Boating accidents may not seem like a major concern in New York City. However, they occur more often than you think.
The number of boating accidents in New York City has increased within the past couple of years due to a rise in boat ownership. In 2020, there were over 200 boating accidents in the area.
Compared to cars or trucks, boats are very different vehicles. That means that boating accident claims can differ greatly in detail and circumstances.
Because of this, if you or someone you know has been involved in a boating accident, you should consider hiring a lawyer for your case.
A competent lawyer with experience dealing with your case will save you time and money when filing a claim or lawsuit. With their legal knowledge, they can help protect your rights and investigate the circumstances of an event, ensuring that you get the compensation and benefits you deserve. Call Schwartzapfel Lawyers, P.C. at (516) 342-2200 to learn more about what you may be entitled to.
To find the right boating accident attorney for you in New York City, there are a few different factors you should keep in mind.
The Potential Causes of Boating Accidents
Boating accident cases are different from other types of accidents. Understanding some of these differences can help you with your claim as well as finding the right lawyer.
As is the case with all types of vehicles, there are many reasons why a boating accident may occur. Some of these reasons are specific to boat accidents.
Here are a few of the most common causes of boating accidents.
Driver Impairment
The most common cause of boating accidents is driver impairment, typically due to drug or alcohol use. This is especially true for recreational boating activities.
Many people may not think much of having a drink while driving their boat, especially if they buy a boat for personal enjoyment in the first place.
However, just like when you’re on the road, this behavior can be very dangerous and lead to collisions with other boats or structures.
Improper Loading and Docking
Boats float on water and therefore need to maintain the proper balance for the safety of those on board.
A boat loaded with too many people or goods can be at risk of tipping over or even sinking. This can also occur if there is an imbalance in the distribution of people and goods on the boat.
If a boat is incorrectly loaded by a loading or production company, the company or companies involved can be held responsible for an accident that occurs as a result.
Machinery and Equipment Failure
Like any other vehicle, boats require maintenance and upkeep to ensure they are running properly. Accidents can be caused by all different types of machinery failures, from issues with steering mechanisms to brake malfunctions.
Boat owners are responsible for ensuring that their boat is fully functioning and safe. If you are injured due to another boat’s malfunction, the respective boat owner can be held responsible for your injuries.
A maintenance company may also be held liable if it did not perform a thorough examination of the boat involved.
External Environment and Weather
Factors like extreme weather conditions can cause accidents and collisions on the road. They are especially dangerous when it comes to boating, as storms greatly impact sea levels and visibility.
Weather conditions such as snowstorms, hurricanes, or heavy rainfall are not suitable for driving or riding on a boat. Boating activity should be suspended or limited during such weather events.
The Extent of Injuries and Damages
The extent of damages caused by boating accidents depends on the factors involved as well as the size of the boat.
Smaller boats do not cause much damage, but they can pose grave dangers for riders in the event of an accident. Similarly, a collision with a large boat can be very detrimental. While some boating accidents can be mild, others can cause serious injury, drowning, and even death.
The right lawyer will help assess the value of your case and investigate why an accident occurred.
Filing a Boating Accident Claim
Much like after a car or truck accident, there are certain steps you should follow if you are involved in a boating accident. Here are a few of the most important steps:
Get to Safety and Seek Medical Attention
If you get into an accident, your priority should always be getting to safety. This is especially true for boating accidents, as you may not be close to land or a docking area when an accident occurs.
Even if you do not think you were badly injured, you should be examined by a health care professional. This not only ensures your wellbeing but also documents any effects an accident could have had on your physical health. This evidence can be valuable if you choose to file a case.
Call for Help
After getting to safety, you should call for help. This includes police or medical services and will ensure that the accident is documented appropriately.
Avoid speaking to your insurance company until after you have spoken with a lawyer. While an insurance company can help establish liability and assess damages to your vehicle, insurance companies may not always act in favor of a victim.
Seek Legal Assistance
The next major step in filing a claim after a boating accident is hiring a lawyer. Lawyers know the law in a way that everyday individuals do not. They are trained to help protect your rights and negotiate a settlement for any losses or injuries you may have incurred. They will also help you keep track of all the paperwork and moving parts that are necessary for a case.
For best results, make sure to find a lawyer that best fits your needs and the needs of your case.
How To Find a Boating Accident Lawyer in NYC
The legal field is extensive, with many subcategories within it. If you are a victim of a boating accident or any other type of accident, you should probably be looking at personal injury lawyers.
But even within the personal injury field, there are different types of lawyers you can employ.
While there are many car accidents and vehicle collision lawyers in New York, you might have a harder time locating one with experience in boating accidents. While there are not many lawyers that specifically handle boating accident cases, assessing a lawyer’s characteristics can help you find one that suits you and your needs.
When you’re looking for the right lawyer, contact our team at (516) 342-2200.
A Lawyer’s Experience
If you were involved in a boating accident, you might want to look at attorneys with backgrounds in vehicle accidents and collisions.
While some of these types of lawyers predominantly deal with car and truck accidents, some have experience with boating accident cases as well.
Before hiring a lawyer, make sure to ask about their history and the types of cases they have dealt with in the past. You want a lawyer who has been successful with similar cases in the past.
A Lawyer’s Dedication
After you assess a lawyer’s history and experience, ask yourself: can I trust them with my case? You should feel like you can communicate openly with your lawyer and that your personal information is safe with them.
Lawyers are supposed to prioritize your case and do all that is in their power to ensure the best results from filing a claim.
If you feel your lawyer is not using all the resources they have access to in furthering your case, consider finding a different lawyer.
Boating Accident Lawyers: Key Takeaways
While boating accidents may not seem like cause for concern in New York City, they can have detrimental effects on those involved.
While many causes of boating accidents are similar to those that cause car and truck accidents, some are different because of the location of most boats and the surrounding environment. Regardless of why a boating accident occurred, however, victims and involved individuals may be entitled to rights and compensation protected by the law.
The best way to protect those rights is by hiring a competent lawyer. Boating accident attorneys should be qualified to practice law in New York State.
They should also have sufficient experience in vehicle accidents and collisions and have past and successful experience dealing with boating accident cases.
If you are having trouble locating a boating accident attorney that is right for you, you can reach out to one of our experienced lawyers at At Schwartzapfel® Lawyers P.C.
We can provide you with someone who understands and can best cater to your situation. You can reach out today for a free first consultation with a member of our team. Contact us at (516) 342-2200 for more information.
Sources:
Booming Interest in Boating Leads to More Deaths and Accidents | The New York Times
