensation for the harm you have suffered. You may be able to demand compensation for your boating accident injuries, such as the following:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Reduced future earning potential due to your injuries
  • Pain and suffering
  • Psychological and emotional distress
  • Damaged personal property

A skilled Long Island personal injury lawyer can help you seek financial recovery through a boat accident settlement or lawsuit.

Talk to an Experienced Long Island Boating Accident Attorney Today

Boating accidents may be less common in Long Island than car accidents, but that does not mean they are less damaging or tragic. Contact Finz & Finz, P.C. today to speak to an experienced Long Island boating accident lawyer.