Boating accidents in New York are not as uncommon as some would like to believe that they are. In fact, these can often occur due to an operator’s negligent or careless actions such as inattentiveness or intoxication. Many believe that because they are on the water, that the rules are much more lax; this can lead to them believing that drinking is okay. It, however, is not. Driving while impaired or when negligent can result in catastrophic injuries and possibly even wrongful death.
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Personal Injury Laws
A boat is very different from a car – it does not brake and maneuvers completely differently. It is therefore vastly important that operators are both properly trained and respectful of the vehicle that they are operating. The following vehicles are some of the most common to be involved in accidents while on a waterway:
- Motorboats;
- Sailboats;
- Jet skis;
- Military boats;
- Cruise ships;
- Ferries; and
- Fishing boats
New York boat accidents can also happen when a boat isn’t properly maintained. If you’ve been in an accident and need a lawyer contact us. One of our New York City personal injury lawyer can determine who was responsible and hold them accountable for monetary damages. This includes compensation for hospitalization, medical expenses, rehabilitation and home care. You may also be eligible for benefits to cover lost income, pain, suffering and emotional trauma.
Negligent Operation of Watercraft
This can result in head trauma, back problems and drowning, just to name a few. The boat accident lawyers at Hecht Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., are an experienced firm that can give you sound advice regarding boating accidents and how to file a claim. Boat owners are legally required to properly maintain their vessels and operate them safely.
Various state and federal regulations govern both private and commercial boating activities with guidelines regarding the speed at which vessels can travel during poor weather conditions, how many passengers are allowed on the boat, and the type of safety equipment that must be provided.
As your attorney, we will prepare all of the documentation needed for your claim and pursue any benefits that you are due, including wrongful death benefits if a loved one was fatally injured.
NY Ferry Accidents
When it comes to methods of transportation, there is virtually no way to avoid the potential for accidents and injuries. From motor vehicle collisions, to bus crashes, to motorcycle accidents, it seems as if every mode of transportation comes with its own set of potential perils. The same is true of ferry boats, which provide public transportation to hundreds of individuals on a daily basis.
Was the ferry boat following Coast Guard regulations?
In the aftermath of any type of accident, a thorough investigation into the nature of the incident must be conducted. This is particularly true of incidents related to ferry boat disasters. As a highly used method of public transportation, these water vessels carry with them the potential for catastrophe in the event that an accident of any nature should occur. Therefore, it is of the up most importance that the circumstances leading up to any sort of ferry boat accident be acutely investigated.
Strict guidelines and safety precautions exist in regard to the standard operations of ferry boats in areas throughout the U.S. Not only must these water-crafts adhere to state-specific regulations, but they are also subjected to federally mandated safety measures, as enforced by the U.S. Coast Guard. In the event of an accident, the standards of operation that were being conducted at the time that trouble struck need to be called into question. To do so effectively, a New York injury lawyer from our firm should be contacted at once.
All ferry boats that travel along U.S. waters must comply with the rules and regulations set forth by our nation’s Coast Guard. Among these regulations include the requirement to be fully equipped with expedient rescue boats, the requirement to be fully stocked with necessary firefighting gear, and the requirement to provide the appropriate number of life rafts and escape slides for the number of passengers and crew members aboard the water vessel. If it is found that any one of these requirements was neglected in the days or hours prior to a ferry accident, there could be serious cause for legal action.
Manning Requirements
The Coast Guard’s regulation of ferry boat operations in New York and throughout the country are extremely thorough. The guidelines imposed on ferry boat owners and operators are so extensive, in fact, that they even include regulations regarding the appropriate action to take should an act of terrorism threaten the lives aboard the vessel. Taking a closer look at the expectations of ferry crew members, it seems as if no possibility for potential problems has been overlooked. From the abandon-ship protocols needed in the event of a disaster to the regular firefighting drills required of crew members, every issue is provided with a preventive measure.
The U.S. Coast Guard’s manning requirements for ferry crew members perfectly exhibit the sheer level of thought and prevention-planning that have been invested into incidents of this nature. Take, for example, the stipulations under which these water vessels must be run. In order to safely and legally set sail, ferries must first be equipped with a minimum number of seafarers of predetermined designated ratings. These crew members are also required to carry merchant mariners’ documents for their appropriate ratings, as documented in the certification requirements of the Basic Training regulations.
Contact a NY Boat Injury Attorney
Boat accidents are much like other transportation accidents. Both can usually be reasonably avoided; both can leave unsuspecting victims severely injured; and both warrant the need to take legal action. As such, the professional team at Hecht Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., has dedicated a special portion of our personal injury practice specifically to the representation of boat accidents in New York City.
For persons who were injured on a boat or a ferry car deck, we are here to help. For persons who suffered from an accident resulting from poor maintenance, we are here to work for you. For persons whose lives were endangered by an engine room bilge accident, we are ready to assist you seek compensation. For those who lost a loved one due to drowning while on a boat, we sympathize and are here for you. With more than 75 years of combined experience, we are prepared to put our legal skills to work for you, so don’t wait to contact us today.
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09/09/2021
When I spoke to Mr.Noah Reiss he gave me valuable legal advice. Connected the dots who and why. He is a great asset to this firm. Will call him again as a friend. Thank you so much.
5
Harendra Gautam, HKD CLIENT
08/11/2021
Ross Raggio, did an amazing job on my case. The office staff was responsive and very helpful to my questions and concerns. I had a very good experience. I highly recommend this firm.
5
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06/22/2021
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Deniece Buffaloe, HKD CLIENT
04/01/2021
I am extremely satisfied and pleased most of all grateful for the services of Jonathan and his team! It is such a relief to have a strong team supporting you through a process that’s stressful. Thank you again for everything.
5
thabossladi87, HKD CLIENT
03/01/2021
Hetch,Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., is the law office I highly recommend. My attorney Judd Kleeger, accomplished to represent me, support my needs & secure my future after suffering a traumatic accident. Other lawyers couldn’t guarantee this to me but Judd…
5
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02/25/2021
I can say without hesitation that if you are injured due to someone else’s fault, that no one will fight harder and more passionately for you than Jordan Hecht and Judd Kleeger. I have worked side by side with them…
5
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02/23/2021
I highly recommend the law firm of Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek – as well as my attorney, Jordan Hecht. Jordan was able to answer all of my questions and put me at ease. He was always responsive and patient. He…
5
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02/23/2021
I have referred numerous cases to Judd Kleeger and the team at HKD. I feel very confident when i refer a client that they will be treated with the highest regard. Each of my referrals has had very positive experiences…
5
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01/29/2021
I was always able to reach my attorney Judd Kleeger with any concern I had about my case. He responded timely and with the utmost courtesy to my sometimes desperate phone calls and email. He knew exactly what to do…
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01/19/2021
The attorneys at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek are smart, professional, responsive and dedicated to achieving the best results for their clients. Most importantly, they are trustworthy and genuinely good people who you can depend upon.
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01/18/2021
Judd Kleeger and his team are extremely competent, super professional and have achieved consistently better results than I or my clients had anticipated. He is my “go to” PI team. This was my experience over a decade and not just…
5
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01/15/2021
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01/15/2021
I retained Judd Kleeger for a personal injury case. I would, without hesitation, recommend Judd, and his firm, for anyone who finds themselves in a situation that demands a tenacious advocate who will not stop fighting until he gets results.
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Lisa Dawn Angerame, HKD CLIENT
01/15/2021
I can’t recommend Judd Kleeger enough. He is without a doubt the most professional lawyer I’ve encountered. Judd Kleeger is diligent and quick in his responses, always making sure his clients are in the right hands. I’ve never had to…
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01/14/2021
Judd Kleeger is an exceptional attorney who makes sure to get the best possible outcome for his client. He is always available, and is knowledgeable, prepared and dedicated to his clients. He is not afraid to go to trial and…
5
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01/14/2021
Mr. Judd Kleeger and his team at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek are great! They always provide very thoughtful and caring advice. Mr. Kleeger is extremely professional and very easy to work with.
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Alan Levine, HKD CLIENT
01/06/2021
We quickly had to get legal counsel and we contacted Jordan Hecht. The rapport and guidance was outstanding at all times, prompt, timely and open for calls and updates. I can’t thank Jordan enough for his care, work and expertise….
5
Luljeta Chisolm, HKD CLIENT
12/29/2020
Had a great experience with attorney Ross Raggio. He was professional and attentive every step of the way – would highly recommend.
5
Carter Martin, HKD CLIENT
12/28/2020
Mr. Ross Raggio and his team at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., provided excellent legal services. His team and him were absolutely great, always returning calls or emails when we had questions about the case. Always very cordial, caring and…
5
Marisol Pitre, HKD CLIENT
12/11/2020
My wife and i are very grateful to Mr. Jordan Hecht for his sincere compassion and legal assistance during one of the most challenging time in our lives. He was extremely professional and answered all of our concerns. Mr. Hecht…
5
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12/10/2020
Very professional and very responsive. I would highly recommend this firm to anyone in need of an attorney. The attorney Ross Raggio, who was personally assigned to my case consistently followed through and was able to bring the case to…
5
Rene David Alkalay, HKD CLIENT
12/08/2020
Mr. Ross Raggio went above and beyond to settle my case during the height of the pandemic, a time when my options appeared limited and the likelihood of a satisfactory resolution seemed slim. He was responsive and professional, and was…
5
Kjanecaron, HKD CLIENT
12/07/2020
I was a sole practitioner specializing in personal injury law in NYC for more than 36 years. When I decided to retire, I had to make several critical decisions before terminating my practice. To whom should I refer my clients…
5
Martin Munitz, HKD CLIENT
12/07/2020
Ross was always available and working with my best interests, also very thorough with any questions I had along the case. Will recommend to others!
5
Dan Greenberg, HKD CLIENT
12/04/2020
Jordan Hecht of Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek is the best lawyer I’ve ever worked with. He is smart, tough, and very professional. I highly recommend the firm and could not have asked for a better outcome.
5
Ben S, HKD CLIENT
12/03/2020
The HKD law firm is highly professional, responsive and caring. They were willing to handle my case when other firms declined. Not only did we win our case, but received a huge settlement.
5
Linda Winikoff, HKD CLIENT
12/03/2020
My representation by Jordan Hecht and the whole staff at Hecht, Kleeger and Damashek was top notch professional and very productive
5
Peter Visconti, HKD CLIENT
12/02/2020
I have had the pleasure to work alongside Ross Raggio on several matters. He is an extremely talented attorney with an exceptional understanding of the law. I would recommend him and HK&D to anyone looking for a personal injury attorney.
5
Robert Dallas, HKD CLIENT
12/02/2020
I came to know the firm through my relationship with one of the partners, Jordan Hecht. Jordan and I became close friends in law school. I have since referred several cases to Jordan and his firm ranging from a mesothelioma…
5
Jeffrey Jagid, HKD CLIENT
12/02/2020
From the moment that I contacted this Law firm and got assigned Mr. Ross. They have been nothing but helpful, Especially Mr. Ross. In the time that Mr. Ross took my case, it took him 3 months to a get…
5
Kelvin Morel, HKD CLIENT
01/21/2020
I cannot speak highly enough about this firm. The situation that necessitated my need for legal representation was very stressful on me and my family and the lawyers here were with me every step of the way. I could always…
5
David Irwin, HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
I retained Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek for a serious personal injury case. They were very professional and managed to obtain a settlement for me that far exceeded my expectations. I would strongly recommend this firm for anyone’s legal needs.
5
Peter M., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
After meeting a half dozen lawyers at different firms, I decided to go to Hecht, Kleeger and Damashek. As soon as I met Jon Damashek, I knew I had to look no further. Mr. Damashek made me feel at ease…
5
Michael R., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
After meeting with Jon Damashek I knew immediately he was the right attorney for me. I had met with other attorneys in the past, but Jon’s experience, knowledge, and track record were most impressive. I highly recommend Jon Damashek and…
5
Ryan G., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
I know all three named partners at this firm and highly recommend them. They are very professional and tireless advocates for their clients. If you need a personal injury attorney, you cannot do better than Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek.
5
Eric G., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
I have worked with countless attorneys over the years and Jon Damashek stands out among them. I have seen first hand him advocate for his clients vigorously. He fights for the rights of the seriously injured, does not back down…
5
Wendy B., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
I had the opportunity to work with Jon Damashek and had an amazing experience. I have known Jon for many years and always felt very comfortable relying on his expertise and knowledge of the law and more importantly his ability…
5
Steven B., HKD CLIENT
07/05/2015
I cannot recommend Jon Damashek highly enough. I attribute the favorable outcome to my case to his consummate and tireless dedication and tenacity. Just as important, he was truly there with me every step of the way. He was very…
5
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06/05/2019
I had the opportunity of having this amazing team of lawyers work on my case. When I first met with Jordan Hecht and Michael Kusz, I really liked their energy and the spunk that they had, it meant business and…
5
Anonymous, HKD CLIENT
05/01/2015
“I had the opportunity to work with Jon Damashek and had an amazing experience. I have known Jon for many years and always felt very comfortable relying on his expertise, knowledge of the law, and more importantly – his ability…
5
Steven, HKD CLIENT
05/01/2015
“I cannot recommend Jon Damashek highly enough. I attribute the favorable outcome of my case to his consummate and tireless dedication and tenacity. Just as important, he was truly there with me every step of the way. He was very…
5
Mike, HKD CLIENT