How a Boat Accident Lawyer Can Help You File a Claim

A New York boat accident attorney can assist you with filing an insurance claim if you've been injured in the water or in a marina. They will provide guidance, assess the strength of your claim and negotiate with insurance companies.

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

Damages

A boating accident can cause devastating injuries, just as any other kind of crash. Drowning, oxygen deprivation fractured bones, brain trauma, whiplash and electrocution are just a few of the possible injuries. A competent lawyer can help you in obtaining the compensation you deserve for these damages.

Similar to car accidents, a boating accident case hinges on proving the negligence of responsible party. A lawyer can conduct an extensive investigation, and take photos of the scene of the accident as well as injuries to establish responsibility. They can also assist you in locating medical records as well as other evidence to support your claim. They can also assist you to learn about comparative liability laws should your situation be affected.

Boating accidents can cause both economic and boat accident lawsuits noneconomic damages. Economic damages are easier to prove like past and future medical expenses related to your injury. These could also include loss of income resulting from your injuries and changes to your ability to work in the future. Noneconomic damages are more subjective and could include the suffering and inconvenience and loss of enjoyment life, and emotional anxiety. A lawyer can help you determine the worth of your losses and file an insurance claim or a lawsuit against the responsible parties for your injuries. They can also handle cases that involve government entities such as the Coast Guard and police.

Insurance

When someone is injured as a result of a boating accident, costs can quickly mount up. Medical bills can add up in the thousands and, when surgery is required, the costs can be higher.

A personal injury lawyer can help people who have suffered injuries receive the compensation they require. He or she can investigate the root of a boating incident, file necessary paperwork, and bargain with insurance companies in order to get the maximum possible compensation.

A lawyer for boat accidents can also determine who is liable and the insurance coverage each party has. Responsible owners and operators have boat liability insurance that will pay for injuries, but not everyone does. Review your own boating and homeowners insurance policies if you lease or borrow a boat to find out how much coverage you're covered.

It is vital to report any boat-related accidents to the authorities. A police report can assist in establishing negligence and other facts when filing an claim for damages. Also, it's recommended to talk to witnesses to obtain their testimony. Finally, it is helpful to gather the names, contact details and insurance policy numbers of all involved in the accident, especially the operators of the boats.

Liability

If you're a victim of a boating accident you may be eligible for reimbursement of past and future medical expenses. This includes hospital expenses and emergency room services. Also, therapy sessions, doctor appointments and medication costs. Your NYC boat accident attorney will prove the totality of these costs, and ensure that all of your losses are included in the compensation amount.

Most injuries suffered in boat accidents are caused by negligence or reckless actions on the part of the boat's owner or operator. Certain injuries are caused by the failure to have the necessary safety equipment such as life jackets, fire extinguishers or navigational lights. A claim can be made against the manufacturer of a defective boat or product on board, like a ski.

If you were injured on an commercial vessel and you were injured, you may be able to make a Jones Act claim. A skilled New York boat accident lawyers accident lawyer will examine the particulars of your situation and give you more information on this special law. Your lawyer will also negotiate on your behalf with the responsible parties and their lawyers as well as with the insurance companies. If a fair settlement is not able to be reached, your lawyer will prepare for trial to obtain justice on your behalf.

Time Limits

Boating and other watercraft are governed by various laws. These regulations regulate driving, passing and ceding right-of-way, among others. They also mandate that operators remain sober, not overloading or overwhelming their vessels and prohibit those who are involved in risky behaviors like weaving into traffic or attempting to wake-jump. Inadequate actions of an operator or another party involved in a boating incident can cause serious injuries or even deaths.

A qualified boat accident lawyer will guide you through the legal process, determine the strength of your case, and ensure your rights. They can also help you seek financial compensation for your losses by submitting medical evidence and other documents to support your claim.

Since a case involving a boat accident is one that is adjudicated under maritime law and state personal injury laws, it can take longer to resolve than an auto accident claim. This is because a lawyer must collect eyewitness testimony, police reports, and other documentation before negotiations can begin. Based on the complexity of the case, pre-litigation negotiations could take anywhere from a few weeks to six months. If you are an employee of a commercial fisherman, cruise or sightseeing ship or any other type of worker who is on vessels as part of his or her job, you may be eligible for workers compensation under maritime law. A NY lawyer for boat accidents is able to represent you in these claims as well.