How a Boat Accident Lawyer Can Help You File a Claim

A New York boat accident attorney can help you file claims if you've been injured in the water or in a marina. They will provide guidance, assess the strength of your claim and negotiate with insurance companies.

The majority of boat accidents lawsuits stem from negligence. If your lawyer can show that there was a breach of duty, causation or damages, you could receive compensation.

Damages

A boating accident can result in devastating injuries, just as any other kind of crash. The types of injuries that can occur include drowning, oxygen deprivation injuries, brain trauma and fractured bones. A lawyer with experience will help you get the compensation you deserve for these damages.

Like car accidents. The case of a boating accident is based on the proof of the negligence of the person responsible. Lawyers can conduct a thorough investigation, and even take photographs of the scene of the accident and injuries to prove responsibility. They can also help you find medical records for treatment and other evidence to support your claim. They can also help you know the laws of comparative liability should your situation be affected.

Victims may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages for their boating accidents injuries. Economic damages are more easily verifiable such as past and future medical expenses for your injury. This could include the loss of income as a result of your injury and any changes in your future capacity to work. Noneconomic damages are more subjective, and can include pain and suffering, inconvenience or loss of enjoyment in life and emotional stress. A lawyer can assist you determine the worth of your damages and make a lawsuit or an insurance claim against the parties accountable for your injuries. They also handle cases involving government bodies like the Coast Guard or police.

Insurance

When someone is injured in an accident on a boat, the financial burdens can quickly pile up. Medical bills can run in the thousands. And, when surgery is required the costs can be more expensive.

A personal injury lawyer can assist injured victims get the compensation they require. He or she can determine the root of a boating accident as well as file the necessary paperwork and bargain with insurance companies in order to obtain the maximum compensation.

A boat accident attorney can also determine who is at fault and what insurance coverage each side has. Responsible owners and operators have boat liability insurance that covers injuries, but not everyone does. Review your own boating and homeowners insurance policies if you rent or borrow a boat to determine what coverage you are entitled to.

It is important to report any boat accident to the authorities. A police report is a valid document that can be used to prove negligence as well as other elements in the case of a claim for damages. It is also an excellent idea to speak with witnesses to obtain their statements. Finally, it is helpful to obtain the names, contact information and the insurance policy numbers of everyone involved in the boat accident, especially the operators of the boats.

Liability

If you're a victim of a boating accident you may be eligible for reimbursement of past and future medical expenses. This includes hospital bills emergency room services, doctor appointments therapy sessions, as well as the cost of medications. Your NYC boat accident attorney will prove the totality of these costs, and ensure that your full losses are reflected in the settlement award.

Most injuries in boat accidents are the result of reckless or negligent actions of the owner or operator of the boat. Certain injuries are caused by the failure to have the necessary safety equipment such as life jackets, fire extinguishers and navigational lights. A claim can be filed against the manufacturer of a defective boat or equipment on board, like a ski.

If you were injured on a commercial vessel then you could be able to make a Jones Act claim. A experienced New York boat accident lawyer will review the specifics of your case and can provide you with more details on this special law. Your lawyer will also be the one to lead in negotiation with the responsible parties, their lawyers and insurance companies on your behalf. If a fair settlement is not able to be reached, your attorney will prepare for trial in order to achieve justice on your behalf.

Time Limits

There are several laws that govern boating as well as other watercrafts. These regulations include driving, passing, and ceding right-of-way, among others. They also mandate that operators remain sober, not overloading or causing damage to their boats and prohibit people from engaging in risky actions like weaving into traffic or wake-jumping. A negligent act by an operator or a person who is involved in a boating incident can cause serious injuries and boat accident attorney even deaths.

A lawyer for boat accidents will guide you through the legal system, assess the merits of your claim, and safeguard your right. They can also assist you seek compensation for your losses through the submission of medical documents and other evidence to back your claim.

A boat accident case may take longer to settle because it involves issues that are adjudicated by maritime law and state personal injury laws. It is because an attorney must collect eyewitness testimonies and police reports, as well as other documentation prior to negotiations beginning. Negotiations for pre-litigation can last anywhere between a few weeks to six months, depending on the complexity of the case. If you are employed by a commercial fishing vessel cruise ship, sightseeing boat, or any other type of worker that is working on the boat as part or his or her job and is eligible for workers' compensation. A NY boat accident lawyer can assist with these claims too.