Boat Accidents in Buffalo

Taking the boat out on Lake Erie, the Niagara River, or other bodies of water around Buffalo is an ideal way to spend a beautiful day. Unfortunately, things sometimes go wrong, and an outing might end with an accident that seriously injures you or your passengers.

While boating incidents have declined in recent years, they’re still all too common. The U.S. Coast Guard reported 3,844 incidents in 2023, more than 300 per month. Those accidents resulted in 564 deaths and more than 2,100 injuries.

Besides the possibility of injury and death, boat accidents can be incredibly costly to everyone involved. To explore your legal rights and recover the compensation you need, look no further than Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law. Our experienced personal injury attorneys in Buffalo can help evaluate your case and help you find justice and peace of mind.

Common Causes of Boat Accidents in Buffalo

Boating accidents in Buffalo usually stem from a handful of common causes, including inexperience at the wheel, sudden storms, and operator error. These situations are often someone else’s fault, raising questions and concerns about legal liability. Here are some of the factors behind boating accidents in our region, based on the experience of our attorneys at Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law.

Boating While Impaired

Too many boating accidents result from drinking or using drugs and then taking the wheel. According to the U.S. Coast Guard’s 2023 recreational boating statistics, around 17% of sailing accident fatalities resulted from operator impairment.

Distractions and Lack of a Lookout

Lakes and other bodies of water are so expansive that it’s sometimes hard to believe collisions are possible, but they do happen. For example, boaters can be distracted by their cellphones or conversations with passengers and fail to see an approaching craft. Ensuring someone is a lookout is crucial for spotting potential hazards in time.

Inexperienced Boating

No one is born with boating knowledge. Some new boaters may take longer to grasp boating rules and techniques, which increases risk. Inexperience can lead to poor decision-making, especially during emergencies, changing weather conditions, and complicated docking and anchoring maneuvers.

Speeding

It’s essential to obey speed limits. Compliance protects your safety and that of others and respects the environment. Speeding can increase the risk of losing control of your boat, especially amid large waves and changing currents. A lack of experience can compound the risks, as speed lowers the margin of error.

Boat Malfunction or Defective Equipment

Malfunctions are a frequent cause of boating accidents. Engines often overheat and fail, which removes steering capabilities and leads to collisions. Safety equipment, such as life jackets or fire extinguishers, is often not maintained and becomes defective. This negligence can make a bad situation worse.

What To Do After a Boat Accident in Buffalo

Your first thoughts after a boating accident should be the wellbeing of yourself, your passengers, and anyone else involved. Take stock of your injuries and provide first aid if you can. Call for help as soon as possible and tell first responders of your need for medical assistance.

Our memories of an event are often freshest at the moment it happens, so try to document the accident. Consider diagramming what happened and taking photos and videos to illustrate the scene.

If it’s safe to do so, exchange contact information with everyone in the boat and any witnesses. Their accounts will be critical in documenting the events and establishing the facts supporting your compensation claim.

New York has some strict requirements for accident reporting. Anyone involved in an accident with injuries, a fatality, or property damage over $1,000 must inform State Parks in writing within five days. Failure to do so could result in fines.

Your next step in the following days is to contact a Buffalo boat accident lawyer, such as ours at Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law. We strive to uncover the facts and evaluate your claim to discern the best possible strategy for winning compensation.

How Our Buffalo Boat Accident Lawyers Can Help

With decades of experience in personal injury and wrongful death law, our Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law attorneys are equipped with the necessary tools, knowledge, and contacts to handle your case.

In filing a personal injury lawsuit, you may be able to recover expenses for:

  • Medical care, including emergency treatment and hospitalization, surgeries, medications, and any ongoing treatments
  • Physical therapy or other rehabilitative services
  • Assistance or adaptive support devices you need while you recover
  • Home and vehicle modifications to accommodate any lingering injuries
  • Lost wages due to absence from work during recovery
  • Diminished earning capacity resulting from a disability or permanent inability to work
  • Ongoing pain and suffering
  • Property damage

Another vital role our team can play is handling negotiations with opposing insurers. They’ll often contact victims soon after an accident, when they’re most vulnerable, to press for a settlement. Let our team at Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law represent your interests. We’re ready to fight hard for as long as necessary for your rights.

If You’ve Suffered a Boat Accident, Contact Us Today

Any accident, be it on the road or on the water, can leave you feeling adrift at sea, emotionally shaken and unsure of where to go next. At Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law, we’re ready to stand by your side. We can apply our extensive experience in Buffalo’s waterways and state and federal boating regulations to evaluate your case. Call us or contact us online for a free consultation.