Injured in a Boating Crash? Talk to a New York Boating Attorney Today

5 min read time
Headshot of Nick Russo, a Manhattan-based car accident and auto injury lawyer at Morgan & Morgan Reviewed by Nick Russo, Trial Attorney at Morgan & Morgan, on July 29, 2025.
New York City skyline as seen from the Hudson River. Lower Manhattan with One World Trade Center as tallest building in the western hemisphere

Boating accidents might seem rare in a city known for its skyscrapers, subways, and traffic. Still, New York City’s waterfronts, rivers, and harbors make boating a major part of life, from recreation and tourism to transportation and commerce. Whether it’s a ferry crossing the East River, a private vessel off Staten Island, or a jet ski incident near the Rockaways, when something goes wrong on the water, the results can be catastrophic.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a boating accident in New York, you may be entitled to compensation. These cases often involve more than just unfortunate circumstances; they involve preventable negligence, reckless behavior, or equipment failure. And when they do, the legal system offers a path to accountability.

 

When a Day on the Water Turns Into a Life-Changing Injury

Operating a boat requires skill, attention, and respect for maritime rules, much like driving a car. Unfortunately, not every boater takes that responsibility seriously. Many boating accidents in the NYC area are caused by:

  • Operating a vessel while under the influence
  • Excessive speeding, especially in rough water
  • Inadequate or missing safety equipment
  • Overcrowded or overloaded vessels
  • Poor navigation in inclement weather
  • Collisions with other boats or fixed structures
  • Use of defective or poorly maintained equipment
  • Operating after dark without proper lighting

In cases like these, the line between an accident and recklessness isn’t always blurry. When someone disregards basic safety standards and puts others at risk, they may be held legally responsible for the resulting damage.

 

Legal Options for Victims of Boating Negligence

In the wake of a serious boating accident, you may be left with significant medical bills, lost income, and emotional trauma. A personal injury claim allows you to pursue compensation when someone else’s negligence or misconduct contributed to your injury.

Boating accident cases in New York can involve both state maritime laws and federal boating regulations, depending on where the incident occurred. An experienced attorney can help determine jurisdiction and guide you through the complexities of filing a claim.

Your legal options may include compensation for:

  • Emergency medical treatment and hospitalization
  • Ongoing rehabilitation and therapy
  • Transportation or in-home care services
  • Lost wages or long-term loss of earning ability
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress or psychological trauma
  • Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence or intoxication)

Compensation amounts vary depending on the severity of the injury, the conduct of the parties involved, and how significantly your life has been impacted.

 

How a Lawyer Builds Your Boating Accident Case

Pursuing a claim after a boating accident requires careful investigation and a deep understanding of maritime liability. At Morgan & Morgan, we begin by evaluating how the accident happened and identifying all responsible parties. That may include the boat operator, rental company, equipment manufacturer, or other third parties.

A strong boating accident case may involve:

  • Documenting the scene and photographing evidence
  • Obtaining police, Coast Guard, or marine incident reports
  • Interviewing eyewitnesses
  • Reviewing the operator’s boating history and certifications
  • Consulting experts to reconstruct what happened
  • Analyzing medical records to understand the full extent of injuries

We also evaluate any settlement offers and negotiate aggressively on your behalf. If the other side refuses to offer fair compensation, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial. Our attorneys have decades of courtroom experience and aren’t afraid to stand up to insurance companies or large corporations on your behalf.

 

The Timeline and Challenges of Boating Injury Claims

No two boating accident cases are the same. Some can be resolved quickly through settlements, while others, especially those involving multiple parties or serious injuries, may take months or even years to conclude.

New York law generally gives you three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, though certain exceptions apply. If a government entity (like a ferry service or harbor patrol) is involved, you may need to file a notice of claim within 90 days. Waiting too long can jeopardize your ability to recover compensation, which is why starting early is so important.

 

Emotional and Psychological Fallout From Boating Accidents

Physical injuries often come with emotional scars, especially when a joyful outing turns traumatic. Survivors of boating accidents frequently experience:

  • Anxiety around water or boats
  • Flashbacks or nightmares
  • Depression or PTSD
  • Survivor’s guilt after fatal collisions

These psychological injuries deserve to be taken just as seriously as broken bones or burns. In many cases, victims can pursue compensation for therapy costs, counseling, and the long-term emotional distress that follows a traumatic event.

 

When Negligence Happens on the Water, Accountability Still Applies

Just because a boat isn’t on a public road doesn’t mean operators are above the law. New York and federal boating regulations are in place for a reason, and when those rules are broken, people get hurt.

Victims of boating negligence have every right to seek justice, just as they would after a car or truck crash. That includes cases involving:

  • Personal watercraft (e.g., jet skis)
  • Private charters or party boats
  • Sightseeing vessels and dinner cruises
  • Water taxis or ferries
  • Marina or dockside accidents
  • Commercial shipping vessels

Whether your injury occurred on the Hudson, the East River, Jamaica Bay, or Long Island Sound, legal options are available to you.

 

What to Do After a Boating Accident in New York

If you’ve been involved in a boat-related injury, here’s what to do as soon as possible:

  • Seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries seem minor.
  • Report the incident to the appropriate authorities (NYPD Harbor Unit, Coast Guard, etc.).
  • Gather documentation, including photos, witness contact information, and boat registration details.
  • Avoid discussing fault with the other party or their insurance company.
  • Contact an experienced boating accident attorney to review your case and guide your next steps.

 

We Fight for Boating Accident Victims in New York

A boating injury can disrupt every part of your life. From hospital visits to missed paychecks to the trauma of surviving a preventable accident, the path to recovery is often long and unfair if you’re left to face it alone.

At Morgan & Morgan, we’ve been fighting for injury victims for over 35 years. We know the laws that apply to boating accidents in New York, and we have the experience and resources to hold negligent parties accountable, no matter how large or powerful they may be.

Whether you were hurt in a collision off the Bronx shore or injured while sightseeing near Manhattan, you may be entitled to compensation. Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case.

Contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free case evaluation. Let us help you chart a course toward justice and a full recovery.

Disclaimer
This website is meant for general information and not legal advice.

Injured? Getting the compensation you deserve starts here.

An illustration of a broken car.