How a Boat Accident Lawyer Can Help You File a Claim

A New York boat accident attorney can help you file claims if you've been injured in the water or in a marina. They'll offer advice, assess the strengths of your case and deal with insurance companies.

Most boat accident lawsuit accident lawsuits involve negligence. If your lawyer can prove that there was a breach of duty, causation and damages, you could get compensation.

Damages

A boating incident can cause devastating injuries, just like any other type of crash. The types of injuries that can result are drowning or oxygen deprivation-related injuries, fractured bones and brain trauma. A lawyer with experience can help you obtain the compensation you deserve for these injuries.

Like car accidents, the case of a boating accident hinges on proving the negligence of the party responsible. Lawyers can conduct an extensive investigation, and take pictures of the scene of the accident and injuries to prove the responsibility. They can also help find medical records as well as other evidence to back your claim. They can also assist you to understand comparative liability laws if your situation is affected.

Boating accidents can result in both economic and noneconomic damage. Economic damages are more easily measurable for past and future medical expenses for your injury. This can include the loss of income you suffer due to your injury as well as any changes in your future capacity to work. Noneconomic damages are more subjective and may include the suffering and inconvenience as well as loss of enjoyment of life and emotional distress. A lawyer can assist you determine the worth of your damages and make a lawsuit or an insurance claim against those responsible for your injuries. They also handle cases involving government entities, such as the Coast Guard or police.

Insurance

Financial burdens can rapidly mount when someone is injured in an accident with a boat. Medical bills can run in the thousands and, when surgery is required the cost can be more costly.

A personal injury lawyer can assist injured victims get the compensation they require. They can look into the root of a boating accident and then file the necessary paperwork and bargain with insurance companies in order to get the maximum possible compensation.

A boat accident attorney can also determine who is responsible and what insurance coverage each side has. Responsible owners and operators have insurance on their boats that can pay for injuries however, not everyone has. Anyone who rents or borrows boats should verify their homeowners and boating insurance policies to determine what coverage they have.

It is important to report any boat-related accidents to the authorities. A police report can help establish negligence as well as other factors when submitting a claim for damages. It is recommended to talk with witnesses to get their testimony. It is also helpful to obtain the names, contact information and insurance policy numbers for all the parties who were involved in the incident, particularly the operators of the boats.

Liability

You may be entitled to reimbursement of the medical expenses of the past and in the future when you're the victim of a boating incident. This includes hospital bills, emergency room services, doctor appointments, therapy sessions and the expenses of medication. Your NYC boat accident attorney will help you prove the full cost of these expenses and boat accident lawsuit ensure that your complete losses are reflected in the compensation amount.

The majority of injuries sustained in boat accidents are caused by reckless or negligent behavior by the owner of the boat or the operator. The lack of safety equipment such as lighting for navigation, fire extinguishers or life jackets may cause injuries to become more severe. A claim can be made against the manufacturer of a boat that is defective or an items on board like a ski.

If you were injured while working on a commercial vessel and suffered an injury, you may be able to file a claim under the Jones Act. A New York boat accident attorney will examine your case and provide additional information about this special law. Your lawyer will also negotiate on behalf of you with the responsible parties and their lawyers as well as with the insurance companies. If an acceptable settlement cannot be reached the attorney will conduct an appeal on your behalf to ensure justice.

Time Limits

Boating and other watercrafts are governed by a variety of laws. These laws cover driving, passing, and granting the right of way, among other things. They also require that operators remain sober, avoid overloading or overwhelming their vessels and stop people from engaging in dangerous behaviors like weaving into traffic or jumping in wake. The negligence of an operator or other party involved in a boating collision can result in serious injuries and even wrongful death.

A lawyer who is experienced in boat accidents can guide you through the legal process, boat accident lawsuit determine the quality of your case and safeguard your rights. They can also help you pursue monetary compensation for your losses by submitting medical evidence and other documents to prove your claim.

Since a boat accident law firm accident case is governed by maritime law, as well as state personal injury law it can take longer to settle than an auto accident claim. It is because an attorney must collect eyewitness testimonies and police reports and other evidence before negotiations can begin. Depending on the nature of the case, pre-litigation negotiations can take anywhere from a few weeks to six months. If you work for a commercial fishing vessel or cruise ship, a sightseeing boat, or any other kind of worker who is on the boat as part or in the course of his job and you are eligible for workers compensation. A NY boat accident attorney can represent you in these cases.