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. Appealing car insurance claim denial for an accident caused by an unlisted driver.

August 10, 2025

A: A Texas attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. I'm sorry about your accident. The first thing you'd look at is the policy and its exclusions, to determine who would be a covered driver under your policy. In addition to the terms of the policy, different carriers have different standard procedures for situations they cover and do not cover. I hope no one was hurt, but depending on the scale of damages involved in the accident and what's at stake, it could be worth considering a consult with a Texas attorney who handles insurance litigation. Good luck

Q. Can my wife refuse to participate in an insurance interview regarding our collapsed house?

August 9, 2025

A: A Pennsylvania attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for almost two weeks. She could refuse, but the problem is that the insurance carrier could argue that such refusal constitutes refusal to cooperate in the investigation of a claim. If you responded that the policy runs to you, together with its contractual obligations, they could raise the fact that she is part of your household and may have witnessed things that are crucial in learning more about the cause of the failure. Before you know it, that could result in getting locked in delays in the processing of the claim. It could be worth discussing with a Pennsylvania attorney before taking a position. I hope you're both okay. Good luck ... Read More

Q. Realistic amount to sue for after head-on collision with semi-truck and severe injuries.

August 9, 2025

A: I'm sorry about your accident, but glad you were able to survive impact with a semi. My colleagues raise excellent points. You may want to consider lining up a consult with a Florida injury firm to discuss in more detail. Free initial/no-obligation consults are the norm for such cases. Your matter appears straightforward and strong in your favor as far as liability goes, based on what you describe. And it seems to be well supported by evidence in terms of video footage and eyewitness testimony. As far as damages go, that could be a more complex matter. That would involve looking closely at necessary surgery, current medical expenses, future medical expenses, percentage disability, insurance policies, your age, your occupation, and other factors. I hope you and everyone involved are okay. Good luck ... Read More