How a Boat Accident Lawyer Can Help You File a Claim

If you've been injured on water or in the marina or at a marina, a New York boat accident lawyer can assist you in filing a claim. They will provide guidance and evaluate the strength of your claim, and negotiate with insurance companies.

Most boat accident lawsuits are based on negligence. If your attorney can prove that there was a breach of duty, causation or damages, you could receive compensation.

Damages

A boating accident could cause devastating injuries, similar to other type of crash. Some of the injuries that can result are drowning in the water, oxygen deprivation injuries fractured bones and brain trauma. A lawyer with experience can assist you in obtaining the compensation you deserve for these damages.

Like car accidents, the case for a boating incident depends on proving the negligence of the party responsible. A lawyer can do an exhaustive investigation and take photos of the scene of an accident and injuries to prove liability. They can also assist in finding medical records and other evidence to support your claim. They can also assist you to know the laws of comparative liability should your situation be affected.

Boating accidents can result in both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are ones that are more easily assessed, like past and future medical costs 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 are more subjective and could include discomfort and pain, loss of enjoyment of life and emotional anxiety. A lawyer can help determine the value of your damages, and bring a lawsuit or a claim against the party responsible for your injuries. They also deal with cases involving government agencies, such as the Coast Guard or police.

Insurance

Financial burdens can quickly increase when someone is injured in an accident on a boat. Medical bills can add up in the thousands. And, when surgery is required, the expenses can be even greater.

An attorney for personal injury can assist injured victims in obtaining the compensation they require. He or she can determine the causes of a boating incident as well as file the necessary paperwork and work with insurance companies to secure the highest possible compensation.

An attorney for boat accidents can determine who is accountable and what insurance coverage each side has. Responsible operators and owners have insurance for boat liability that can pay for injuries, but not everyone does. Examine your own boating insurance and homeowners insurance policies when you rent or borrow a boat to see what coverage you are entitled to.

Reporting boat accidents to authorities is essential. A police report will help establish negligence and other facts when filing claims for damages. It is also an excellent idea to speak with witnesses in order to obtain their statements. It is also helpful to get the names, contact details and insurance policy numbers for all parties involved in the accident including the captains of the boats.

Liability

As a boat accident victim, you may be entitled to reimbursement for past and future medical expenses. This includes hospital expenses and emergency room services. It also includes appointment with a doctor, therapy sessions and medical expenses. Your NYC lawyer for boat accidents will work to prove all of these expenses, and ensure that your complete losses are taken into account in the compensation amount.

Most injuries incurred in boat accidents are due to reckless or negligent behavior by a boat owner or operator. The lack of safety equipment such as lightbulbs for navigation, fire extinguishers or life jackets could cause injuries to become more severe. An action can be filed against the manufacturer of a boat that is defective or an item on board, such as the ski.

If you've suffered injuries while working on a commercial vessel you could be able to make a claim under the Jones Act. A experienced New York boat accident lawyer will analyze the particulars of your situation and provide you with more details regarding this particular law. Your lawyer will also be the one to lead in negotiating with the responsible parties as well as their lawyers and insurance companies on your behalf. If a fair settlement is not able to be reached, your attorney will prepare for trial in order to seek justice on your behalf.

Time Limits

Boating and other watercraft are governed by various laws. These laws govern driving, passing and giving the right of way as well as other aspects. They also require that operators remain in a safe place, refrain from overloading or causing damage to their boats and prohibit people from engaging in risky behavior like weaving in traffic or jumping in wake. A negligent act by an operator or any other person involved in a boating accident could result in serious injuries, and even deaths.

A lawyer who is experienced in boat accidents can guide you through the legal process, assess the strengths of your case and protect your rights. They can also assist you to seek compensation for your losses, by submitting medical documents and other evidence to back your claim.

A boat accident case may take longer to resolve because it is a matter that has to be adjudicated in accordance with maritime law and boat accident lawsuits state personal injury laws. This is due to the fact that an attorney must collect eyewitness testimonies and police reports, along with other evidence prior to negotiations beginning. Depending on the nature of your case, pre-litigation negotiations could take anywhere between a few weeks and six months. If you are an employee of a commercial fisherman, cruise or sightseeing ship or other kind of worker who is working on the water as part of his or her work, you may be eligible for workers compensation under maritime law. A NY boat accident lawyer can provide representation for these claims as well.