How a Boat Accident Lawyer Can Help You File a Claim

Whether you're injured on the water or in an area marina or at a marina, a New York boat accident lawyer will help you file an insurance claim. They'll offer advice, assess the strength of your case and deal 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 be awarded compensation.

Damages

Boating accidents can result in serious injuries, as with any other type of accident. The types of injuries that can happen include drowning and oxygen deprivation injuries, fractured bones and brain trauma. A good lawyer can help you obtain the amount of compensation you are entitled to for these damages.

As with car accidents, the case of a boating accident is based on the proof of the negligence of the person responsible. An attorney can conduct an extensive investigation and even take photographs of the scene of the accident and injuries to prove liability. They can also help locate medical records for treatment and other documentation to support your claim. They can also help you understand comparative liability laws if your situation is affected.

Victims may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages for their boating accident injuries. Economic damages are more easily verifiable for past and future medical expenses related to your injury. These can also include any losses in income caused by your injuries and athens Boat accident attorney changes to your ability to work in the future. Noneconomic damages may be subjective and could include discomfort and pain and discontentment with life, emotional distress, and many more. A lawyer can assist you calculate the value of your losses, and make a lawsuit or an insurance claim against the parties responsible for your injuries. They also handle cases involving government agencies like the Coast Guard and police.

Insurance

The financial burden can quickly grow when someone is injured in an accident on the water. Medical bills can be in the thousands. And, when surgery is required the expenses can be even higher.

A personal injury lawyer can assist injured people get the compensation they require. They can conduct an investigation and prepare the necessary paperwork for a boating accident. They can also negotiate with insurance companies in order to receive the maximum amount of compensation.

An attorney who handles boat accidents can also determine who is responsible and the insurance coverage each party has. Not all boat owners and operators have liability insurance to cover injuries. Examine your own boating insurance and homeowners insurance policies if you rent or borrow a boat to determine how much coverage you have.

It is vital to report any boat accident to the authorities. A police report can be used to establish negligence as well as other facts when filing an action for damages. Also, it's an excellent idea to speak to witnesses in order to get their accounts. It is also beneficial to get the names, contact information and insurance policy numbers of all parties who were involved in the incident including the captains of the boats.

Liability

As a boat accident victim, you may be entitled to reimbursement for future and past medical expenses. This includes hospital bills emergency room services, doctor appointments therapy sessions, as well as the cost of medications. Your NYC athens boat accident attorney accident lawyer will be able to prove these expenses and ensure that the totality of your losses is reflected in the compensation you receive.

Most injuries in boat accidents are caused by careless or reckless actions by the owner of the boat or the operator. The lack of safety equipment such as lighting for navigation, fire extinguishers or life jackets can cause injuries to be worsened. A claim can also be filed against the manufacturer of a defective boat or a component of the boat, like a water ski.

If you've suffered injuries while working on a commercial boat you could be able to make a claim under Jones Act. A experienced New York boat accident lawyer will go over the details of your case and provide more details on this law. Your attorney will also be the one to lead in negociating with the responsible parties along with their lawyers and insurance companies on your behalf. If the fair settlement isn't reached your attorney will draft an appeal on your behalf to get justice.

Time Limits

There are many laws that govern boating and other watercrafts. These laws govern the driving, passing and granting the right of way, among other things. These rules also require that operators remain in a safe place, refrain from overloading or overpowering their vessels and also discourage risky behaviours such as weaving into traffic or hopping in the wake. In the event of negligence, an operator or other party involved in a boating collision can result in serious injuries and sometimes even death.

A lawyer for boat accidents will guide you through the legal system, assess the merits of your claim, and protect your rights. They can also assist you seek compensation for your losses, by submitting medical documentation and other evidence to back your claim.

A case involving a boat accident could take longer to settle due to the fact that it is a matter that has to be determined by maritime law and state personal injury laws. This is due to the fact that attorneys must gather eyewitness testimonies and police reports, along with other evidence before negotiations can begin. Negotiations in the pre-litigation phase can last anywhere between a few weeks and six months, depending on the complexity of the case. If you are employed by a commercial fishing vessel, cruise ship, sightseeing boat, or any other type worker who is in the boat as a result of or for the purpose of working and you are eligible for workers compensation. A NY boat accident lawyer will be able to assist you with these claims as well.