How a Boat Accident Lawyer Can Help You File a Claim

If you've suffered injuries on the water or in a marina or at a marina, a New York boat accident lawyer can assist you in filing a claim. They will give advice on the strength of your claim and negotiate with insurance companies.

Most boat accident lawsuits are based on negligence. If your lawyer can show that there was a breach of duty, causation and damages, you could receive compensation.

Damages

A boating accident can cause devastating injuries, just like other type of crash. Drowning, oxygen deprivation fractured bones, brain trauma as well as electrocution, whiplash and whiplash are only a few possible injuries. A lawyer with experience can help you obtain the compensation you deserve for these damages.

Like car accidents a boating accident case hinges on the proof of negligence by the responsible party. An attorney can conduct an exhaustive investigation and capture photographs of the scene of the accident and your injuries to establish the liability. They can also help find medical records and other documentation to support your claim. They can also assist you comprehend the law of comparative liability in the event that your situation is impacted.

Victims could be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages for their boating accident injuries. Economic damages are more easily quantifiable including future and past medical expenses for your injury. They can also include losses in income caused by your injuries and changes to your ability to work in the future. Noneconomic damages are subjective and can include pain and discomfort, inconvenience, loss in enjoyment of life, emotional distress and many more. An attorney can help you determine the value of your losses, and file a lawsuit or insurance claim against those accountable for your injuries. They can also handle cases involving government bodies, such as the Coast Guard or police.

Insurance

Financial burdens can quickly increase when someone is injured in a boating accident. Medical bills can run to thousands of dollars and, when surgery is required the costs can be greater.

A personal injury lawyer can assist injured people in getting the compensation they need. They can investigate the causes of a boating incident as well as file the necessary paperwork and work with insurance companies to receive the most compensation.

A boat accident attorney can also determine who is responsible and what insurance coverage each side has. Not all boat owners and operators carry liability insurance to protect against injuries. Examine your own boating insurance and homeowners insurance policies if you rent or borrow a boat to find out the amount of coverage you have.

It is essential to report any boat accident to the authorities. A police report from the official can be used to establish negligence as well as other facts in the case of a claim for damages. It is also a good idea to speak to witnesses in order to gather their statements. It is also beneficial to collect the names, contact details and insurance policy numbers for all parties involved in the accident including the captains of the boats.

Liability

You may be eligible for reimbursement of past and future medical costs if you are a victim of a boating incident. This includes hospital bills as well as emergency room services. Also, appointment with a doctor, therapy sessions and medical expenses. Your NYC boat accident attorney will prove the totality of these costs, and make sure that your total losses are reflected in the settlement award.

Most injuries in boat accidents result from reckless or negligent behavior by the boat owner or operator. The lack of safety equipment like lighting for navigation, fire extinguishers or life jackets may cause injuries to be worsened. A claim can be filed against the manufacturer of a boat that is defective or an items on board such as the ski.

If you were injured while working on a commercial boat you could be able to make a claim under Jones Act. A New York boat accident attorney will review your case and provide you with additional information about this special law. Your lawyer will also lead in negociating with the responsible parties as well as their lawyers and boat accident lawsuits insurance companies on your behalf. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will prepare for trial to achieve justice on your behalf.

Time Limits

Boating and other watercraft are governed by various laws. These laws govern driving, passing and granting the right of way as well as other aspects. They also require that operators remain in a safe place, refrain from overloading or causing a lot of stress to their boats, and prevent people from engaging in risky behavior like weaving in traffic or jumping into wakes. In the event of negligence, an operator or another party involved in a boating accident could result in serious injuries and sometimes wrongful death.

A lawyer for boat accidents can guide you through the legal system, evaluate the validity of your claim, and defend your right. They can also assist you seek financial compensation for your losses by submitting medical documentation 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 law, it can take longer to resolve than an auto accident claim. It is because attorneys must gather eyewitness testimonies, police reports, and other documents prior to negotiations beginning. Negotiations in the pre-litigation phase can last anywhere between a few weeks to six months, depending on the complexity of the case. If you are an employee of a commercial fisherman cruise ship, sightseeing or cruise ship, or any other type of worker who is on a boat as part of his or her job, you could be entitled to workers compensation under maritime law. A NY lawyer for boat accidents will be able to assist you with these claims as well.