Boating Accident Lawyers in Staten Island, NY
A day on the water should be relaxing and enjoyable, but when a boating accident causes serious injury, figuring out what to do next can be overwhelming. At Chelli & Bush, Attorneys at Law, our experienced boating accident lawyers in Staten Island, New York, understand the strain a boating accident can put on families. If you or a loved one has been injured, our
personal injury attorneys offer compassionate legal guidance and relentless advocacy to secure the full compensation you deserve.
Key Takeaways
- Liability matters — Watercraft operators, owners, and rental companies can all be held responsible for an accident caused by negligence.
- Comprehensive legal services — Our Staten Island boating accident attorneys handle all aspects of your case, from investigation and liability determination to communication with insurers and maritime agencies.
- Compassionate support — Our team is dedicated to helping injured victims and their families navigate this difficult time with confidence. Our client testimonials reflect the commitment we bring to every case.
- No fee unless we win—You pay nothing upfront for our services, and we get paid only if we secure a settlement or verdict for you.
Types of Boating Accident Cases We Handle
Personal injury claims involving boating accidents present different challenges than those involving motor vehicle crashes. Our lawyers have extensive experience handling boat accident cases in New York.
We help injured victims with a broad range of watercraft accidents, including:
- Collisions between vessels
- Injuries caused by wakes or waves
- Accidents involving rented or chartered boats
- Slip-and-fall accidents on deck
- Falls overboard
- Towing and propeller injuries
- Situations where intoxication was a factor
- Injuries sustained while working on or around a watercraft
How Do I Know if I Have a Boating Accident Claim?
If your injury was caused by someone else’s carelessness or negligence, you may have a valid claim. This can mean that the responsible party failed to operate their boat safely, didn’t properly maintain it, or violated an important safety rule or law. Whether you were hurt as an operator, passenger, swimmer, or skier, our boating accident lawyers can evaluate your case and advise you on whether you have a viable claim.
Liability in Boating Accident Claims
Each
personal injury case is unique. Typically, the operator of a boat is liable if negligence such as speeding or intoxication caused an injury. If another person owns the watercraft, they may be liable as well. Whether an accident involves a personal, rental, or commercial vessel, the individual and/or company may be on the hook for damages if they failed to properly maintain it, acted recklessly, or allowed the boat to be operated by someone who was unqualified.
How Does Insurance Work in Boating Accident Cases?
Usually, boating accident injuries are covered by the at-fault party's boat insurance policy. However, in some cases involving privately-owned vessels, a homeowner’s policy might offer limited coverage. Commercial vessels and charter companies carry a different type of liability insurance. Our boating accident lawyers identify all potentially liable parties, file claims on your behalf, and pursue the maximum compensation you need to safeguard your health and your family’s financial future.
Do Maritime Rules Affect My Case?
In many instances, yes. For example, the waters around Staten Island, including parts of the New York Harbor, are often considered navigable waters. This means that both state and federal maritime law may apply, which involves different rules and deadlines than other personal injury claims. Our boat accident attorneys ensure all required processes and deadlines are strictly followed so your opportunity to seek justice is fully protected.
The Jones Act
It’s also important to note that a federal law known as the Jones Act provides different legal protections for maritime workers hurt on the job. Unlike most employees in New York, a maritime worker may be allowed to bring a personal injury claim against their employer. Our Staten Island boating accident lawyers have the knowledge and resources necessary to navigate complex state and federal law.
How Our Personal Injury Attorneys Build Your Case
Determining the Value of Your Claim
How much your claim is worth depends on several factors, including the severity and long-term impact of your injuries and insurance policy limits of liable parties.
Our team works closely with respected medical experts, economists, and maritime accident reconstructions to ensure your claim covers the full scope of your current and future damages.
Types of Damages in Boating Accident Cases
Our boating accident attorneys in Staten Island can help you pursue damages such as:
- Current and future medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and long-term care
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship and consortium
Unfortunately, too many families suffer the loss of a loved one in a boating accident. An attorney can evaluate your case and determine whether a wrongful death claim may be an appropriate course of action for pursuing the justice deserve.
Investigation of Your Case
Accidents involving watercraft require extensive investigation. Our team gathers and analyzes evidence such as event data recorder (EDR) information, maintenance logs, GPS data, witness statements, and official reports to put the pieces of the puzzle together and prove negligence.
Dealing with Insurers
Even if an insurance adjuster has already contacted you or has offered a settlement, it’s critical to speak to a qualified personal injury lawyer. Insurance companies are not on your side. Their main goal is to pay as little as possible on claims. Your boating accident attorney negotiates voraciously on our behalf and won’t back down. If a reasonable agreement can’t be reached, we’ll prepare your case for trial and fight for your rights in court.
Steps to Take After a Boating Accident in New York
The steps you take immediately following a boat accident are critical to your health and potential personal injury claim:
Prioritize safety—Move away from immediate danger, ensure everyone is safe, and call for emergency help.
Document the scene—Take photos of the damage to all vessels, your injuries, the accident scene, and visible factors like weather or hazards in the water.
Report the accident—Cooperate with the police, Coast Guard, and other marine authorities. Get copies of any reports that are filed.
Gather Information—Collect the name, address, phone number, and insurance details of the operator and owner of the watercraft. It’s also a good idea to get the names and contact information of any witnesses.
Seek medical care—Your health should be your number one priority. Call for emergency help or go to the hospital immediately, even if injuries seem minor. This ensures you get the care you need and documents your injuries.
Limit communication with insurers—Do not give a statement, sign anything, or accept a settlement from an insurance company without consulting our boating accident attorneys first. We can handle all communications with insurers, so your rights and interests are protected.
Why Choose Our Staten Island Boating Accident Attorneys?
For more than 50 years, Chelli & Bush, Attorneys at Law, has provided relentless advocacy to injured victims in Staten Island, Brooklyn, and the surrounding communities. We handle hundreds of cases each year and have successfully recovered more than $500 million for our clients over the past five decades.
Experience in the law—Our trusted boating accident lawyers in Staten Island possess a deep understanding of local, state, and federal law. We’re familiar with the nuances of local courts at every level, which helps us develop effective legal strategies for our clients.
Thorough investigation—After a boating accident, our team immediately launches an independent investigation, gathers critical evidence, and works closely with respected experts to build the strongest possible case.
Personalized attention and support—Our mission is rooted in helping injury victims navigate challenging times with compassion and confidence. We keep you informed and provide the support you need every step of the way.
Contact a Boating Accident Attorney in Staten Island, NY
If a boating accident has put your life on hold, the dedicated team at Chelli & Bush, Attorneys at Law, is ready to fight for your financial recovery and future. To schedule a consultation with a boating accident lawyer near you in Staten Island, NY,
contact us or call 718-987-8444. We serve clients in Staten Island, Brooklyn, and surrounding areas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Boating Accidents in New York
How long do I have to file a boating accident claim in New York?
Generally, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years in New York and two years for wrongful death. However, deadlines and processes vary depending on the circumstances, so it’s critical to contact our boating accident lawyers as soon as possible.
What if the other watercraft operator was drinking or fled the scene?
If an operator who caused an accident was intoxicated, it can significantly strengthen your claim for negligence. If they left the scene, our team coordinates with authorities to identify them. In either situation, we can determine whether your own boating policy provides uninsured/underinsured boater coverage.
Can I make a claim against a family member or friend if I was hurt as a passenger on their boat?
Yes. Victims are often hesitant to file claims if they were boating with a loved one. However, it’s important to understand that you are filing a claim with their boat insurer, not them personally.
How much does it cost to hire a boating accident lawyer?
Our team works on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay any attorneys’ fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation where we listen to your story and discuss your rights and options.