New York Boat Accident Law A New York boat accident lawyer can help you obtain compensation for your physical and mental suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, scarring, medical bills, future medical expenses, and lost wages. You can also receive compensation for the death of loved ones. The degree of fault can be determined using the principles of proximate causes like the foreseeability or injury or loss. A competent attorney will look into the facts and identify possible responsible parties. Ferry Boat Accidents Ferry boats transport people across lakes, rivers and other waterways. Commercial vessels must adhere to the Coast Guard's rules and regulations whenever they travel on navigable waterway. This includes checking their equipment for mechanical issues regularly and making sure there are enough personal flotation devices aboard to ensure the safety of all passengers in case of a serious accident. The captain of a ferry boat is also accountable for steering the vessel in a secure manner. If the captain displays reckless or negligent behavior and is found to be negligent, it could be grounds for a lawsuit against him or her. Crew members and passengers can suffer injuries while on a ferry boat due to various reasons. Slip and fall accidents may occur on the steps that lead onto or off of the ferry, as well as on other surfaces within the boat. These accidents could result in broken bones, concussions, or head trauma. Also, people can fall overboard when safety measures are not in place, or the boat is rocked by the weather. If you're injured on a boat, you can sue the company for violations of maritime and admiralty law as well as workers compensation. Your lawyer will be able identify who is responsible for your injury and make sure that you are compensated for all losses. Personal Watercraft Accidents The injuries suffered by passengers of personal watercrafts like Jet Skis and WaveRunners can range from minor bruises and cuts to severe injuries that can result in traumatic brain injuries or even death. Direct impact with another vessel, or a fixed object, is the most frequent cause of serious injuries. PWC collisions with other personal watercrafts, or speeding boats are a common occurrence. Unexperienced drivers are often incapable of assessing their speed and distances, resulting in head-on collisions which can result in various injuries, including neck and back pain, traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries, paralysis, and death. Many personal watercraft accidents happen due to drunk or reckless operators who speed and pilot their boats recklessly. A few of these accidents can be caused by defective products. For instance, certain personal watercrafts come with pump-jet engines that are able to draw the water up and blow it out at high levels. If you or a loved one was injured in an accident on a boat, call an experienced personal injury attorney immediately. You can establish the liability and proof by taking photographs of your injuries or wounds, noting down any important details regarding the incident, and gathering names of witnesses. It is vital to seek medical attention immediately in the event of injuries such as head injuries from trauma may not show up through an X-ray or other diagnostic tests for several days or even weeks following the accident. Boating Accidents on Navigable Waterways If a boat crash occurs on navigable waters it could fall within federal maritime law. It could be because the body of water is used for international or interstate commerce or as an area that could be used in the future. In these instances state tort law could also be applied. It is essential to speak to a personal injury attorney familiar with this type of situation to determine the law that applies. It is possible that negligence was at play, regardless of whether the accident was on a private or public vessel. In most cases, it is the person operating the boat. This is because boats require specific skills to operate safely and they are not a safe method of transport if the person doesn't have the proper knowledge or training. In other instances the negligence of a fellow passenger may be to blame. This is especially true if the person was reckless or in a criminal way. A state agency can also be held responsible if they were negligent in maintaining or operating the waterway where the accident occurred. A boating incident is usually tragic and can cause serious injuries or even death. If you've suffered injuries in an incident on the boat due to the negligence or another person, it is imperative to speak with an experienced Buffalo lawyer immediately following a boating accident. Boating Accidents on Non-Navigable Waterways When examining the causes behind boat accidents, there are a variety of causes that are both within and outside the control of the individual. Certain boat accidents are caused by carelessness of the boat's owner, such as when the boater speeds up or operates his vessel beyond his experience level. Other causes are beyond the control of the boater, like debris floating in the water and weather conditions. Depending on the location in which your accident took place, federal maritime law or state tort laws may apply. To be able to be considered a case under federal maritime law, it must have "nexus" with maritime traditional activities or a potential disruptive impact on maritime commerce. Collisions between recreational vessels may not meet this requirement. Your case could be governed by state law. A lawyer with experience should be contacted immediately after a boating incident is crucial. An attorney can identify which laws were not followed and help you pursue compensation for your damages. If you've been injured as a result of an accident while on a boat, the Joye Law Firm is able to protect your rights and vigorously pursue the compensation you're entitled to. Contact us today to start. Your initial consultation is free of cost. We don't get paid unless you do. We offer flexible schedules to accommodate your needs. https://vimeo.com/709610723 are located in New York City, we represent clients across the nation. To make it easier for you we have offices in Albany, Buffalo, and Poughkeepsie.