How a Boat Accident Lawyer Can Help You File a Claim

A New York boat accident attorney will assist you in filing an insurance claim if injured on the water, or in a marina. They'll give advice, evaluate the strengths of your case and bargain with insurance companies.

Most boat accident lawsuits are based on negligence. You could be awarded compensation if your lawyer is able to prove that you breached your duty and damages.

Damages

Boating accidents can cause serious injuries, just like any other type of accident. Some of the injuries that could result include drowning, oxygen deprivation injuries, fractured bones and brain trauma. A skilled lawyer will help you get the amount of compensation you are entitled to for these damages.

Just like car accidents, an injury involving a boat is contingent on proving the negligence of the responsible party. A lawyer can conduct an exhaustive investigation and take photos of the scene of an accident and injuries to establish responsibility. They can also help you locate medical records to support your treatment as well as other evidence to back your claim. They can also assist you to comprehend the law of comparative liability should your situation be affected.

Victims could be entitled both economic and non-economic damages for their boating accidents injuries. Economic damages are ones that are more easily verified, such as the future and past medical costs for your injury. They could also cover any loss of income caused by your injuries as well as changes to your ability to work in the future. Noneconomic damages are more subjective, and can include pain and suffering, inconvenience and loss of enjoyment life, and emotional stress. A lawyer can assist you determine the value of your damages and file an insurance claim or lawsuit against the parties responsible for your injuries. They can also handle cases involving government entities such as the Coast Guard and police.

Insurance

When someone is injured in a boating accident, the financial burdens quickly pile up. Medical bills can easily be thousands of dollars, and if surgery is needed, the costs can be even higher.

An attorney for personal injury can assist injured victims in obtaining the compensation they need. They can look into the causes of a boating accident, file necessary paperwork, and deal with insurance companies to get the maximum possible compensation.

A boat accident attorney can also determine who is responsible and what insurance coverage each side has. Responsible operators and owners have boat liability insurance that covers injuries, but not everyone does. Those who rent or borrow boats should look over their homeowners' and insurance policies for boating to find out how much insurance they have.

Notifying authorities about boat accidents is essential. A police report is a valid document that can be used to establish negligence as well as other elements in an action for damages. It is also a good idea to talk to witnesses to gather their statements. It is also helpful to collect the names, contact information and insurance policy numbers for all parties involved in the accident, particularly the operators of the boats.

Liability

As a victim of a boating accident you may be eligible for reimbursement of past and future medical expenses. This can include hospital bills and boat accident Attorney emergency room services. Also, it covers therapy sessions, doctor appointments, and medication costs. Your NYC boat accident attorney will prove the totality of these costs, and ensure that all of your loss is reflected in the settlement award.

The majority of injuries sustained in boat accidents result from reckless or negligent behavior on the part of a boat owner or operator. Inadequate safety equipment like lightbulbs for navigation, fire extinguishers or life jackets may cause injuries to become more severe. A claim can be made against the manufacturer of a defective boat or equipment on board, such as a ski.

If you've suffered injuries on an commercial vessel, you may qualify to claim a Jones Act claim. A New York boat accident attorney will examine your case and provide additional information about this special 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 the attorney will conduct an appeal on your behalf to obtain justice.

Time Limits

Boating and other watercraft are governed by various laws. These laws cover driving, passing, and granting the right of way, among other things. These rules also require that operators stay sober, refrain from overloading or powering their vessels and avoid risky actions like weaving into traffic or jumping into the wake. Inadequate actions of an operator or a third party involved in a boating accident can lead to serious injuries or even deaths.

A boat accident lawyer will guide you through the legal system, analyze the validity of your claim, and ensure your rights. They can also aid you in pursuing monetary compensation by providing medical documents and other evidence.

A boat-related case can take longer to resolve because it is a matter that has to be decided in accordance with maritime law and state personal injury laws. It is because an attorney must collect eyewitness testimony and police reports along with other evidence before negotiations can begin. Depending on the nature of your case, pre-litigation discussions could take anywhere between a few weeks and six months. If you are an employee of a commercial fishing vessel, cruise or sightseeing ship, or any other type of worker who works on a boat as part of his or her job, you may be eligible for workers' compensation under maritime law. A NY boat accident attorney can represent you in these cases.