New York Boat Accident Lawyer
Boating can be a very fun and relaxing pastime, but it can also be highly dangerous for the boating amateur, or even for the experienced navigator. There are many opportunities to participate in water sports in and around New York’s Hudson Valley, and thus, many chances to be injured by negligent or intoxicated novice boaters. If you or a family member has been injured in a boating accident in the Hudson Valley, contact an experienced New York boat accident lawyer for a consultation on your claims by calling Rusk, Wadlin, Heppner & Martuscello.
Alcohol a leading cause of boating deaths
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, there were 4,064 recreational boating accidents in the US in 2014, resulting in 610 fatally injured persons and some $39 million in property damage. The Coast Guard has determined that the most common factor playing a leading role in recreational boating deaths is alcohol use, which was present in 21% of fatal accidents. Other leading factors include:
- Operator inattention
- Improper lookout
- Operator inexperience
- Excessive speed
If you’ve been injured by a driver who operated a boat while intoxicated, you may be entitled to punitive damages, in addition to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An experienced attorney can help you recover the maximum amount of compensation available for your injuries.
Ways to prevent boating injuries
There are certain steps boaters can take to reduce the risk of injury. Among those involved in fatal boating injuries, only 12% of the operators had received a certificate from a nationally-approved boating safety course. Boaters are encouraged to take a safety course offered by the Red Cross, Coast Guard Auxiliary, US Sailing, or other reputable organization before getting behind the wheel of a boat. Never drink before operating a boat, and ensure that all passengers are wearing official safety vests when on the water. Check the weather report before going out on the water, and make sure you have all the supplies you’ll need on the boat before your trip, including flashlights, flares, a first aid kit, and a map of the relevant waterway.
For assistance in seeking damages to which you’re entitled for injuries received in a Hudson Valley boating accident, contact a New York boating accident lawyer at the law firm Rusk, Wadlin, Heppner & Martuscello for a free consultation on your possible lawsuit, at 845-331-4100 for our Kingston office or 845-236-4411 for our office in Marlboro.