How a Boat Accident Lawyer Can Help You File a Claim

If you've suffered injuries on the water or in an area marina, a New York boat accident lawyer will assist you in filing a claim. They can provide advice, assess the strength of your claim and negotiate with insurance companies.

Most boat accident lawsuits are based on negligence. You could be awarded compensation if your attorney can demonstrate an breach of duty as well as damages.

Damages

A boating accident could cause devastating injuries, just as any other kind of crash. The types of injuries that could result include drowning and oxygen deprivation injuries, brain trauma and fractured bones. A good lawyer can assist you in obtaining the financial compensation you are entitled to for these injuries.

Similar to car accidents, an injury involving a boat is contingent on the proof of negligence by the responsible party. An attorney can conduct an extensive investigation and take photos of the scene and your injuries to establish the responsibility. They can also assist you in locating medical records as well as other evidence to back your claim. They can also assist you to learn about comparative liability laws should your situation be affected.

Victims could be entitled both economic and non-economic damages for their boating injuries. Economic damages are more easily verifiable for past and future medical expenses for your injury. This can include the loss of income due to your injury, as well as any changes in your ability to work. Noneconomic damages are subjective and can include discomfort and pain or loss of enjoyment in life, emotional suffering, and many more. An attorney can help you calculate the amount of your damages and file a lawsuit or insurance claim against the parties who are responsible for your injuries. They can also handle cases involving government agencies, boat accident lawsuits such as the Coast Guard and police.

Insurance

Financial burdens can quickly mount when someone is injured in an accident on a boat. Medical bills can quickly reach thousands of dollars and, if surgery is required, the costs could be more.

An attorney for personal injury can assist injured people in getting the compensation they require. They can conduct an investigation and prepare the necessary paperwork for an accident on the water. They can also bargain with insurance companies to obtain the highest amount of compensation.

In addition an attorney for boat accidents can identify who is at fault and how much insurance coverage they have. Not all boat owners and operators carry liability insurance to protect against injuries. Make sure to check your boating and homeowners insurance policies if you rent or borrow a boat to see the amount of coverage you have.

Reporting boat accidents to authorities is crucial. A police report is a valid document that can be used to establish negligence as well as other facts in the case of a claim for damages. Also, it's a good idea for you to speak to witnesses to obtain their statements. Finally, it is helpful to obtain the names, contact information and insurance policy numbers for everyone participants in the boat accident, especially the operators of the boats.

Liability

As a boat accident victim You may be entitled to reimbursement for future and past medical expenses. This includes hospital bills emergency room services, doctor's appointments therapy sessions, and the expenses of medication. Your NYC lawyer for boat accidents will prove the totality of these costs, and ensure that your complete losses are included in the compensation amount.

The majority of injuries sustained in boat accidents are due to either negligent or reckless behavior on the part of an owner or operator of a boat. Inadequate safety equipment like lightbulbs for navigation, fire extinguishers or life jackets can cause injuries to get worse. An action can be filed against the manufacturer of a defective boat or item on board, like the ski.

If you've suffered injuries on commercial vessels you could be eligible to make a Jones Act claim. A New York boat accident attorney will examine your case and provide you with more information regarding this particular law. Your lawyer will also negotiate on behalf of you with the parties responsible and their lawyers and the insurance companies. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will prepare for trial in order to obtain justice on your behalf.

Time Limits

There are several laws that regulate boating and other watercrafts. These laws govern the driving, passing and granting the right of way among others. They also mandate that operators remain sane, avoid overloading or overwhelming their vessels, and prevent people from engaging in dangerous actions like weaving into traffic or jumping in wake. The negligent actions of an operator or another party involved in a boating collision can cause serious injuries and sometimes even death.

A lawyer who is experienced in boat accidents can help you navigate the legal process, evaluate the strength of your case, and ensure your rights. They can also assist you to pursue monetary compensation for your losses by submitting medical records and other evidence to back your claim.

Since a boat-related case involves issues that are adjudicated in accordance with maritime law and state personal injury law it may take longer to settle than a car accident claim. This is due to the fact that an attorney needs to collect eyewitness testimony, police reports, as well as other documentation prior to negotiations beginning. Negotiations before litigation can last between a few weeks to six months, depending on the nature of the case. If you are employed by commercial fishing vessels or cruise ship, sightseeing boat, or any other type worker who is in the boat as a result of or in the course of his job and you are qualified for workers compensation. A NY boat accident attorney can also help you with these claims.