How a Boat Accident Lawyer Can Help You File a Claim

If you've been injured on water or in an area marina or in a marina, a New York boat accident lawyer will help you file a claim. They can provide advice to assess the merits of your claim, and negotiate with insurance companies.

Most boat accident lawsuits involve negligence. If your attorney can prove that there was a breach of duty, causation or damages, you could be awarded compensation.

Damages

A boating accident can result in devastating injuries, just like other kind of crash. Drowning, oxygen deprivation fractured bones, brain trauma whiplash, electrocution and whiplash are just a few of the possible injuries. A competent lawyer can assist you in obtaining the amount of compensation you are entitled to for these injuries.

Like car accidents, the case of a boating accident is based on proving the negligence of the responsible party. Lawyers can conduct an exhaustive investigation and take photos of the scene of an accident and injuries to prove liability. They can also help you locate medical records for treatment and other evidence to support your claim. They can also help comprehend the law of comparative liability if your situation is affected.

Boating accidents can cause both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are easier to prove for past and future medical expenses for boat accident lawsuits your injury. These can also include any loss of income caused by your injuries and changes to your ability to work in the future. Noneconomic damages can be subjective and may include pain and discomfort, inconvenience, loss in enjoyment of life, emotional distress, and many more. A lawyer can assist you determine the value of your injuries and file an insurance claim or lawsuit against those liable for your injuries. They also handle cases involving government agencies, such as the Coast Guard and police.

Insurance

Financial burdens can quickly mount when someone is injured in an accident on a boat. Medical bills can easily reach thousands of dollars and, if surgery is needed, the costs can be even higher.

A personal injury attorney can help injured people recover the compensation they need. He or she can determine the cause of a boating incident, file necessary paperwork, and negotiate with insurance companies to secure the highest possible compensation.

Additionally, a boat accident lawyer can identify who is liable and how much insurance coverage they have. Not all boat owners and operators carry liability insurance to cover injuries. Make sure to check your boating and homeowners insurance policies if you rent or borrow a boat to determine how much coverage you're covered.

It is important to report any boat accidents to the authorities. A police report can be used to establish negligence as well as other facts when filing an action for damages. It is also recommended to talk to witnesses in order to obtain their accounts. It is also helpful to collect the names, contact details and insurance policy numbers of all parties involved in the accident, particularly the operators of the boats.

Liability

As a boat accident victim, you may be eligible for reimbursement of the past and future medical expenses. This includes hospital bills emergency room services, doctor appointments, therapy sessions and the cost of medications. Your NYC boat accident lawyer will work to prove the costs and will ensure that the full extent of your losses is included in the compensation you receive.

The majority of injuries that occur in boat accident law firm accidents are the result of negligence or reckless actions by the boat's owner or operator. Some injuries are exacerbated because of the absence of essential safety equipment, such as life jackets, fire extinguishers, or navigational lights. The claim can be filed against the manufacturer of a boat that is defective or an item on board, like the ski.

If you've suffered injuries while working on a commercial vessel it is possible to make a claim under the Jones Act. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer will examine the particulars of your case and provide more details on this special law. Your lawyer will also take the lead in negotiating with the responsible parties, their lawyers and insurance companies on your behalf. If the fair settlement isn't reached the attorney will conduct for you a trial to ensure justice.

Time Limits

Boating and other watercrafts are governed by several laws. These laws cover driving, passing and ceding the right-of-way among other things. They also require that boaters remain sober, avoid overloading or overwhelming their vessels, and prevent those who are involved in risky behaviors like weaving into traffic or jumping in wake. Negligent actions by an operator or another party involved in a boating accident can cause serious injuries and even deaths.

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

Since a case involving a boat accident involves issues that are adjudicated in accordance with maritime law, as well as state personal injury law, it can take longer to settle than a car accident claim. This is due to the fact that a lawyer must gather eyewitness evidence, police reports, and other documentation before negotiations can begin. Depending 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 fishing vessel, cruise or sightseeing ship, or any other type of worker who is 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 is able to represent you in these claims too.