boating accident attorney
A boating accident can turn a day of recreation into a life-altering tragedy, causing severe injuries, financial hardship, or even wrongful death. At Varcadipane & Pinnisi, P.C., our personal injury lawyers in New Jersey, New York, and Florida are dedicated to holding negligent parties accountable. With over 40+ years of combined experience and more than $40 million recovered for clients, we have the skills and resources to secure the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Boating carries unique risks, especially in popular destinations like New Jersey’s coastline, New York’s Hudson River, and Florida’s waterways. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, negligence such as operator inattention or intoxication is a leading cause of boating accidents. In Florida, the 2024 FWC Boating Accident Statistical Report noted 685 reportable accidents, 81 fatalities, and collisions with fixed objects as the top incident type, accounting for 31% of cases. Our firm serves clients across these states, leveraging our expertise to navigate complex maritime and state laws.
Our team is equipped to handle the complexities of both maritime and state-specific laws. Whether your case involves a recreational boat, jet ski, or charter vessel, we conduct thorough investigations to identify all liable parties and fight to maximize your recovery.
Boating accidents can occur in various ways, often due to negligence or unsafe conditions. Our personal injury lawyers in New Jersey, New York, and Florida handle a wide range of boating accident cases, ensuring victims receive justice and fair compensation.
| 🚤 Collisions with Vessels or Objects
Collisions with other boats, fixed objects like docks, or submerged hazards can cause severe injuries. In Florida, 31% of 2024 accidents involved fixed-object collisions, per the FWC report. We investigate operator negligence or equipment failures. Common Causes: • Operator inattention or excessive speed • Failure to navigate around visible or submerged obstacles • Inadequate lighting or signage contributing to accidents |
⚠️ Propeller & Drowning Incidents
Propeller strikes or falls overboard can lead to catastrophic injuries or drowning. The U.S. Coast Guard notes 58% of Florida boating deaths in 2024 were due to drowning. We pursue claims against negligent operators or owners. Common Causes: • Lack of life jackets or safety gear • Reckless operation causing passengers to fall overboard • Failure to maintain safe distances from swimmers or divers |
Operating a boat while impaired is illegal and dangerous. The 2024 FWC report found alcohol or drugs contributed to 23% of Florida boating fatalities. Our attorneys hold intoxicated operators accountable.
● Boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
● Owners allowing impaired individuals to operate vessels.
● Failure to enforce safety protocols on chartered boats.
Choosing the right attorney is critical after a boating accident. Varcadipane & Pinnisi, P.C., offers unmatched expertise, with Board Certified Civil Trial Attorneys recognized by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. Serving New Jersey, New York, and Florida, our team has recovered over $40 million for clients, including significant boating accident settlements.
Our firm combines legal acumen with a client-centered approach. We conduct thorough investigations, working with marine safety experts, reviewing U.S. Coast Guard reports, and analyzing medical records to build compelling cases. With offices in Paramus, New Jersey, New York City, New York, and Jacksonville, Florida, we understand local waterways and maritime laws, ensuring your case is handled with precision. Explore our team page to learn about our qualifications.
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We invite you to browse some our most Frequently Asked Questions (“FAQs”). Whether you are considering hiring an attorney for the first time or if you are in the middle of an ongoing case, these FAQs provide valuable information that may address some of your initial inquiries. Have specific questions about your unique situation? Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced legal professionals.
Read More FAQ'sOn a contingency fee basis, your legal fees will be based on the amount of recovery we make; no recovery means no fee. We handle all personal injury and medical malpractice cases on a contingency fee. Not all cases qualify for the contingency basis; we will tell you if yours does.
Yes. Each state and each case type has a filing deadline called the “Statute of Limitation.” You must file a lawsuit before the statute of limitation expires. Other factors may also apply.
For example, the Statute of Limitations for a personal injury case in New Jersey is two years from the date of the accident. The Statute of Limitations for a personal injury case in New York is three years from the date of the accident. If your case involves a public entity, your time limit to file a claim could be as short as ninety (90) days from the date of the accident. If you do not file a claim or a lawsuit within the statute of limitations, you will be barred from filing a lawsuit with the court. This is why it is important to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible after your injury.
Determining the value of a boating accident case is a complex process and depends on various factors such as the severity of your injuries, the amount of insurance coverage available, the impact on your daily life, the cost of medical treatment, and the extent of your financial losses. To determine the value of your case, it’s important to consult with one of our experienced personal injury lawyers. They can review the details of your case, assess the damages you have suffered, and provide you with a realistic estimate of what your case may be worth. Keep in mind that each case is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question.
The length of time it takes to resolve a case can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, including the complexity of the case, the amount of evidence involved, the number of parties involved, and the court system in which the case is being heard. Generally, personal injury cases can take anywhere between a few months to several years to resolve.
Some cases can be resolved quickly through negotiations or settlements, while others may take months or even years to go through the court system. It’s important to work closely with your attorney and to stay patient throughout the process. Your attorney can help provide a more accurate estimate of the timeline for your case based on the specifics of your situation. They can also keep you informed of any updates or changes that occur as the case progresses.
Remember that while the process may be frustrating and time-consuming, the ultimate goal is to reach a fair and just outcome for all parties involved.
Common causes include operator inattention, intoxication, excessive speed, equipment failure, and poor weather conditions. The 2024 FWC report noted 23% of Florida fatalities involved alcohol or drugs.
Liable parties may include the boat operator, owner, manufacturer, rental company, or dockworkers, depending on the cause of the accident, such as negligence, defective equipment, or improper maintenance.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partners, Jeffrey W. Varcadipane & Dawn M. Pinnisi, with more than 40 years of combined legal experience as personal injury attorneys.
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