How a Boat Accident Lawyer Can Help You File a Claim

A New York boat accident attorney can help you file a claim if you are injured on the water, or in a marina. They'll provide guidance, evaluate the potential of your case, and discuss your case with insurance companies.

Most boat accident lawsuits are based on negligence. You could receive compensation if your attorney can demonstrate a breach of duty and damages.

Damages

Boating accidents can result in serious injuries, as with any other type of accident. Drowning, oxygen deprivation, spinal cord injuries, fractured bones, brain trauma whiplash, electrocution and whiplash are just a few possible injuries. A competent lawyer can help you in obtaining the compensation that you are entitled to for these damages.

Like car accidents, the case of a boating accident is based on proving the negligence of responsible party. A lawyer can conduct an exhaustive investigation and capture photographs of the scene of the accident and your injuries to establish the responsibility. They can also assist in finding medical records and other documentation that will back your claim. They can also help you comprehend the law of comparative negligence in the event they apply to your particular situation.

Victims may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages resulting from their boating accident injuries. Economic damages are easier to prove such as past and future medical expenses related to your injury. They can also include loss of income resulting from your injuries and changes to your ability to work in the future. Noneconomic damages can be subjective and may include discomfort and pain or loss of enjoyment in life, emotional distress and many more. A lawyer can assist you calculate the value of your damages, and make a lawsuit or an insurance claim against the party accountable for your injuries. They also handle cases involving government agencies like the Coast Guard and police.

Insurance

The financial burden can quickly grow when someone is injured in a boating accident. Medical bills can add up in the thousands and, in the event of surgery, the costs can be higher.

A personal injury attorney can assist injured victims in obtaining the compensation they require. He or she can determine the root of a boating incident and then file the necessary paperwork and bargain with insurance companies in order to secure the highest possible compensation.

In addition a lawyer who handles boat accidents will determine which parties are at fault and how much insurance coverage they have. Responsible operators and owners have insurance for boat Accident lawsuits liability on boats that can pay for injuries however, not everyone has. Make sure to check your boating and homeowners insurance policies when you rent or borrow a boat to find out the amount of coverage you have.

It is vital to report any boat accident to the authorities. An official police report can be used to prove negligence as well as other facts in the case of a claim for damages. It is recommended for witnesses to be interviewed to get their accounts. Additionally, it is beneficial to get the names, contact information and insurance policy numbers of all involved in the accident, especially the operators of the boats.

Liability

As a boat accident victim you could be entitled to reimbursement for future and past medical expenses. This includes hospital bills emergency room services, doctor's appointments therapy sessions and cost of medications. Your NYC boat accident attorney will investigate the full cost of these expenses and ensure that all of your losses are reflected in the compensation award.

Most injuries incurred in boat accidents are due to either negligent or reckless behavior on the part of a boat owner or operator. Inadequate safety equipment such as lighting for navigation, fire extinguishers, or life jackets can cause some injuries to become worse. The claim can be filed against the manufacturer of a defective boat or items on board like a ski.

If you've suffered injuries on the commercial vessel you could be eligible to claim an Jones Act claim. A New York boat accident attorney will examine your case and provide you with additional information about this specific law. Your attorney will also lead in negotiating with the responsible parties as well as their lawyers and insurance companies on your behalf. If a fair settlement is not reached the attorney will conduct for you a trial to get justice.

Time Limits

Boating and other watercraft are governed under a variety of laws. These regulations cover driving, passing and ceding right-of-way, among others. They also require that boaters remain in a safe place, refrain from overloading or causing damage to their boats and discourage individuals from engaging in risky behaviors like weaving into traffic or attempting to wake-jump. The negligent actions of an operator or other party involved in a boating accident can cause serious injuries and sometimes, even wrongful deaths.

A skilled lawyer for boat accidents will guide you through the legal process, determine the quality of your case and protect your rights. They can also help you in pursuing compensation for financial damages by providing medical evidence and evidence.

Since a boat accident case is one that is adjudicated under maritime law and the state's personal injury law, it could take longer to resolve than an auto accident claim. This is due to the fact that attorneys must gather eyewitness testimonies, police reports, as well as other documentation, before negotiations can start. Negotiations in the pre-litigation phase can last anywhere between a few weeks and six months, depending on the nature of the case. If you are an employee of a commercial fishing vessel, cruise or sightseeing ship or any other kind of worker who is on boats as part of their job, you could be entitled to workers compensation under maritime law. A NY boat accident lawyer can provide representation for the claims of these types as well.