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. I was in an accident that was the other person's fault. The insurance company is not cooperating at all.

January 31, 2025

A: A Georgia attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. Do you mean you HAVE already sued them, or do you mean you are in the process of moving forward with a lawsuit that you plan to file. That's a very important distinction, and it is not clear from the wording of your question. You mention two years elapsing. Please consult with Georgia attorneys as to statutes of limitations in your state (deadlines to file suit). Georgia attorneys should advise on this, since it involves procedural state law. But my understanding, from information that is readily available publicly is that the SOL in your state for such cases is two years. I strongly recommend that you consult with a local attorney on this. My point is that if you have not filed suit, do not delay further in taking measures to preserve your rights here. Good luck ... Read More

Q. Can I get compensation for this?

January 30, 2025

A: A Texas attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. Yes, based on your post, it sounds like you should be able to get compensation. From your description, the other vehicle appears to be fully at fault. One option is to reach out to Texas law firms. Attorneys who handle such cases generally offer free initial consults without obligation. I hope you and the others involved in the accident are okay. Good luck

Q. I was involved in a minor parking lot accident on private property. I was uninsured, the person who hit me is at fault

January 30, 2025

A: A Wisconsin attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. You're correct about the general recommendations out there involving communications. However, in minor fender benders where the stakes are not as high as major injury cases that will find themselves in trial in the years following an accident, there often is communication in the interest settling any property damage claims. Ultimately, the decision is yours. No one here could tell you, "communicate" or "don't communicate." You could reach out to local attorneys and ask their advice if you have reservations about the best way to proceed, given the specific details of your matter. Good luck ... Read More