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 can assist you in filing a claim. They'll offer advice, assess the potential of your case, and discuss your case with insurance companies.

Most boat accident lawsuits involve negligence. You may be awarded compensation if your lawyer is able to prove a breach of duty and damages.

Damages

Boating accidents can result in serious injuries, like any other kind of accident. The types of injuries that could result include drowning in the water, oxygen deprivation injuries brain trauma and fractured bones. A good lawyer can assist you in obtaining the compensation that you deserve for these damages.

Like car accidents an injury involving a boat is contingent on proving negligence of the responsible party. A lawyer can conduct an exhaustive investigation and take photographs of the scene of the accident and your injuries to prove the liability. They can also assist in locating medical records as well as other evidence to back your claim. They can also help you know the laws of comparative liability should your situation be affected.

Boating accidents can result in both economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages are more easily quantifiable including future and past medical expenses for your injury. They could also cover any loss of income caused by your injuries, as well as any changes to your ability to work in the future. Noneconomic damages are more subjective and may include discomfort and pain or loss of enjoyment in life and emotional stress. A lawyer can help you determine the worth of your losses and make an insurance claim or lawsuit against the people responsible for your injuries. They also handle cases involving government bodies like the Coast Guard or police.

Insurance

Financial burdens can quickly mount when someone is injured in an accident on the water. Medical bills can run in the thousands and, in the event of surgery, the expenses can be even more expensive.

A personal injury lawyer can help injured victims get the compensation they need. They can investigate the causes of a boating accident and then file the necessary paperwork and work with insurance companies to secure the highest possible compensation.

In addition a lawyer for boat accidents can determine who is responsible and what insurance coverage they have. Responsible operators and owners have insurance for liability on boats that can pay for injuries but not everyone has. Review your own boating and homeowners insurance policies if renting or borrow a boat to determine how much coverage you have.

It is crucial to report any boat-related accidents to the authorities. A police report can help establish negligence as well as other factors when submitting an claim for damages. It is also a good idea to talk to witnesses to gather their statements. Finally, it is helpful to obtain the names, contact details and the insurance policy numbers of everyone who were involved in the incident, especially the operators of the boats.

Liability

As a victim of a boating accident you could be entitled to reimbursement for the past and future medical expenses. This can include hospital bills and emergency room services. It also includes doctor appointments, therapy sessions and medical expenses. Your NYC lawyer for boat accidents will prove the totality of these costs, and ensure that your complete losses are included in the compensation award.

The majority of injuries that occur in boat accidents result from negligence or reckless actions on the part of an owner or operator of a boat. The lack of safety equipment such as lighting for navigation, fire extinguishers or life jackets may cause injuries to get worse. An action can also be filed against a manufacturer of a defective boat or a component of the boat, such as a water ski.

If you've suffered injuries while working on a commercial vessel you could be able to file a claim under the Jones Act. A experienced New York boat accident lawyer will analyze the particulars of your case and provide you with more details on this special law. Your lawyer will also take the lead in negociating with the responsible parties as well as their lawyers and insurance companies on your behalf. 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

Boating and other watercrafts are governed by several laws. These laws govern driving, passing, and granting the right of way as well as other aspects. These regulations also require that boaters stay sober, refrain from overloading or overpowering their vessels, and discourage risky behaviors like weaving into traffic or hopping in the wake. A negligent act by an operator or another party involved in a boating collision can result in serious injuries, and sometimes, even wrongful deaths.

A qualified boat accident lawyer will guide you through the legal process, evaluate the quality of your case and protect your rights. They can also assist you to seek compensation for your losses by submitting medical documents and other evidence to support your claim.

A boat-related accident case could take longer to settle due to the fact that it involves issues that must be resolved according to maritime law and state personal injury laws. This is due to the fact that an attorney needs to collect eyewitness testimony, police reports, along with other evidence, before negotiations can start. Depending on the nature of the case, pre-litigation negotiations could take anywhere between a few weeks and six months. If you work for a commercial fishing vessel or cruise ship, a sightseeing boat, or other type of worker that is in the boat as a result of or his or her job and you are eligible for workers compensation. A NY boat accident lawyer is able to represent you in the claims of these types as well.