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. He worked for BARBRI in preparing bar exam candidates, and on a limited independent 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 transformers, high-pressure steam, hydrogen-cooled generators, and bulk chemical storage. He worked as a shift supervisor at a 425 MW station, responsible for steam turbines and baseload generators.

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. Is small claims court worth it for $2,895 car wreck repayment?

August 1, 2025

A: An Indiana attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. It's an individual decision only you can make - the time off from work, the stress of confronting the person in court, the time gathering material to support your claim, the uncertainty of being able to collect even if you win, and other factors. The documentation you would need (if available) could include police report, towing invoice, collision shop or property damage adjuster assessment declaring total loss, and other possible evidence. Most court systems have online resources for small claims court - what to expect, what you need to bring, downloadable PDF forms, FAQs, etc. If your insurance covers it (depending on your policy), that could sometimes be a less stressful route, where they might then pursue the payment. That would depend on the coverage in your insurance policy. You could discuss this with your carrier or insurance agent in weighing your decision. Good luck ... Read More

Q. How lenient might a judge be in a court case for a 17-year-old involved in a car accident without injuries or citations?

August 1, 2025

A: A Massachusetts attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. Based on your post, it doesn't appear that you did anything wrong. If you were licensed, not cited (and presumably not charged with anything), then the matter seems to be one of determining liability. It looks like a civil matter, and the finding would depend on a number of factors - the police report (if one was made), your credibility, the other side's credibility, and other possible evidence. You could reach out to Massachusetts attorneys to get more definitive, state-specific guidance. You mention "no injuries." I'm glad, and I hope you and the other vehicle's occupants are okay. Good luck ... Read More

Q. Can I take legal action if my stored items were donated without permission?

August 1, 2025

A: I'm sorry for this frustrating situation. The situation appears to be one involving a "bailment." That means the temporary holding of one's property by another without taking over possession. Was there any kind of agreement? What was the reason for this arrangement? Was the sale of goods an innocent misunderstanding? These and other questions are things that attorneys would want to delve deeper into in analyzing the matter. Good luck