How a Boat Accident Lawyer Can Help You File a Claim

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

The majority of boat-related lawsuits stem from negligence. You may be able to claim compensation if your attorney can prove an breach of duty as well as damages.

Damages

Boating accidents can result in serious injuries, just like any other kind of accident. Some of the injuries that can occur include drowning in the water, oxygen deprivation injuries fractured bones and brain trauma. A skilled lawyer can assist you in getting the amount of compensation you are entitled to for these damages.

Just like car accidents, a boating accident case hinges on the proof of negligence by the responsible party. A lawyer can conduct an extensive investigation and even take photographs of the scene of an accident and injuries to establish responsibility. They can also assist in locating medical records and other evidence to help you prove your claim. They can also assist you to know the laws of comparative liability if your situation is affected.

Boating accidents can cause both economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages are ones that are more easily verified, such as future and past medical expenses for your injury. This can include the loss of income you suffer as a result of your injury, as well as any changes in your future capacity to work. Noneconomic damages are more subjective, and can include pain and suffering, inconvenience, loss of enjoyment of life and boat emotional stress. A lawyer can assist you calculate the value of your losses, and submit a lawsuit or insurance claim against those accountable for your injuries. They also handle cases involving government agencies such as the Coast Guard and police.

Insurance

If someone is injured in a boating accident, the financial burdens can quickly add up. Medical bills can add up in the thousands and, when surgery is required, the cost can be more expensive.

A personal injury lawyer can assist injured victims receive the compensation they need. They can investigate and prepare the necessary paperwork for an accident on a boat. They can also negotiate with insurance companies to get maximum compensation.

A lawyer for boat accidents can also determine who is responsible and what insurance coverage each side has. Not all boat owners and operators carry liability insurance to cover injuries. Make sure to check your boating and homeowners insurance policies if you lease or borrow a boat to see what coverage you are entitled to.

Reporting boat accidents to authorities is essential. A police report from the official can be used to establish negligence as well as other facts in claims for boat damages. It is also recommended to talk with witnesses in order to obtain their statements. It is also helpful to get the names, contact information and insurance policy numbers of all parties who were involved in the incident, particularly the operators of the boats.

Liability

As 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 and expenses of medication. Your NYC lawyer for boat accidents will be able to prove these expenses and ensure that the full extent of your losses are included in your compensation payout.

The majority of injuries sustained in boat accidents result from the negligence or recklessness on the part of the boat's owner or operator. Lack of safety equipment like lightbulbs for navigation, fire extinguishers or life jackets may cause some injuries to be worsened. An action can be filed against the manufacturer of a defective boat or product on board, like a ski.

If you've been injured while working on a commercial boat you could be able to make a claim under Jones Act. A experienced New York boat accident lawyer will examine the particulars of your situation and provide you with more information about this specific law. Your lawyer will also negotiate on behalf of you with the responsible parties and their lawyers, as well as the insurance companies. If a fair and reasonable settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will prepare for trial to obtain justice on your behalf.

Time Limits

There are several laws that govern boating as well as other watercrafts. These laws cover driving, passing, and ceding the right-of-way among others. These regulations also require that boaters stay sober, refrain from overloading or overpowering their boats and deter risky behavior like weaving into traffic or hopping into the wake. A negligent act by an operator or other party involved in a boating collision can result in serious injuries and sometimes, even wrongful deaths.

A lawyer for boat accidents will guide you through the legal system, assess the strength of your claim, and protect your rights. They can also help you pursue monetary compensation for your losses, by submitting medical records and other evidence to support your claim.

A boat-related case can take longer to resolve because it is a matter that has to be decided in accordance with maritime law as well as state personal injury laws. The reason for this is that lawyers must collect eyewitness evidence, police reports, and other documentation before negotiations can begin. Depending on the complexity of your case, negotiations prior to litigation could take anywhere between a few weeks and six months. If you are employed by a commercial fishing vessel, cruise ship, sightseeing boat, or other kind of worker who is working on the boat accident law firms as part or as part of their job and you are eligible for workers' compensation. A NY lawyer for boat accidents is able to represent you in these claims, as well.