One Dead, Three Injured In Boat Accident Along Brooklyn Waterway

Investigation Underway After One Person Died, Three Injured In Brooklyn Waterway Boat Accident Involving Jet Ski

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK (July 28, 2024) – One person died and three people were injured in a Brooklyn waterway boat accident near Avenue X and Gerritsen Avenue.

New York Police Department officials are saying that the accident took place on Saturday afternoon. A small boat was involved in a collision with a jet ski.

Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victims. A 58-year-old male was pronounced dead at the scene.

Three other people were injured and taken to the hospital. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.

Liability for Brooklyn Boat Accidents

Boat accidents result in many serious injuries and fatalities each year. According to the National Safe Boating Council, “The 11,546,512 recreational vessels registered by the states in 2023 represent a 1.9% decrease from last year when 11,770,383 recreational vessels were registered. The fatality rate was 4.9 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational vessels. This rate represents a 9.3% decrease from the 2022 fatality rate of 5.4 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational vessels.” There are a number of common causes of boat accidents.

• Operator inattention is a leading cause of boat accidents. Boat operators may not realize other vessels or swimmers are in the water.
• Speeding is another major cause of boat collisions. Waterways have speed limits in much the same way that roads do.
• Right-of-way violations can also cause boat accidents.

Depending on the unique facts of any case, there could be numerous sources of liability for any boat accident. The company that rented a boat could potentially be liable for a collision under the theory of negligent entrustment. A number of the boats on public waterways are rented. If a company knew (or should have known) that a person was unfit to operate a boat and gave it to them anyway, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. Several steps should be taken after any boat accident.

• A police report of the incident should be created.
• Medical records should be preserved.
• Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
• Surveillance footage should be sought.

Boat accidents are often complex events. The factors that contribute to any boat accident may take place hours, days, or weeks beforehand. It is important for accident victims to understand that they do have rights. The family of any person who died in a boat accident may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.

Investigating New York City Boat Accidents

We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family of the man who died in this accident. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what took place.

Do you need more information about a Brooklyn waterway boat accident? You may have legal recourse. Our team of personal injury attorneys is here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that accident victims get the support and justice that they are entitled to under the law. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.