In New Jersey and New York, ferries are a common and trusted form of transportation for thousands of people every day. Ferries are often seen as a picturesque and efficient alternative to being stuck in traffic or taking the subway. Yet ferries are immune to accidents resulting from negligent captains and employees, leaving the ferry company liable.
If you or a loved one was injured during a ferry accident, you need a New Jersey personal injury lawyer to help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Demand Rand! Call a New Jersey ferry accident lawyer with Rand Spear – The Accident Lawyer, for exceptional legal representation.
Proving Fault in a Ferry Accident
To pursue a lawsuit in a ferry accident, there must be proof that the ferry operator or company acted negligently. After any ferry accident, there should be an investigation by local law enforcement to determine fault. Your New Jersey ferry accident attorney will also closely examine all the evidence to recreate the accident as accurately as possible.
Rand Spear attorneys are experienced in handling cases where a ferry accident has ended in personal injury. Knowing the leading negligent causes of ferry accidents, we examine each case for specific broken protocols and potential hazards. Gathering photos and video evidence, listening to witness testimony, and working with our accident recreation experts give us a thorough investigation with which to possibly prove fault.
Leading Causes of Ferry Accidents
Ferry accidents do not occur often, but when they do, both workers and passengers can get injured. Various elements may contribute to ferry accidents, leading to multiple parties being accountable for the resulting damages. Factors such as negligence, lack of maintenance for mechanical parts, design flaws, and insufficient crew training can all be attributed to liability for the commercial ferry operator.
Ferry accidents can also occur due to human error from a negligent captain and crew members. Instances such as intoxication, fatigue, and distractions can elevate the risks of an accident and endanger passengers. Some of the most common causes of ferry accidents that show negligence include:
- Human error
- Not following ferry laws and guidelines
- Weather conditions
- Equipment breakdowns
- Speeding or recklessness
- Alcohol or drug use
- Overloaded ferries
New Jersey Ferry Accident Lawyer Near Me (215) 985-2424
Infamous New York/New Jersey Ferry Accidents
Several notorious ferry accidents have happened in the New York/New Jersey area throughout history. By far the most well-known ferry accident, the PS General Slocum caught fire and sank in the East River on June 15, 1904, killing an estimated 1,021 out of the 1,342 people on board. This was the worst maritime disaster prior to the Titanic, and many of the deaths could have been avoided if the safety equipment had been in working condition, according to the official report.
In 2003, the Staten Island Ferry crashed full-speed into a concrete pier, killing 11 people and severely injuring 70. According to the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) report, the ferry crash was caused by a ferryboat captain under the influence of pain medication and lack of adhesion to the city rule requiring two operators to oversee docking.
In 2013, the Seastreak Wall Street ferry crashed into a pier in Lower Manhattan on its typical route from New Jersey, injuring 80 passengers. According to the NTSB report, the captain was well-qualified, experienced, and not under the influence, but he failed to notice the vessel was in backup mode. Ultimately, all of these ferry accidents contributed to important laws and regulations that continue to make ferry travel safer.
Common Injuries Caused by Ferry Accidents
Ferry accidents differ significantly from car accidents and even personal boating accidents as they have the capacity to carry hundreds of passengers, raising the risk for injuries or fatalities in the event of a collision or other accident. While ferry accidents do not happen often, there is always a higher potential for serious injuries on a commercial boat.
Getting checked out by medical professionals after any accident is important as you could have internal, hidden injuries that may show up later. Severe injuries also will require ongoing medical treatment and potential compensation for disability. A ferry accident attorney in New Jersey will be able to assist you in calculating all losses from injuries such as these common ones:
- Broken bones, fractures, and sprains
- Spinal column injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Lacerations
- Burns and toxic material exposure
How a Ferry Accident Lawyer in New Jersey Can Help Your Claim
It can be a traumatic experience to be involved in a ferry accident, sometimes causing expensive medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. When our team of ferry accident lawyers assesses your case, they will want to consider all factors involved and gather evidence to determine fault. Demand Rand – our experienced attorneys will help:
- Investigate the accident and determine who may be liable. Assemble documentation and evidence for proof.
- Determine an adequate settlement based on medical expenses, lost wages, property loss, pain and suffering, and even wrongful death.
- Guarantee all paperwork is submitted and claims are promptly filed to meet relevant deadlines.
- File a lawsuit if unable to settle with the responsible party.
Determining Settlement for a Ferry Accident
When recovering from injuries caused by a ferry accident, it is important to calculate all losses to determine how much your personal injury case is worth. A New Jersey ferry accident lawyer can assist you with determining this amount depending on the specifics of the accident, the extent of your injuries, and the negligence of the party(s) responsible.
Medical expenses, lost income, and physical losses are important parts of compensation, but your legal team will also help you calculate intangible losses, called non-economic damages. This category does not have a direct economic value, but you deserve compensation for these losses. They may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
- Disfigurement
- Injury to reputation
- Psychological and emotional trauma
Injuries Caused While Working on a Ferry
If you work as an employee on a ferry boat and were recently injured in an accident, you may be entitled to more than just worker’s compensation. Ferry workers are covered under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) which ensures the compensation and medical treatment for anyone disabled in a workplace injury within U.S. waters. Be sure you know your rights before you file a claim through worker’s compensation; our legal team can help you determine whether your case qualifies for a lawsuit.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Expert New Jersey Ferry Accident Attorneys
If you or someone you love has suffered an injury due to a ferry accident, call our expert New Jersey ferry accident lawyers to discuss your case. At Rand Spear – The Accident Lawyer, we treat every client like family and never settle for less. Contact us today to get the legal counsel and priority treatment you deserve.
Call or text (215) 985-2424 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
