January 1, 2020, marked the day “Brianna’s Law” went into effect. This means that individuals who own boats with engines are now required to take a boating safety course before they are allowed on the water. This course is available to New Yorkers either in four 2-hour segments or two 4-hour segments.
“Brianna’s Law” came about as a result of a catastrophic boating accident that occurred 15 years ago where an 11-year-old, Brianna, was fatally injured. The legislation has drawn support from both aisles, as its main purpose is common-sense safety training to help ensure such accidents never happen again. As of this January, individuals who are caught operating boats with motors without completing the boating safety course will be fined $200.
Though the new law hopes to deter such horrendous accidents from occurring, the truth is, people will always be careless, and accidents will always happen. Of course, boating accidents are sometimes inevitable, however, this is not always the case. If you have been injured in a boating accident over this past boating season, it is not too late–you may still seek financial compensation. In fact, the statute of limitations in New York for personal injury claims is three years, which means individuals have three years from the date of their accident to take legal action against the negligent party that caused their injuries. Please read on and reach out to our experienced New York boating accident attorneys to learn more about how we can help you through the legal process going forward:
What are some of the most common causes of boating accidents?
Boating accidents can be caused by several different factors, including poor weather, rough waters, operator inexperience, collisions, speeding, boating under the influence, lack of safety equipment on board, speeding, and more.
How do I know if I qualify for compensation after an accident?
To qualify for financial compensation, you will have to hire an attorney who can prove that you were injured due to another party’s negligence. However, this is oftentimes easier said than done. Our firm will work to obtain pictures or videos of the accident, its aftermath, and the injuries you have sustained as a result. Additionally, we will seek out witness statements, medical documents, and police reports of the incident, as well as any other information our firm deems necessary to attain the justice you deserve.
Contact our experienced New York City firm
Our entire legal team is dedicated to providing the advice you need and the personalized attention you deserve. If you have been injured due to another party’s negligence, call 212-421-0300 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a New York City personal injury lawyer. You may be entitled to financial compensation, which can help you on your road to recovery.
