Boating Accident Lawyer
BOATING ACCIDENT LAWYER BROOKLN, NY
Your day on the water should never end in a hospital. New York’s waterways attract millions of boaters every year, and when negligent operators, defective equipment, or poorly maintained vessels put you in danger, the injuries can be severe and the legal process complex. Boating accident claims involve a unique combination of federal maritime law, state negligence law, and insurance regulations that most attorneys are not equipped to handle.
Our Brooklyn attorneys have been fighting for seriously injured clients since 2008. We know how to navigate the legal frameworks that govern boating accident claims in New York and we have the experience to take on vessel owners, operators, and insurance companies on your behalf. You pay nothing unless we win.
$45M+
RECOVERED FOR CLIENTS
2008
ESTABLISHED IN BROOKLYN
$0
FEE UNLESS WE WIN
After the Accident
What to Do After a Boating Accident in New York
Acting quickly after a boating accident is essential. Evidence on the water disappears fast and legal deadlines for maritime claims can differ significantly from standard personal injury cases.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Get treated as soon as you reach shore even if your injuries seem manageable. Submersion injuries, internal trauma, and hypothermia can have delayed onset. A same-day medical evaluation creates critical documentation for your claim
Report the Accident to the Authorities
Under New York law, boating accidents involving injury, death, or significant property damage must be reported to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Federal law may also require reporting to the U.S. Coast Guard depending on the circumstances. Our attorneys will ensure all required reports are filed correctly.
Document Everything at the Scene
Photograph all vessels involved, visible damage, the location on the water, weather conditions, and your injuries. If possible, note the vessel registration numbers, the names of all operators, and the names and contact information of all witnesses on board or nearby.
Preserve All Physical Evidence
Do not allow any vessel, equipment, or personal property involved in the accident to be repaired or discarded before it has been examined by an attorney or investigator. Physical evidence from the vessel is often critical to establishing liability.
Contact an Attorney Before Speaking to Any Insurer
Vessel owners and their marine insurance carriers will begin investigating immediately. Do not provide a recorded statement or accept any offer before consulting with our team.
Common Causes
Common Causes of Boating Accidents in New York
Operator Inattention and Inexperience
Distracted or inexperienced boat operators who fail to maintain a proper lookout or misjudge distances and speeds are responsible for a significant share of serious boating collisions.
Boating Under the Influence
Operating a vessel while impaired by alcohol or drugs is illegal in New York and one of the leading causes of fatal boating accidents. Intoxicated operators face both criminal and civil liability.
Excessive Speed
Operators who travel at unsafe speeds for the conditions, water traffic, or visibility fail to give themselves and others adequate time to avoid collisions and reduce the severity of impact.
Negligent Wake and No-Wake Zone Violations
Excessive wakes in congested areas and no-wake zones capsize smaller vessels and throw passengers overboard, causing drownings and serious injuries.
Defective Vessel Equipment
Faulty engines, steering systems, life-saving equipment, and structural components that fail due to manufacturing or design defects can make the manufacturer liable for resulting injuries.
Inadequate Safety Equipment
Vessel operators who fail to carry or provide Coast Guard-required life jackets, flares, fire extinguishers, and other safety equipment may face liability when the absence of that equipment contributes to injury.
Overloaded Vessels
Operators who take on more passengers or cargo than the vessel is rated to carry compromise stability and safety, increasing the risk of capsizing and man-overboard emergencies.
Injuries We Handle
Boating Accident Injuries We Represent
Boating accidents can result in some of the most severe and complex injuries in personal injury law. Our attorneys represent victims across the full spectrum of boating-related harm.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Spinal Cord Injuries & Paralysis
- Drowning and Near-Drowning Injuries
- Broken Bones & Fractures
- Propeller Strike Injuries and Amputations
- Burns from Explosions and Fires
- Soft Tissue and Ligament Injuries
- Internal Bleeding and Organ Damage
- Hypothermia and Submersion Injuries
- Lacerations and Permanent Scarring
- Psychological Trauma and PTSD
- Wrongful Death of a Family Member
Your Recovery
What Compensation Can You Recover
Boating accident claims in New York may be governed by federal maritime law, the Jones Act for maritime workers, or state negligence law depending on the type of vessel, the waters involved, and the parties responsible. Our attorneys are experienced in navigating these overlapping legal frameworks to identify the strongest basis for your claim and maximize your recovery.
- All past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Rehabilitation and ongoing care costs
- Property damage and vessel repair costs
- Out-of-pocket injury-related expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and anxiety
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of consortium for your family
Why Cherny & Podolsky
Brooklyn's Trusted Boating Accident Law Firm Since 2008
We Understand Maritime and State Law
Boating accident cases involve a complex intersection of federal maritime law, state personal injury law, and Coast Guard regulations. Our attorneys have the knowledge and experience to navigate these overlapping frameworks and build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
Over $45 Million Recovered
Our track record speaks for itself. We have secured millions in settlements and verdicts for seriously injured clients throughout Brooklyn and the greater New York area.
Locally Rooted in Brooklyn
We are a Brooklyn law firm at 2681 East 14th Street, not a national referral service. New York Harbor and the surrounding waterways are in our backyard, and we understand the local and federal legal landscape that governs boating accident claims in this region.
Multilingual Legal Team
Our staff serves clients in English, Russian, Spanish, and more. Every client deserves to fully understand their rights and their options, and we make sure they do.
No Fee Unless We Win
We handle all boating accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay absolutely nothing upfront. Our fee comes only from the compensation we recover for you.
Direct Attorney Access
You will work directly with your attorney from your first call to your final settlement. No paralegals, no case managers, no runaround.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can be held liable in a New York boating accident?
Liability in a boating accident depends on the cause and the parties involved. The vessel operator may be liable for negligent operation. The vessel owner may face liability even if they were not operating the boat at the time of the accident. Manufacturers of defective vessels or equipment may face product liability claims. Charter companies and boat rental operators can be held responsible for improperly maintained vessels or inadequately screened operators. Our attorneys will investigate every angle to identify every liable party.
How long do I have to file a boating accident lawsuit in New York?
The deadline depends on the legal framework that applies to your case. State personal injury claims generally carry a three-year statute of limitations. Federal maritime claims may be subject to a three-year deadline under general maritime law or a shorter period depending on the specific statute involved. Jones Act claims for maritime workers carry a three-year deadline. If a government vessel was involved, additional Notice of Claim requirements may apply. Contact us immediately to ensure your deadlines are identified and protected.
Does maritime law apply to boating accidents on New York waters?
It depends on the navigable waters involved and the nature of the claim. Federal maritime law applies to accidents on navigable waters of the United States, which includes New York Harbor, the Hudson River, and other connected waterways. In some cases both federal maritime law and New York state negligence law may apply, and our attorneys will determine which framework provides the strongest basis for your recovery.
Can I file a claim if I was a passenger injured on someone else's boat?
Yes. Passengers injured on a vessel have the right to pursue compensation from the vessel operator, the vessel owner, and any other parties whose negligence contributed to the accident. You are not required to have any ownership interest in the vessel or any role in its operation to file a claim. Our attorneys handle passenger injury claims arising from all types of recreational, commercial, and charter boating accidents.
What if the boating accident resulted in a drowning death?
If a family member died as a result of a boating accident, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim against the responsible parties. Recoverable damages include funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and the conscious pain and suffering your loved one experienced. Maritime wrongful death claims may also be available under the Death on the High Seas Act or general maritime law depending on where the accident occurred. Our attorneys will identify every available avenue for your family’s recovery.
How much is a boating accident case worth in New York?
The value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries, your medical expenses, your lost income, the degree of permanent impact on your life, and the number of parties who share liability. Boating accident cases involving serious injuries, drownings, or defective vessel equipment can result in significant recoveries. We offer free consultations to give you a thorough and honest evaluation of your specific situation.
Injured in a New York Boating Accident?
Do not wait. Evidence on the water disappears quickly, vessels get repaired, and maritime deadlines can differ from what you expect. The sooner our team gets involved, the stronger your case will be.
Call us today for a free consultation. We will review your accident, answer every question you have, and walk you through your options with no pressure and no upfront cost.
