Boating and Personal Watercraft Accidents

Located at the foot of the Tappan Zee Bridge, a few hundred yards from the Hudson River, our Firm is uniquely aware of the dangers inherent in boating and the use of personal watercraft such as Jet Skis and Wave Runners. These accidents can cause catastrophic damage including head and brain injuries, fractures, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, and even death.

Boating and personal watercraft accidents typically have many causes, including not only operator inexperience, alcohol, and drugs, but also marine obstructions and inadequate lights or warnings.

Operating a boat or personal watercraft under the influence of alcohol is even more dangerous on the water than on land, as the engine noise, water spray, wind, and motion of the boat or watercraft usually combine to increase an operator’s impairment. Judgment, reaction time, and coordination are more adversely affected by alcohol use on the water than on land.

Additionally, with or without alcohol involvement, even experienced boaters may be unaware of the full spectrum of danger which may lurk on the water, including unlit or inadequately lit obstructions, shallow depth, other boats, etc. Often, boating accidents happen at night, when visibility is low, and unseen dangers combine with operator impairment or inexperience to bring sudden and unexpected accidents which could have been avoided.

Our Firm’s approach to these cases is unique. We engage in a thorough and immediate investigation and then seek accountability from all those responsible for an accident, including not only the operator of the boat or watercraft involved, but also any others who may have contributed to the accident through their negligence. For example, if the boater was served alcohol by a bar or marina while underage or visibly intoxicated, we seek to hold the bar or marina accountable. If the boat contacted an unlit or unseen obstruction, we pursue those who negligently caused or permitted it to exist without warning or adequate lighting.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident involving a boat or personal watercraft, the Firm’s personal injury attorneys can help.

The vast majority of our firm’s cases come to us from other lawyers and law firms who trust us to handle their friends, family members and clients’ personal injury and medical malpractice cases. We are grateful for their trust, which we believe has been earned by our personal approach, attention to detail, and, most importantly, our results.

Contact Us
It’s recommended you pursue a claim as soon after your accident as possible, as prompt and thorough investigation may make the difference between winning and losing your case, and there are certain time limitations on how long you have to file a claim. If you wish to discuss your accident, please call our South Nyack Office at (845) 353-2000 to arrange a free consultation.

No Lawyer’s Fees Unless We Recover
Call us for a free consultation. There are no lawyer’s fees unless we recover for you. If we agree to handle your case, we will work on a contingent fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you do, and the consultation is free.