Tim Akpinar

Tim handles motor vehicle accidents, slip & fall accidents, medical malpractice, boating accidents, cruise ship accidents, and complex hull/machinery/cargo cases. Tim represents commercial mariners, recreational boaters, cruise ship passengers, and other injury plaintiffs. As a former shipboard officer, he understands the importance of the Jones Act and other maritime laws.

Tim taught law at SUNY Maritime College and in the MBA program at Southern New Hampshire University. On a limited basis, he tutors law school graduates for the New York State Bar Exam. He is referenced in Wikipedia - Seaman’s Manslaughter Statute. Tim was asked to cover the subject of limitation of liability for the American Trial Lawyers Association (Defeating Limitation of Liability in Maritime Law).

Tim worked as an environmental engineer for an 826 MW generating station where he trained NYC firefighters in first responder plant hazards that included 138,000-volt equipment, high-pressure steam, and bulk chemical storage. He worked as a shift supervisor at a 425 MW station, responsible for steam turbines and auxiliaries.

Tim covers maritime law topics for nationally published maritime and boating magazines, including WorkBoat, The Ensign (US Power Squadron), Offshore, Marine Officer, and LI Boating World. Tim can be reached at (718) 224-9824 or timakpinarlawoffice@verizon.net.

• Free Consultation
• Contingent Fees

New Jersey

Since 1994

New York

Since 1994

St. John's University School of Law

J.D.

1993

State University of New York - Maritime College at Ft. Schuyler

Bachelor of Engineering (1981) | Mechanical Engineering (Marine)

Maritime Law Association of the United States

Member

Current

New York State Bar  # 2621100

Member

1994 - Current

Gulf Coast Mariners

Member

2013

Activities: An Advocacy group for commercial mariners working on the nation's inland and coastal waterways

Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers

Member

2009

Defeating Limitation of Liability in Maritime Law

Trial Magazine - The Journal of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America

Legal Issues for Recreational Boaters, United States Power Squadron - Bayside Power Squadron

Tim spoke about admiralty jurisdiction over pleasure boats, boating accident legal issues, limitation of liability, salvage law, marine liens, and other legal issues related to recreational boating.

Maritime Law Issues for Commercial Mariners, Kingsborough Community College - Maritime Technology Program

Tim spoke about the legal responsibilities of officers and ship's crews, criminal liability, the Jones Act, limitation of liability, salvage law, recent developments in Coast Guard regulations with marine casualty reporting and alcohol testing, marine pollution, and other maritime law topics.

Recent Developments in Maritime Law, St. John's University School of Law

Admiralty Law Society

Tim spoke about salvage law, the law of finds, the Jones Act and legal issues affecting the rights of commercial fishermen.

U.S. Military Sealift Command Shipboard Firefighting School

US MSC

ALARA Training - As Low As Reasonably Achievable - Radiation Considerations in Nuclear Power Plant Design

Reliability Engineering Training

Third Assistant Engineer - Steam & Motor Vessels - Unlimited Horsepower

US Coast Guard

Lifeboatman

US Coast Guard

Q. When does passenger in a vehicle stop being a passenger. When is the driver no longer responsible for that person?

January 24, 2025

A: A Colorado attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. With personal lines insurance, auto policies usually contain provisions along the lines of "...arising from the use and operation of the vehicle... " The actual wording could vary from one carrier's policy to another's, also reflecting requirements of state insurance laws. However, your setting appears to be in the workplace, and it looks like you're in a situation where you carry passengers commercially. If that's the case, the boundary of "no longer being a passenger" might be defined under your employer's standard operating procedures, collective bargaining agreements, or other company/union references. I'm sorry you were deactivated from your job. An employment law attorney who deals with cases involving public carriers and commercial drivers might be able to offer the best guidance here. Good luck ... Read More

Q. I have an malunion bone an I applied for my disability back in 2022 I got denied one time cause I couldn't make appt

January 23, 2025

A: I'm sorry for your difficult ordeal. Most people don't consider the type of burden you describe in terms of getting to medical appointments for people who don't have cars. If you're with the same attorney, make your situation clear to them and ask if it's possible to arrange an Uber or Lyft ride. Also ask them about public health insurance based on need. The legal end of things has enabled virtual meetings or depositions since the pandemic. But on the medical side, IMEs and other evaluations still remain strictly in-person. I hope you succeed this time around with the claim. Good luck

Q. What to do with this accident claim?

January 22, 2025

A: I'm sorry about your accident, but I'm glad you didn't suffer injuries. I hope everyone involved is okay. You could keep trying to contact them. If that continues to lead nowhere, then your options include going to court and filing suit, either on your own through a civil case or through an attorney. It isn't mentioned if your rental is covered or you're paying out-of-pocket. Even if it is covered, that tends to be a short-term arrangement. Good luck