How a Boat Accident Lawyer Can Help You File a Claim

A New York boat accident attorney can assist you with filing a claim if you are injured on the water, or in a marina. They'll provide guidance, evaluate the quality of your claim and bargain with insurance companies.

The majority of boat-related lawsuits are based on negligence. If your lawyer can prove that there was a breach of duty, causation, and damages, you could receive compensation.

Damages

A boating accident can cause devastating injuries, just as any other type of crash. The types of injuries that could result include drowning and oxygen deprivation injuries, brain trauma and fractured bones. A skilled lawyer will help you get the compensation you deserve for these injuries.

Like car accidents a boating accident case hinges on proving negligence of the responsible party. A lawyer can conduct an exhaustive investigation and capture pictures of the accident scene and your injuries to prove the liability. They can also assist you in locating medical records and other evidence to back your claim. They can also help you learn about comparative negligence laws in the event they apply to your particular situation.

Victims could be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages for their boating injuries. Economic damages are ones that are easier to 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 may be subjective and could include discomfort and pain and loss of enjoyment life, emotional distress, and more. A lawyer can assist you determine the value of your losses, and file a lawsuit or insurance claim against the people accountable for your injuries. They can also handle cases involving government bodies, such as the Coast Guard or police.

Insurance

If someone is injured in a boating accident, financial burdens can quickly add up. Medical bills can quickly reach thousands of dollars and, if surgery is required, cost could be higher.

A personal injury lawyer can assist injured victims get the compensation they need. They can investigate the causes of a boating incident and then file the necessary paperwork and work with insurance companies to obtain the maximum compensation.

A boat accident attorney can also determine who is responsible and what insurance coverage each party has. Responsible operators and owners have insurance for liability on boats which can cover injuries however not all do. Review your own boating and homeowners insurance policies if you lease or borrow a boat to determine the amount of coverage you have.

Reporting boat accidents to authorities is vital. An official police report can be used to prove negligence as well as other facts in an action for damages. It is also a good idea to talk to witnesses to collect their statements. It is also helpful to get the names, contact details and insurance policy numbers of all parties involved in the accident including the captains of the boats.

Liability

If you're a victim of a boating accident, you may be eligible for reimbursement of past and future medical expenses. This includes hospital expenses and emergency room services. It also includes visits to the doctor, boat accident attorney therapy sessions and medication costs. Your NYC boat accident attorney will prove the totality of these costs, and ensure that your full losses are included in the award of compensation.

The majority of injuries sustained in boat accidents are due to the negligence or recklessness by the boat's owner or operator. The lack of safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, navigational lights or life jackets may cause some injuries to get worse. A claim could also be filed against a manufacturer of a defective boat or a component of the boat, such as a water ski.

If you've been injured on a commercial vessel, you may qualify to make a Jones Act claim. A New York williamsburg boat accident attorney accident attorney will evaluate your case and provide additional information about this specific law. Your attorney will also be the one to lead in negotiations with the parties responsible, their lawyers and insurance companies on your behalf. If a fair settlement is not able to be reached, your lawyer will prepare for trial in order to get justice on your behalf.

Time Limits

Boating and other watercrafts are governed by several laws. These laws govern driving, passing, and granting the right of way among others. They also require that operators remain sane, avoid overloading or overwhelming their vessels and stop individuals from engaging in risky practices like weaving into traffic or wake-jumping. A negligent act by an operator or a person who is involved in a boating accident can cause serious injuries and even deaths.

A qualified boat accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process, determine the potential strength of your case and defend your rights. They can also help you pursue monetary compensation for your losses by providing medical documents and other evidence to prove your claim.

Since a boat accident case involves issues that are adjudicated in accordance with maritime law and state personal injury laws, it could take longer to settle than an auto accident claim. This is due to the fact that an attorney needs to collect eyewitness testimony and police reports, and other documents prior to negotiations beginning. Pre-litigation negotiation can take anywhere between a few weeks and six months, based on the complexity of the case. If you work for a commercial fishing vessel or cruise ship, a sightseeing boat, or other type worker who is working on the boat as a part or as part of their job, then you may be eligible for workers' compensation. A NY boat accident attorney can also assist with these claims.