How a Boat Accident Lawyer Can Help You File a Claim

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

Most boat accident lawsuits are based on 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, similar to other kind of crash. Some of the injuries that can result are drowning or oxygen deprivation-related injuries, fractured bones and brain trauma. A good lawyer can help you obtain the amount of compensation you are entitled to for these losses.

Like car accidents. The case of a boating accident is based on the proof of the negligence of the person responsible. An attorney can conduct a thorough investigation and take photographs of the scene of the accident as well as your injuries to prove the responsibility. They can also assist in finding medical records and other evidence to prove your claim. They can also assist you to learn about comparative negligence laws if they apply to your particular situation.

Boating accidents can cause both economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages are more easily measurable such as past and future medical expenses related to your injury. These can also include any losses in income caused by your injuries as well as changes to your ability to work in the future. Noneconomic damages are more subjective and can include the pain and suffering, inconvenience, loss of enjoyment of life and emotional anxiety. A lawyer can help calculate the value of your losses, and submit a lawsuit or insurance claim against the people who are responsible for your injuries. They also handle cases involving government entities, such as the Coast Guard or police.

Insurance

Financial burdens can quickly mount when someone is injured in an accident with a boat. Medical bills can easily run into thousands of dollars, and if surgery is required, cost could be higher.

A personal injury lawyer can help people who have suffered injuries receive the compensation they need. He or she can investigate the root of a boating accident and then file the necessary paperwork and negotiate with insurance companies to get the maximum possible compensation.

In addition a lawyer who handles boat accidents can determine which parties are liable and how much insurance coverage they have. Responsible operators and owners have insurance on their boats that can pay for injuries however not all do. Check your own boating and homeowners insurance policies if you lease or borrow a boat to see the amount of coverage you have.

It is important to report any boating accidents to the authorities. A police report will help establish negligence as well as other facts when filing claims for damages. It is recommended for witnesses to be interviewed to gather their statements. Additionally, it is beneficial to collect the names, contact details and Boat Accident Lawsuits insurance policy numbers of all involved in the boat accident, especially the operators of the boats.

Liability

As a boat accident victim You may be entitled to reimbursement for past and future medical expenses. This includes hospital bills emergency room services, doctor appointments, therapy sessions and the expenses of medication. Your NYC lawyer for boat accidents will investigate these expenses and will make sure that the entire amount of your losses are included in your compensation award.

Most injuries suffered in boat accidents are due to negligence or reckless actions on the part of a boat owner or operator. Lack of safety equipment like fire extinguishers, navigational lights, or life jackets can cause injuries to become worse. A claim can be made against the manufacturer of a defective boat or items on board such as the ski.

If you've been injured while working on a commercial boat it is possible to file a claim under the Jones Act. A New York boat accident attorney will review your case and provide more information regarding this particular law. Your attorney will also lead in negociating with the responsible parties and their lawyers as well as insurance companies on your behalf. If a fair settlement is not able to be reached, your lawyer will prepare for trial in order to obtain justice on your behalf.

Time Limits

Boating and other watercraft are governed by various laws. These laws cover driving, passing, and ceding the right of way among other things. They also require operators to remain sober, avoid overloading or overwhelming their vessels and discourage people from engaging in risky practices like weaving into traffic or jumping into wakes. Negligent actions by an operator or another party involved in a boating incident can cause serious injuries or even deaths.

A lawyer who is experienced in boat accidents will guide you through the legal process, evaluate the strengths of your case and ensure your rights. They can also help you in pursuing monetary compensation by providing medical documentation and other evidence.

Since a boat-related case is one that is adjudicated under maritime law as well as state personal injury law it may take longer to settle than a car accident claim. This is due to the fact that a lawyer must collect eyewitness evidence, police reports, and other documentation before negotiations can begin. Depending on the complexity of the case, pre-litigation negotiations can last anywhere between a few weeks and six months. If you are an employee of a commercial fishing vessel, cruise or sightseeing ship or any other type of worker who is working on vessels as part of his or her work, you may be entitled to workers compensation under maritime law. A NY boat accident attorney can represent you in these cases.