How a Boat Accident Lawyer Can Help You File a Claim

If you've been injured on the water or in the marina or in a marina, a New York boat accident lawyer will assist you in filing a claim. They'll provide guidance, evaluate the strengths of your case and deal with insurance companies.

The majority of lawsuits involving boat accidents are based on negligence. If your attorney can prove that there was a breach of duty, causation and accidents damages, you could be awarded compensation.

Damages

Boating accidents can result in serious injuries, just as any other kind of accident. Drowning, oxygen deprivation, spinal cord injuries, fractured bones, brain trauma whiplash, electrocution and whiplash are just a few possible injuries. A lawyer with experience can assist you in getting the compensation you deserve for these damages.

Just like car accidents, the case of a boating accident is based on proving negligence of the responsible party. A lawyer can conduct an extensive investigation and take pictures of the accident scene and injuries to prove the responsibility. They can also help locate medical records to support your treatment as well as other evidence to back your claim. They can also help understand comparative negligence laws in the event that they are applicable to your particular situation.

Victims could be entitled both economic and noneconomic damages for their boating accidents injuries. Economic damages are more easily verifiable for past and future medical expenses resulting from your injury. These can also include any losses in income caused by your injuries or changes in your ability to work in the future. Noneconomic damages can be subjective and include pain and discomfort, inconvenience and loss of enjoyment life, emotional stress, and many more. A lawyer can help you determine the value of your losses, and make a lawsuit or an insurance claim against the parties who are responsible for your injuries. They also handle cases that involve government entities such as the Coast Guard and police.

Insurance

Financial burdens can rapidly mount when someone is injured in an accident with a boat. Medical bills can run in the thousands and, in the event of surgery, the cost can be greater.

A personal injury lawyer can assist injured victims in obtaining the compensation they need. They can investigate and complete the necessary paperwork in case of a boating accident. They can also bargain with insurance companies in order to get maximum compensation.

Additionally an attorney for boat accidents can identify who is at fault and how much insurance coverage they have. Not all boat owners and operators carry liability insurance to protect against injuries. Review your own boating and homeowners insurance policies if you lease or borrow a boat to determine how much coverage you're covered.

It is vital to report any boat accidents to the authorities. A police report can be used to establish the negligence of the boat owner and other details when filing a claim for damages. It is also recommended to talk with witnesses to obtain their statements. It is also helpful to get the names, contact numbers and insurance policy numbers of everyone who were involved in the incident, especially the operators of the boats.

Liability

If you're a victim of a boating accident you may be entitled to reimbursement for the past and future medical expenses. This includes hospital bills, emergency room services, doctor appointments therapy sessions, as well as the expenses of medication. Your NYC lawyer for boat accidents will investigate these expenses and will make sure that the full extent of your losses are included in your compensation award.

Most injuries incurred in boat accidents are caused by either negligent or reckless behavior by the owner of the boat or the operator. Some injuries are exacerbated due to the lack of the necessary safety equipment like life jackets, fire extinguishers and navigational lights. A claim can be brought against a manufacturer of a defective vessel or an item that is on the boat, like water skis.

If you were injured while working on a commercial boat you could be able to make a claim under the Jones Act. A experienced New York boat accident lawyer will analyze the particulars of your situation and provide you with more details about this specific law. Your lawyer will also negotiate on behalf of you with the responsible parties and their lawyers and the insurance companies. If a fair and reasonable settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will prepare for trial in order to seek justice on your behalf.

Time Limits

There are many laws that govern boating and other watercrafts. These regulations include driving, passing, and ceding rights-of-way among others. They also require that boaters remain sober, not overloading or overwhelming their vessels and stop people from engaging in risky behavior like weaving in traffic or jumping in wake. A negligent act by the operator or any other person involved in a boating accident could cause serious injuries and sometimes wrongful death.

A lawyer who is experienced in boat accidents can guide you through the legal process, evaluate the potential strength of your case and ensure your rights. They can also assist you seek compensation for your losses by submitting medical documents and other evidence to prove your claim.

A case involving a boat accident could take longer to settle because it involves issues that must be decided in accordance with maritime law as well as state personal injury laws. This is because a lawyer must collect eyewitness testimony, police reports and other evidence before negotiations can begin. Negotiations before litigation can last between a few weeks and six months, based on the nature of the case. If you work for a commercial fishing vessel cruise ship, sightseeing boat accident law firm, or any other kind of worker who is working on the boat as a part or his or her job and is eligible for workers' compensation. A NY lawyer for boat accidents is able to represent you in these claims, as well.