New York Ferry and Water Taxi Accident Lawyers

March 15, 2019 |

Personal Injury

The Hudson River, the East River and the New York Harbor experience some of the heaviest maritime traffic in the country. These waters are heavily traveled by ferries, maintenance boats and barges. When an accident occurs on the water, people often suffer severe or catastrophic injuries.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a ferry or water taxi accident, you may not know where to turn for help. A New York ferry or water taxi accident attorney can assist you in seeking the compensation you deserve if you have been injured due to someone else’s recklessness.

Establishing Liability

Table of Contents

1 Establishing Liability
2 Common Causes of Boating Accidents
3 What to Do If You Are Injured in an NYC Boat/Ferry/Water Taxi Accident
4 How Can Belluck & Fox Help Me?

Negligence is the legal concept used to determine who is liable in a ferry, water taxi or boating accident around Manhattan.

For you to recover compensation for injuries suffered in a ferry or water taxi accident, you must be able to show that someone else’s actions were negligent. In other words, you must be able to prove that they acted (or failed to act) in a way that would prevent you from harm.

In a ferry accident, this could mean demonstrating that the boat operator was careless in some way. If he or she was distracted, drowsy, intoxicated or otherwise unable to operate the vessel responsibly, then he or she could be held liable for the accident.

Other parties could be held liable for your injuries as well. If the owner or company responsible for hiring the boat operator failed to provide training or supervision of their employee, then the company could also bear some responsibility for what happened. The company, manufacturer or owner of the watercraft could also be held liable if the boat itself was defective or poorly maintained.

An experienced watercraft accident attorney can investigate the accident and determine how it happened and which party or parties are responsible for your injuries. Your lawyer will then make sure to hold them accountable by demanding full and fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost income and other losses resulting from the accident.

Common Causes of Boating Accidents

There are many reasons why a ferry or water taxi may be involved in an accident. Below are some of the most common causes of boating accidents:

Reckless operation of a watercraft (e.g., distracted driving)
Operating a vessel while intoxicated
Speeding
Violating boating laws
Equipment failure
Failure to take safety precautions

No matter what caused your ferry or water taxi accident, you should contact the skilled attorneys at Belluck & Fox to learn about your rights to compensation.

What to Do If You Are Injured in an NYC Boat/Ferry/Water Taxi Accident

The first thing to do after an accident is to seek immediate medical treatment.

Next, make sure that the accident is reported to the appropriate authorities. When serious injuries occur to people or vessels in a boating accident, they must be reported to the U.S. Coast Guard. If you are concerned that a report has not been filed in a timely fashion, follow up with the authorities to make sure a report is filed.

If a public entity, including the New York City Department of Transportation, may be liable for your injuries, a claim usually must be filed within 90 days of the date the accident occurred. This does not apply in all cases, and an experienced attorney can help you meet any deadlines in your specific case.

How Can Belluck & Fox Help Me?

Boating rules and regulations can be complex, so it is crucial to contact an attorney who will understand your situation and assist you in fighting for your rights. As NYC ferry and water taxi accident attorneys, the legal team at Belluck & Fox is prepared to help you get the full compensation you deserve.

Schedule a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable attorneys today.