Summer in New York means beautiful weather and the opportunity to get out on one of the many waterways that surround the city. However, summer has the greatest frequency of boating accidents. Throughout the past several summers, Long Island has been home to many different boating accidents due to an increased level of boat traffic, inexperienced boat drivers, and drinking while boating. This past Memorial Day Weekend, a young woman was severely injured in a boating hit-and-run on the Patchogue River.
Even if you are operating a boat safely and carefully, it is sometimes impossible to avoid being involved in an accident due to another boater’s unsafe navigation. The lawyers at the Law Office of Richard M. Kenny have aided many New Yorkers through boating accident cases. We have years of experience working with seasoned professionals, including accident reconstructionists, who can help you build your case. The injuries suffered during a boating accident can be severe, creating a tumultuous and stressful time for you and your family. The Law Office of Richard M. Kenny is here to help.
If you or a loved one were hurt in a boating accident, you can potentially seek compensation from the party whom you believe was responsible for causing the accident by filing a personal injury lawsuit. In this type of case, the victim generally must prove that the defendant acted negligently.
Many factors can contribute to a boating accident either on a privately owned boat, a personal watercraft such as a jet ski, or even a ferry. Some of these factors include:
- Driver error
- Driver inexperience
- Driving while intoxicated
- Equipment failure
- Adverse weather and/or water conditions
As a general rule of law, a boat operator and its owner must exercise the highest degree of care to prevent injuries to those passengers in the boat or swimmers or others in the waters or boats around them. When an operator or owner fail to do so and someone suffers serious personal injuries, they may be able to file a lawsuit to hold wrongdoers accountable.
When an accident occurs on the waterways, The Law Office of Richard M. Kenny can help injured victims or surviving family members to file a claim. Those responsible for the incident may be obligated to cover damages, including medical costs, pain and suffering, lost income and emotional distress. The lawyers at the firm have over a century of personal injury trial experience and have acquired over $250 million in personal injury settlements. Call today for a free consultation to figure out the next steps in your boating accident injury.
