How a Boat Accident Lawyer Can Help You File a Claim

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

Most boat accident lawsuits are based on negligence. If your lawyer can prove that there was a breach of duty, causation and damages, you could be awarded compensation.

Damages

Boating accidents can cause serious injuries, like any other kind of accident. Drowning, oxygen deprivation, fractured bones, brain trauma whiplash, electrocution and whiplash are only a few possible injuries. A good lawyer can assist you in obtaining the compensation you deserve for these damages.

Just like car accidents, an injury involving a boat is contingent on proving the negligence of responsible party. A lawyer can conduct an extensive investigation and take photographs of the scene of the accident as well as your injuries to prove that you are liable. They can also assist you to find medical records for treatment and other evidence to support your claim. They can also assist you comprehend the law of comparative liability when your situation is impacted.

Victims may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages resulting from their boating accident injuries. Economic damages are more easily measurable like past and future medical expenses related to your injury. This could include the loss of income as a result of your injury and any changes in your future ability to work. Noneconomic damages are subjective and can include discomfort and pain, loss in enjoyment of life, emotional distress and more. An attorney can help you determine the value of your damages and file an insurance claim or a lawsuit against the people responsible for your injuries. They also handle cases involving government bodies, such as the Coast Guard or police.

Insurance

Financial burdens can quickly mount when someone is injured in a boating accident. Medical bills can easily be thousands of dollars and, if surgery is required, the expenses could be much higher.

A personal injury lawyer can assist injured people in getting the compensation they require. They can conduct an investigation and complete the necessary paperwork in case of an accident on a boat. They can also negotiate with insurance companies to obtain the highest amount of compensation.

A boat accident attorney can also determine who is at fault and the insurance coverage each party has. Responsible operators and owners have insurance for boat liability that will pay for injuries however, not everyone has. People who lease or borrow boats should verify their homeowners' and boating insurance policies to determine the amount of coverage they have.

It is vital to report any boating accidents to the authorities. A police report from the official can be used to prove negligence and other facts in an action for damages. It is also recommended to speak to witnesses to obtain their statements. In addition, it is helpful to obtain the names, contact numbers and the insurance policy numbers of everyone involved in the accident and especially the owners of the boats.

Liability

You could be eligible for reimbursement of past and future medical costs if you are a victim of a boating incident. This includes hospital bills as well as emergency room services. It also includes appointment with a doctor, therapy sessions and medical expenses. Your NYC boat accident attorney will prove the full cost of these expenses and ensure that your full loss is reflected in the compensation award.

Most injuries suffered in boat accidents are due to negligence or reckless actions on the part of a boat owner or operator. Certain injuries are caused due to the absence of the safety equipment required like life jackets, fire extinguishers and navigational lights. A claim could also be made against a manufacturer of a defective boat or an item that is on the boat, for instance a water ski.

If you've been injured while working on a commercial vessel, you may be eligible to submit a claim for compensation under the Jones Act. A New York boat accident law firms accident attorney will examine your case and provide more information regarding this particular law. Your lawyer will also lead in negotiations with the parties responsible along with their lawyers and insurance companies on your behalf. If a fair settlement is not reached, your attorney will prepare an appeal on your behalf to ensure justice.

Time Limits

Boating and other watercrafts are governed by a variety of laws. These laws govern driving, passing and boat accident lawsuits giving the right of way, among other things. These regulations also require boaters to stay sober, refrain from overloading or overpowering their vessels and deter risky behavior such as weaving into traffic or hopping in the wake. A negligent act by the operator or any other person involved in a boating accident can result in serious injuries and sometimes, even wrongful deaths.

A skilled lawyer for boat accidents can help you navigate the legal process, assess the strength of your case, and ensure your rights. They can also aid you in pursuing financial compensation by providing medical documentation and other evidence.

Because a case involving a boat collision involves issues that are adjudicated in accordance with maritime law, as well as the state's personal injury law, it might take longer to resolve than an auto accident claim. The reason for this is that lawyers must collect eyewitness evidence, police reports, and other evidence before negotiations can begin. Negotiations before litigation can last between a few weeks to six months, depending on the nature of the case. If you work for commercial fishing vessels cruise ship, sightseeing boat, or any other type of worker that is on the boat as part or for the purpose of working and is eligible for workers compensation. A NY lawyer for boat accidents can represent you in these cases.