Boating accidents happen in NY Harbor, off Montauk and the Hamptons, on Long Island Sound, and on upstate lakes. The injuries are often severe — propeller strikes, drownings, fires, and crashes between vessels. Liability gets complicated fast because state law, federal admiralty law, and Coast Guard regulations all apply. We sort it out and get clients paid.
Madison Law Firm PLLC · 579 5th Ave, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10017
Was the operator drunk, untrained, or operating without a license? Was the vessel maintained? Did the rental company skip inspections? We pull Coast Guard incident reports, vessel registration records, operator certifications, and maintenance logs.
Some boating cases fall under state law. Others — especially those on navigable waters between states — fall under federal admiralty law. The difference affects what damages you can recover, who can be sued, and where the case is filed. We make the right call upfront.
Rental companies, boat owners, charter operators, marina operators, and even other passengers can be liable depending on the facts. We chase the full insurance picture — most commercial operators carry $1M+ coverage. Recreational owners may have homeowner's umbrella that picks up boating claims.
Every case is different. The recoverable damages depend on your injuries, the insurance available, and the facts of your case.
If your injury happened on navigable waters, federal admiralty law may apply — which has different rules for damages, jury trials, and statutes of limitations. Some claims must be filed in federal court. We know the difference and route your case correctly.
BUI (Boating Under the Influence) is illegal in NY at the same 0.08 BAC threshold as driving. A drunk operator opens punitive damages on top of the regular compensatory case. If alcohol was involved, evidence — including witness statements and Coast Guard reports — needs to be preserved fast.
Most NY boating accidents happen between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The witnesses, dock workers, and bystanders who can verify what happened often leave the area at season's end. We move quickly to lock in their statements before they're gone.
We answer 24/7. Free consultation. No fee unless we win.