How a Boat Accident Lawyer Can Help You File a Claim

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

Most boat accident lawsuits involve negligence. If your lawyer can show that there was a breach of duty, causation or damages, you could be awarded compensation.

Damages

A boating accident can result in devastating injuries, just like other kind of crash. Drowning, oxygen deprivation spinal cord injuries, brain trauma, fractured bones, whiplash and electrocution are just some of the possible injuries. A good lawyer can aid you in obtaining the financial compensation you deserve for these losses.

Like car accidents a boating accident case hinges on proving the negligence of responsible party. A lawyer can do an exhaustive investigation and take photos of the scene of the accident as well as injuries to prove liability. They can also assist you to locate medical records to support your treatment and other documents to prove your claim. They can also help you learn about comparative liability laws should your situation be affected.

Victims might be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages resulting from their boating accident injuries. Economic damages are more easily measurable for past and future medical expenses related to your injury. This could include the loss of income due to your injury, as well as any changes in your ability to work. Noneconomic damages are subjective and can include discomfort and pain or loss of enjoyment in life, emotional distress, and many more. A lawyer can help you determine the value of your damages and file an insurance claim or a lawsuit against the people responsible for your injuries. They also handle cases that involve government agencies like the Coast Guard and police.

Insurance

When someone is injured as a result of a boating accident, financial burdens can quickly pile up. Medical bills can run in the thousands and, when surgery is required the cost could be more costly.

A personal injury lawyer can help injured people get the compensation they need. He or she can determine the cause of a boating accident, file necessary paperwork, and work with insurance companies to secure the highest possible compensation.

An attorney for boat accidents can determine who is accountable and the insurance coverage each party has. Responsible owners and operators have boat liability insurance that will pay for injuries, but not everyone does. Check your own boating and homeowners insurance policies if you lease or take a loan on a boat accident lawyers, to determine what coverage you are entitled to.

It is vital to report any boat-related accidents to the authorities. A police report can be used to establish negligence as well as other facts when filing claims for damages. It is also a good idea to talk to witnesses to get their accounts. In addition, it is helpful to collect the names, contact information and insurance policy numbers of everyone participants 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 future and past medical expenses. This includes hospital bills, emergency room services, doctor appointments therapy sessions and costs of medication. Your NYC lawyer for boat accidents will prove all of these expenses, and ensure that your full losses are reflected in the award of compensation.

Most injuries suffered in boat accidents are due to negligence or reckless actions on the part of a boat owner or operator. Some injuries are exacerbated due to the lack of the safety equipment required such as life jackets, fire extinguishers and navigational lights. A claim can also be filed against the manufacturer of a defective boat or a component of the boat, like water skis.

If you've been injured on a commercial vessel then you could be able to make a Jones Act claim. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer will analyze the particulars of your case and can provide more details on this law. Your lawyer will also negotiate on behalf of you with the responsible parties and their lawyers and the insurance companies. If a fair settlement is not reached Your attorney will then prepare for you a trial to ensure justice.

Time Limits

Boating and other watercraft are governed under a variety of laws. These laws cover driving, passing and giving the right of way among other things. They also mandate that operators remain sane, avoid overloading or over-loading their boats and prohibit people from engaging in risky practices like weaving into traffic or attempting to wake-jump. Inadequate actions of an operator or a person who is involved in a boating accident can cause serious injuries, and even deaths.

A lawyer for boat accidents will guide you through the legal system, assess the merits of your claim, and defend your right. They can also assist you to get financial compensation for your losses by providing medical records and other evidence to support your claim.

Since a boat accident case involves issues that are adjudicated in accordance with maritime law as well as state personal injury laws, it can take longer to settle than a car accident claim. This is due to the fact that a lawyer must gather eyewitness statements, police reports and other documentation before negotiations can begin. Depending on the nature of your case, pre-litigation negotiations can last anywhere between a few weeks and six months. If you are employed by a commercial fishing vessel or cruise ship, sightseeing boat, or any other type of worker that is working on the boat as part or his or her job or job, you could be qualified for workers compensation. A NY lawyer for boat accidents may also help you with these claims.