Finger Lakes Boating Accident
Every summer, sailboats and power boats, canoes and jet-skis crisscross the Finger Lakes. What better way to enjoy Seneca Lake, Canandaigua Lake, Cayuga Lake, Keuka Lake and more of the small and pristine bodies of water that draw millions of tourists to Central New York State.
Unfortunately, the fun of boating is all too frequently marred by accidents. The fishing, swimming, and socializing is sometimes tragically disrupted by serious, even fatal mishaps.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, seven of the top 10 causes of boating accidents are related to human mistakes.
The leading causes of boating accidents include alcohol use, carelessness, reckless operation, operator inattention or inexperience, excessive speed, and passenger or water-skier behavior. Careless or reckless operation, often exacerbated by drinking alcohol, is the No. 1 cause of boating injuries and deaths.
Over the years, the Ziff Law Firm has handled many substantial boating accident cases over the years including:
- A Seneca Lake boating accident that occurred when a drunken boat operator, crashed into the Watkins Glen seawall at night, badly injuring our client, who was a passenger in the boat.
- Another Seneca Lake boating accident in which a young water skier was run over by the propeller of a motor boat.
- A Keuka Lake jet-ski accident in which two inexperienced jet-ski operators collided at high speed.
- A Cayuga Lake jet-ski accident in which a jet-ski operator ran into a dock, at night and at high speed — causing serious injuries to his passenger.
Many inexperienced boaters believe that boats handle like cars, or don’t even require the same level of skill to drive. Nothing could be further from the truth. Boats and jet skis cannot stop quickly. They create wakes which can impact other boats, water skiers or swimmers. Boating lanes are not clearly marked like roads. And out on the water with friends, it’s a big temptation to party and drink, even though it’s dangerous to have impaired judgment out on the water.
Choose an attorney with boating accident experience
Boating accidents often occur because people don’t appreciate the risks of boating. Attorneys with experience in handling boating accidents know that these accidents are different from car accidents. Not only do Ziff Law Firm lawyers have experience in handling local boating accidents, we are first-person familiar with local boating – attorney Adam Gee keeps a boat at a marina on Keuka Lake, while managing partner Jim Reed has a cottage on Seneca Lake.
Lawyers with experience handling boating collisions know that there are particular rules and regulations governing these cases, very different from those that apply to auto accidents. They also know to find and collect important evidence to conduct successful cases for clients. The Ziff Law Firm has represented boating accident victims, and helped them recover damages to replace wages lost while they recovered, the cost of health care, compensation for their pain and suffering, and more.
If you or someone you care about needs the advice of experienced lawyers with the information about your legal rights and potential compensation after a boating accident, contact us. We’re ready to help and have a proven record of success. Call (607) 733‑8866 or toll-free (800)-943‑3529; or for more information, e-mail info@zifflaw.com.
