New York City Boating Accident Attorneys

Aggressive Legal Representation for NYC Watercraft Accident Victims

Boating is a favorite pastime for many New Yorkers, whether on the Hudson River, the East River, or out in the waters surrounding Long Island. Unfortunately, what should be a relaxing day on the water can turn into tragedy when boat operators act recklessly or fail to follow boating safety regulations. When someone’s negligence causes a boating accident that results in serious injuries or death, the responsible party must be held accountable.

At The Doan Law Firm, we represent boating accident victims and their families across New York City. Our team understands the devastating effects these accidents can have—physically, emotionally, and financially—and we are here to help you pursue justice and maximum compensation.

Connect with our dedicated team for a compassionate consultation today, and let’s begin the discussion on how we can help you obtain the justice and compensation you deserve. Dial (800) 349-0000!

Common Causes of Boating Accidents in NYC

Many boating accidents are entirely preventable and occur because of carelessness, recklessness, or intoxication. Some of the most frequent causes we see include:

• Boating Under the Influence (BUI): Alcohol is one of the leading contributing factors in boating accidents. Intoxicated operators experience slowed reaction times, poor balance, and impaired judgment—dangerous traits when navigating busy waterways.
• Excessive Speed: Speeding on the water is just as dangerous as speeding on the road. High speeds make it more difficult to react to other vessels, swimmers, or obstacles.
• Operator Inexperience: New York requires boating safety education for certain operators, but inexperienced boaters still cause accidents by failing to yield, misjudging distances, or not understanding navigation rules.
• Distracted Boating: Using a phone, talking with passengers, or focusing on music can take a boater’s attention off the water, leading to devastating collisions.
• Failure to Maintain Vessel: Poorly maintained boats can suffer mechanical failures, steering problems, or engine issues that result in accidents.

No matter the cause, when another party’s negligence leads to your injuries, you have the right to seek compensation.

Common Injuries in Boating Accidents

The unpredictable nature of water means boating accidents can cause catastrophic injuries. Victims often suffer from:

• Drowning or Near-Drowning Injuries
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) from falls, propeller strikes, or being thrown overboard
• Spinal Cord Injuries leading to partial or full paralysis
• Broken Bones and Lacerations from collisions or propeller contact
• Internal Organ Damage that may require emergency surgery
• Psychological Trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

In the most tragic cases, families are left grieving the wrongful death of a loved one.

New York Boating Laws and Liability

New York enforces strict boating safety regulations, and when operators violate these laws, they may be held both criminally and civilly liable. For example, boating while intoxicated (BWI) carries severe criminal penalties similar to driving under the influence.

From a civil standpoint, victims can bring a personal injury claim to recover damages such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. If criminal charges are filed against the boat operator, that case can support your civil claim but does not replace the need to file one.