How a Boat Accident Lawyer Can Help You File a Claim

A New York boat accident attorney can assist you with filing a claim if you are injured in the water or in a marina. They'll give advice, evaluate the strengths of your case and bargain with insurance companies.

Most lawsuits for boat accidents involve negligence. You could receive compensation if your lawyer can prove the breach of duty and damages.

Damages

A boating accident could cause devastating injuries, similar to other type of crash. Drowning, oxygen deprivation, spinal cord injuries, fractured bones, brain trauma whiplash, electrocution and whiplash are just a few possible injuries. A good lawyer can aid you in obtaining the financial compensation you deserve for these losses.

Like car accidents, the case of a boating accident is dependent on proving the fault of the responsible party. An attorney can conduct a thorough investigation and take pictures of the accident scene as well as your injuries to prove the liability. They can also help find medical records as well as other evidence to back your claim. They can also help you learn about comparative liability laws if your situation is affected.

Victims might be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages for their boating accident injuries. Economic damages are more easily quantifiable including future and past medical expenses related to your injury. This could include the loss of income as a result of your injury and any changes in your future capacity to work. Noneconomic damages can be subjective and may include discomfort and pain and discontentment with life, emotional suffering, and more. A lawyer can help calculate the value of your damages, and file a lawsuit or insurance claim against the party who are responsible for your injuries. They also deal with cases involving government agencies, such as the Coast Guard or police.

Insurance

The financial burden can quickly grow when someone is injured in a boating accident. Medical bills can add up in the thousands and, in the event of surgery, the cost could be more costly.

A personal injury attorney can help injured individuals recover the compensation they require. They can investigate the causes of a boating accident, file necessary paperwork, and deal with insurance companies to secure the highest 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 for liability on boats that will pay for injuries but not everyone has. Anyone who rents or borrows boats should review their homeowners' and boating insurance policies to determine the amount of coverage they have.

Notifying authorities about boat accidents is vital. A police report can assist in establishing negligence and other facts when filing a claim for damages. It is also a good idea for you to speak with witnesses in order to get their testimony. It is also beneficial to collect the names, contact information and insurance policy numbers for all the parties involved in the accident, particularly the operators of the boats.

Liability

If you're a victim of a boat accident lawyers accident, you may be entitled to reimbursement for the past and future medical expenses. This includes hospital bills and emergency room services. Additionally, it includes doctor appointments, therapy sessions and medication costs. Your NYC boat accident attorney will prove all of these expenses, and make sure that your total loss is reflected in the compensation amount.

Most injuries incurred in boat accident attorneys accidents result from reckless or negligent behavior on the part of the boat's owner or operator. Some injuries are exacerbated because of the absence of the safety equipment required like life jackets, fire extinguishers or navigational lights. A claim can be filed against the manufacturer of a defective boat or items on board like the ski.

If you were injured while working on a commercial vessel, you may be eligible to make a claim under the Jones Act. 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 in addition to the insurance companies. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will prepare for trial in order to achieve justice on your behalf.

Time Limits

Boating and other watercraft are governed by various laws. These laws regulate driving, passing and ceding right-of-way, among others. They also require operators to remain sober, not overloading or causing a lot of stress to their boats and stop people from engaging in dangerous behavior like weaving in traffic or wake-jumping. Unintentional actions by a boater or a person who is involved in a boating accident can result in serious injuries, and even deaths.

A lawyer who is experienced in boat accidents can help you navigate the legal process, evaluate the strengths of your case and defend your rights. They can also assist you to seek financial compensation for your losses through the submission of medical documentation and other evidence to prove your claim.

Since a boat-related case involves issues that are adjudicated in accordance with maritime law, as well as the state's personal injury law, it might take longer to resolve than an auto accident claim. This is due to the fact that a lawyer must gather eyewitness testimony, police reports, and other evidence before negotiations can begin. Based on the complexity of the case, pre-litigation negotiations can take anywhere from a few weeks to six months. If you are employed by commercial fishing vessels or cruise ship, a sightseeing boat, or other type worker who is in the boat as a result of or in the course of his job, then you may be qualified for workers' compensation. A NY boat accident attorney can represent you in these cases.