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 responsible and the best way to submit a claim to recover compensation.

In general, like in motor accidents in vehicles, it is imperative to prove that the negligent person was in breach of his duty to care, and that caused your injuries. Your lawyer must gather several pieces of evidence for your case.

Damages

Medical expenses including lost income, discomfort and pain are the most common damages for boating accidents. The severity of your injuries will determine how much you could receive in the form of a settlement or jury verdict. For catastrophic injuries such as the traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, or permanent disfigurement generally are more.

Medical expenses may include ambulance charges, hospital bills, doctor's appointments, physical therapy medication, and other costs. Your lawyer will establish the past and future medical expenses. In some states, you can be awarded damages for future losses that are related to your injuries. This can include the cost of an aid to health at home or additional physical therapy sessions as well as a loss of future earning capacity.

It is possible to establish liability more easily if the boat's operator or owner did not maintain their vessel or provide it with safety equipment. For instance, if the vessel was not equipped with life jackets, flares, fire extinguishers or whistles, it is likely that it contributed to the incident.

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

Expert Witnesses

In any personal injury case having a network of established experts who can testify is the best method to prove an claim for compensation. While eyewitnesses may help prove that the accident actually occurred expert witnesses have special qualifications that make them credible experts in their matter. They are compensated for their opinions and they can provide the weight of the case.

A expert witness in marine engineering For instance, a marine engineering expert witness can recreate the events that caused a boating accident by analyzing evidence such as speed calculations and collisions caused by visibility. They can also testify about how safety regulations were observed or if they were not followed.

A medical professional is another important expert witness. They can testify on the extent of your injuries as well as the long-term effects. They can also provide an explanation of the consequences of your injuries to your life, which may impact the amount of damages you claim.

Expert witnesses in admiralty and maritime can analyze the causes of accidents that involve recreational boats, personal watercrafts or commercial ships. They can also offer analysis and testimony on maritime laws, such as the laws governing classification of ships surveying, classification, and design.

Shared Fault

In the same way drivers who are inattention or reckless can result in a car accident, a drunk boat driver can put themselves and their passengers at risk of serious injury. In the case of a boat crash it is crucial that injured parties seek out compensation from all parties accountable.

In the immediate aftermath of any boat accident it is crucial to ensure everyone is safe and receives immediate medical attention, if needed. Then, as soon as possible, it's important to collect information about the incident including contact information from witnesses, photos of the scene, and names and numbers of any other boaters or boat owners who were involved in the collision. It's important to report the incident to law enforcement authorities.

Insurance companies of liable parties require victims of boat accidents to keep their declarations. An attorney can help you avoid giving information to insurance companies that could be used to decrease the value of your claim or even to cancel it out completely.

An experienced York County boat accident attorney can collect evidence, eyewitness testimony, police reports, and photographs of the scene of the accident to create an impressive case on your behalf. The majority of personal injury lawsuits and claims for wrongful deaths must be filed within 4 years of the incident. The sooner you speak to an attorney, they will be able to begin collecting evidence and constructing your case.

Insurance Companies

As with car accident lawsuits, the successful personal injury claim requires evidence of negligence. This involves proving that the person who caused your injuries has violated an obligation under law and that this breach was the sole cause of your injuries. Our lawyers can examine the evidence to determine who is responsible for the boating accident and pursue compensation on behalf of you.

It is crucial to seek medical attention as quickly as possible following a boating incident. A doctor can assist you to record your injuries and connect them directly to the accident. Additionally, it is important to take photos of your wounds and bruises as well as keep a record of your experiences. A good way to organize your documents can speed up claims and help you build a strong case.

Sometimes the party responsible for your injuries doesn't have to be present to be held accountable. For instance, you could to sue the boat maker when you discover a manufacturing defect. Our team will review your case to determine if you have a valid claim.

If there is a valid claim against the person responsible, our attorneys will start by filing a claim with the court that lists all of the relevant details about the accident and the damages you're seeking. This is followed by the discovery process where the parties exchange information, which includes interrogatories and sworn depositions. Then, a settlement will be reached or the case goes to trial.