Bronx Boat Accident

Boat accidents occur on a regular basis and near waterways around New York. Such accidents do not only involve a speed boat or a rowboat capsizing. They also involve small watercraft such as jet skis or large commercial boats such as ferries. Just as there are many different types of watercraft involved in boat accidents, there are many different causes for boat accidents. Many watercraft accidents occur because someone was negligent and many people suffer serious injuries in such accidents such as broken bones and brain injuries. Depending on where the boat accident takes place the law that will be applied to a boat accident is either maritime law or New York law. Regardless of the law that applies, if someone's negligence caused your injuries you have the right to hold that person accountable. Because of the legal complexities typically associated with a boating accident, it you were injured in a boating accident and you suspect that the accident was caused by the negligence of another person, it is imperative that you contact an experienced Bronx boat accident attorney who will aggressively work to protect your legal rights and help you receive the maximum compensation given the facts of your case.

Boat accidents frequently involve the boat turning over, passengers falling off the boat, two boats colliding, or a boat sinking. In most cases watercraft collisions and accidents are preventable as they are typically caused by negligence. For example, one of the most common reasons for boat accidents are caused by operator inattention. Boats are not always viewed as complicated vehicles, but as fun pieces of recreational equipment. Thus, many people operate them without proper licensing, training, supervision or care. Other commons reasons for boat accidents are mechanical failure, alcohol use and excessive speed. As a result of such negligence victims suffer serious injuries and in some cases victims die.

Large commercial boats such as ferries make headlines when they are involved in accidents. Ferry accidents and other accidents involving commercial watercraft can be caused by operator error, poor maintenance, excessive speed and drug and alcohol use.

In addition to personal watercraft, commercial passenger boats, there are also boats that carry freight and that are used for other business purposes. These types of boats are also involved in accidents. In these cases the victims are likely to be employees and contractors.

There are a variety injuries that those involved in a boat accident may suffer. Only injuries that are deemed serious are compensable. Common serious boat accident injuries include broken bones, nerve damage, back injury, neck injury, traumatic brain injury, and spine injury.

Serious injuries from a boat accident can lead to substantial medical bills, extended recovery time, and inability to work. Through a personal injury lawsuit there are a variety of types of damages that may be available to you based on the losses you suffered. For example, seriously injured victims will undoubtedly face substantial medical expenses. These expenses include the fees your doctors charge, ambulance fees, emergency room fees, hospital fees, surgical fees, costs of prescriptions, costs of medical equipment, as well as fees associated with rehabilitation. In addition, if you miss work, the negligent party is responsible for paying you the wages and other compensation that you lost.

It is important to understand that the law that applies to an accident and the appropriate party to hold accountable depends on a number of factors including where the accident occurred, what type of watercrafts was involved, whether the victim was a passenger or employee, and who owned or operated the boat.

Boat accident cases are extremely complicated and may involve state, federal as well as international law. To make sure that your case is properly handled it is critical that those who represent you are experienced handling boat accident cases. Contact the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates to discuss the details of your case. Our staff is experienced in handling claims from people injured on a variety of watercraft including fishing boats, water skis, cruise ships, jet skis, commuter ferries, and sailboats. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. We represent clients in the following locations: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Manhattan, Nassau County, Queens, Staten Island, Suffolk County and Westchester County.