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Buffalo Boat Accident Attorneys
Advocating for victims and families of serious boat accidents
With access to Lake Erie, the Niagara River, and other bodies of water, boating is big in the Buffalo area. But with this popular recreational activity comes a substantial risk of injury and death. Whether you are the one operating a boat or a passenger on someone’s vessel, you could become seriously hurt in an accident.
Having skilled legal counsel in your corner is a must. That’s why the attorneys at O’Brien & Ford PC work hard for boat accident victims. If you or a loved one has been hurt due to someone else’s negligent or irresponsible conduct, let us explain how you can seek monetary compensation for your injuries.
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More than $100 million recovered in verdicts and settlements for those injured in New York.
How We Can Help
Why clients trust O’Brien & Ford PC
Hiring a law firm means more than simply hiring someone who understands the law. Legal experience is the bare minimum that any boat accident victim should expect. What makes the real difference is how your firm treats you: Are you simply another docket or file number, or are you a victim who deserves compassionate advocacy?
We are not a high-volume firm that focuses on churning through clients. Instead, our business model is client-focused. We intentionally have a selective and limited caseload that allows us to dedicate resources, time, and effort to the real needs and lived experiences of our clients. We bring this and more to the table in each case:
A free, no-obligation case consultation
We want you to understand your legal options before committing to us. For that reason, we offer a free, one-hour initial consultation so you can ask the important questions and learn how we can serve you.
Representing clients on a contingency fee basis
This means there are no upfront retainers or hourly attorneys’ fees you have to pay. We only get paid if we win, as a percentage of the total dollar figure. This approach provides legal access to victims who otherwise could not afford experienced counsel.
Quick access and communication
When you call, you get connected quickly with a lawyer. Your file is not simply passed off to a paralegal from an attorney you will never see or hear from. You deserve personalized legal representation, and we aim to provide it.
Proactive representation
We know you want expeditious representation, so we take steps to move your case forward and go to trial if necessary.
Community ties
O’Brien & Ford PC is proud of its active investment in the community. We are sponsors of the Irish Classical Theatre Company, Taste of Country, and Clarence Soccer Club. One of our partners also serves on the Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) board.
We work to recover the maximum amount of compensation available in your case. And we will address your questions and concerns from start to finish, representing you with professionalism and skill. To learn more about us, review some of these testimonials from clients just like you.
Testimonials
What Our Clients Say About Us
“The professionalism I received from the entire staff was great. Christopher Pannozzo, Annat and John worked tirelessly to get me the justice I deserve. Even Patrice the receptionist was professional and always a joy to talk to. Thank you guys for the hard work and taking my case.”
“I highly recommend O'Brien & Ford, P.C. to anyone who has been injured and needs someone they can trust. I’m extremely thankful for everything Anant and his team did for me and for the way I was treated throughout the entire process. They were professional, knowledgeable, and always took the time to explain things clearly and answer my questions. I would highly recommend this law firm.”
“Best firm ever, very smart and knowledgeable law firm. I always felt in great hands through out the entire process, Specal thanks to my Attorney Anant Kishore, couldn’t ask for a better outcome, thanks again guys ,”
Common causes of boat accidents in Buffalo
Understanding how your accident occurred is an important first step. It will be your task, working with a knowledgeable boat accident lawyer in Buffalo, to explain the cause and why it points to negligence. These are some of the most frequently cited reasons for boat accidents:
Lack of experience
Most operators of mechanically propelled vessels must have a boating safety certificate, although statutory exceptions apply. Operators should also be familiar with the vessel. Inexperience with navigating busy waterways, adapting to changing conditions, and responding to emergencies can cause a wreck.
Inattention
Just as distracted driving is a problem for motorists, failure to pay attention can be catastrophic on the water. Operators must not let common distractions take their focus away from safely operating the boat.
Alcohol or drug impairment
Excessive alcohol or drug use is another major danger, similar to drunk driving. An operator’s reaction time and vision can be compromised, increasing the likelihood of a serious accident.
Speeding
As with motor vehicles, there are speed limits on New York waterways. Additionally, a boat can be considered speeding if it is traveling too fast for the conditions. For example, based on traffic, a boat may need to travel below the otherwise applicable speed limit to avoid a crash.
Reckless operation
This can take many forms. A boat operator may make a sudden and sharp turn that endangers the vessel and its passengers, for instance. This sort of reckless conduct can cause boats to collide or passengers to be thrown overboard.
Disobeying navigation rules
Depending on the location and circumstances, certain navigation rules may apply. A boat may, for example, be required to yield to another vessel. Disobeying these rules can be deadly.
Overloaded boats
Too many passengers and excessive weight can put everyone on board at risk and endanger others around the boat. Operators are required to observe weight and passenger limits at all times.
Bad weather and hazardous waters
Storms, strong winds, waves, and other conditions can turn a tranquil day on the water into a catastrophe. Although boat operators cannot help the weather and water conditions, they can help with how they respond.
Boat defects
Not all boat accidents in Buffalo result from operator negligence. A problem with the boat itself, for example, the engine, could be to blame. In cases like this, an expert witness will likely be necessary to explain how the accident happened.
Who can be held liable for a Buffalo boat accident?
Identifying the potentially liable parties is one of the most important things that your lawyer will do in your boat accident case. In some cases, more than one party can be held legally responsible. This may provide more than one source from which your monetary damages may be sought. Potentially liable parties in your accident case include:
- The boat operator
- The boat owner
- Another boat operator or owner
- A boat rental company
- The boat or equipment manufacturer
- A boat maintenance or repair company
- A business or commercial boat operator
- Property owners
- Governmental entities
Possible compensation in a Buffalo boat accident claim
Some of the most common boat accident injuries include lacerations, broken bones, and amputation. Injuries can range from fairly mild to life-threatening and fatal. Filing a boat accident lawsuit can help you seek compensation, known as damages, to offset various losses you experience due to your injuries. Your damages may include:
- Medical expenses: After being in an accident, you could require ambulance transportation, hospitalization, surgery, prescription medications, adaptive medical devices, and more.
- Future medical expenses: These include reasonably projected future medical needs you will have, based on the severity and duration of your injuries.
- Lost income: While you are being treated for and recovering from your injuries, you may miss substantial time from work and the income that goes with it.
- Loss of future earning capacity: If your injuries are serious enough, you may not ever be able to work the same job again (or at all), costing you potentially years of income and benefits.
- Non-economic damages: This category includes personal, intangible losses such as pain and suffering and emotional distress, which can be significant.
- Property damage: To the extent your boat, dock, or other personal property was damaged or destroyed in the accident, you can seek to recover these losses through legal action.
- Wrongful death damages: If the boating accident is fatal, the personal representative of the deceased victim’s estate may be able to seek certain wrongful death damages on behalf of the surviving family members.
Visit Us
Do you have a Buffalo boat accident lawyer near me?
If you were seriously injured on the water in or near Buffalo, O’Brien & Ford PC is ready to serve you. Our office is located at 4549 Main St Suite 201, Buffalo, NY 14226. Local landmarks include Amherst State Park, Williamsville Village, Grover Cleveland Golf Course, and Northtown Center. We represent accident victims and their families in these and other communities:
- Buffalo
- Lockport
- Wheatfield
- Niagara Falls
If you wish to reach us by car, we are conveniently located near major roads and highways such as Sheridan Drive, I-290, I-990, and Transit Road. Bus service is also available, for example, by way of the NFTA Metro. The Metro Rail may be another option for you. Give us a call at 716-222-2222 for help reaching us or to schedule your free initial consultation.
Buffalo boat accident frequently asked questions
Can injured boat passengers seek compensation?
Yes, if someone else’s negligent or reckless misconduct caused your injuries. Accident claims are not limited to the operator of the boat. You may have a cause of action against such parties as the boat operator, the owner of the boat, or a boat rental company. Regardless of how you were involved, reach out to our Buffalo boat accident lawyer for assistance.
What should I do after being in a boat accident?
If a drunk boat operator caused my accident, can I sue them?
Is there a deadline to file a boat accident lawsuit?
Contact our Buffalo boat accident attorneys
A day on the water should not turn tragic. But if this has happened to you or a loved one, it’s time to get to work on your legal claim. Reach out to O’Brien & Ford PC. We can review the details of your case, discuss the compensation that may be available to you, and then get to work.