How to File a Boat Accident Lawsuit

Severe boating injuries can cost a lot of money. A personal injury lawyer can help you determine who is accountable and boat accident law firm how to seek compensation.

Generally, like with motor accident cases, you need to prove that the negligent party breached their duty of care and was the direct reason for your injuries. Your lawyer will have to gather evidence to support your case.

Damages

Medical expenses loss of income, discomfort and pain are among the most common damages for Boat Accident Law firm boating accidents. The severity of your injury will determine the amount you could receive in the form of a settlement or jury verdict. Traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury or permanent disfigurement, usually result in higher settlement or verdict amounts.

Medical expenses can include hospital bills, ambulance costs doctor's appointments, therapy medications, and other expenses. Your attorney will work to prove your past and future medical expenses. In some states, you may also be entitled to compensation for future damages resulting from your injuries. This could include the cost of an at-home health aid or additional physical therapy sessions, as well as the loss of future earning capacity.

The liability can be established if the boat owner or operator failed to maintain their vessel or had an inadequate amount of safety equipment on board. For example, if the boat was not equipped with life jackets flares, fire extinguishers, flares or whistles, it is likely that this was a factor in the accident.

A personal injury lawyer can help fulfill your burden of proof by assembling evidence, like photos or videos of the scene witness statements, medical records of your injuries. Attorneys can also fight claims that you are partly responsible for the incident.

Expert Witnesses

Like any other personal injury case, the most effective way to back your claim for compensation is to have a well-established network of experts to give evidence. While eyewitnesses can help prove that the accident occurred expert witnesses have special qualifications that make them credible experts in their matter. They are compensated for their opinions, and they can be the weight of an investigation.

For instance, a marine engineering expert witness can recreate the technical incidents of an accident on a boat by studying evidence such as speed calculations and how visibility affects collisions. They may also testify whether safety regulations were followed, or if any were not.

A medical professional is a second important expert witness. They can testify on the severity of your injuries, as well as their long-term implications. They can also explain how your life will be different because of them, which may impact your demand for damages.

Admiralty and maritime expert witnesses can conduct in-depth investigations into the causes of accidents involving recreational boats and personal watercrafts, as as commercial ships and their crew. They are also able to provide evidence and analysis on maritime laws like those that govern classification of ships as well as surveying and design.

Shared Fault

Just as an inattention-deficient or reckless driver could cause a devastating car crash, an impaired boat operator could put many persons, including themselves and their passengers, at risk of serious injuries. When boat accident lawyers accidents occur, it's important that injured parties seek compensation from all responsible parties.

Immediately following any boat accident, it's important to ensure everyone is safe and receives immediate medical attention, if necessary. It's crucial to collect details about the accident as early as you can. This includes contact details for witnesses, photos of the scene along with the names and numbers of other boaters as well as Boat accident law Firm owners who were involved in the collision. It's also crucial to file a report with the law enforcement authorities.

Insurance companies that are liable for the loss of a party often request victims of boat accidents to provide recorded statements. An attorney can help you avoid giving information to insurance companies that could be used to decrease the value of your claim or to throw the claim completely.

A seasoned York County boat accident attorney can gather evidence, eyewitness testimony, police reports, and photographs of the scene of the accident to build an impressive case on your behalf. Most personal injury lawsuits as well as lawsuits for wrongful death must be filed within 4 years of the incident. The sooner you consult with an attorney, they will be able to begin gathering information and preparing your case.

Insurance Companies

A successful personal injury claim will require proof of negligence just like lawsuits involving car accidents. This involves proving that the person who caused your injuries violated a legal obligation and that the breach was the primary cause of your damages. Our lawyers will review your evidence to determine who's responsible for your boating accident and pursue compensation on behalf of you.

As soon as you can following an incident on a boat it is crucial to seek medical attention for any injuries. The visit to a doctor will help you document the extent of your injuries and will directly connect them to the incident. It is also crucial to take pictures of your bruises, wounds and keep a log. A good way to organize your documents can speed up claims and help you build a solid case.

Sometimes the party responsible for your injuries does not need to be present to be held accountable. For instance, you could to sue the boat maker if you find a manufacturing defect. Our team can look over your case to determine if you have an appropriate claim.

If you have an appropriate claim against the responsible party, our lawyers will file a complaint with the court with all pertinent information regarding your accident and the damages you are seeking. Then comes the discovery process where both parties exchange information, including interrogatories and sworn depositions. In the end, a settlement can be reached or the case is sent to trial.