How a Boat Accident Lawyer Can Help You File a Claim

If you've been injured on the water or in an area marina or in a marina, a New York boat accident lawyer will assist you in filing an insurance claim. They'll provide guidance, evaluate the strengths of your case and discuss your case with insurance companies.

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

Damages

A boating incident can cause devastating injuries, similar to other kind of crash. The types of injuries that can result are drowning, oxygen deprivation injuries, fractured bones and brain trauma. A good lawyer can aid you in obtaining the money you deserve for these losses.

As with car accidents, the case for a boating incident is based on the proof of the negligence of the party responsible. A lawyer can do an extensive investigation, and take photographs of the scene of the accident as well as injuries to prove the responsibility. They can also help find medical records for treatment and other evidence to support your claim. They can also assist you to understand comparative negligence laws in the event they apply to your situation.

Victims could be entitled both economic and non-economic damages resulting from their boating accident injuries. Economic damages are easier to prove such as past and future medical expenses for your injury. These can also include any loss of income due to your injuries or changes in your ability to work in the future. Noneconomic damages can be subjective and include discomfort and pain or loss of enjoyment in life, emotional suffering, and many more. An attorney can help you calculate the worth of your damages and bring a lawsuit or a claim against the people responsible for your injuries. They can also handle cases involving government agencies like the Coast Guard or police.

Insurance

When someone suffers injuries from a boating accident, financial burdens can quickly pile up. Medical bills can easily be thousands of dollars, and if surgery is required, costs could be more.

A personal injury lawyer can assist injured people in getting the compensation they need. They can investigate the cause of a boating incident and then file the necessary paperwork and boat accident lawsuits negotiate with insurance companies to receive the most compensation.

Additionally a lawyer who handles boat accidents will determine which parties are responsible and what insurance coverage they have. Responsible owners and operators have insurance on their boats that can pay for injuries however not all do. Check your own boating and homeowners insurance policies when you rent or borrow a boat to determine what coverage you are entitled to.

Reporting boat accidents to authorities is vital. A police report can be used to establish negligence as well as other factors when filing an action for damages. Also, it is a good idea for you to speak with witnesses to get their accounts. It is also beneficial to collect the names, contact details and insurance policy numbers for everyone involved in the accident, particularly the operators of the boats.

Liability

If you're a victim of a boating accident you could be eligible for reimbursement of past and future medical expenses. This includes hospital bills as well as emergency room services. It also includes appointment with a doctor, therapy sessions as well as medication costs. Your NYC lawyer for boat accidents will work to prove the costs and will ensure that the entire amount of your losses are reflected in your compensation award.

Most injuries suffered in boat accident lawyers accidents are caused by the negligence or recklessness by the boat's owner or operator. Inadequate safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, navigational lights or life jackets could cause injuries to be worsened. An action can be filed against the manufacturer of a defective boat or product on board, such as the ski.

If you were injured on an commercial vessel you could be eligible to make an Jones Act claim. A New York boat accident attorney will examine your case and provide you with more details about this unique law. Your lawyer will also negotiate on your behalf with the responsible parties and their lawyers in addition to the insurance companies. If a fair settlement is not reached, your attorney will prepare a trial on your behalf to get justice.

Time Limits

Boating and other watercrafts are governed by various laws. These regulations include driving, passing, and ceding the right-of-way among other things. These regulations also require boaters to remain sober, avoid overloading or overpowering their boats and deter risky behavior such as weaving into traffic or jumping into the wake. A negligent act by an operator or another party involved in a boating incident can lead to serious injuries or even deaths.

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

Because a case involving a boat collision is one that is adjudicated under maritime law as well as state personal injury laws, it could take longer to settle than an auto accident claim. It is because an attorney needs to collect eyewitness testimony and police reports, and other evidence, before negotiations can start. Negotiations for pre-litigation can last anywhere between a few weeks and six months, based on the complexity of the case. If you are employed by commercial fishing vessels or cruise ship, a sightseeing boat, or any other type of worker who works working on the boat as part or in the course of his job, then you may be eligible for workers compensation. A NY lawyer for boat accidents can assist with these claims, as well.