How a Boat Accident Lawyer Can Help You File a Claim

If you've been injured on the water or in a marina or in a marina, a New York boat accident lawyer can assist you in filing a claim. They can provide advice to assess the merits 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 and damages, you could be awarded compensation.

Damages

Boating accidents can result in serious injuries, like any other type of accident. The types of injuries that can happen include drowning or oxygen deprivation-related injuries, brain trauma and fractured bones. A competent lawyer can help you obtain the compensation you deserve for these damages.

Like car accidents a boating accident case hinges on proving negligence of the responsible party. A lawyer can conduct an exhaustive investigation and capture photos of the scene and your injuries to prove that you are liable. They can also assist in finding medical records and other evidence to support your claim. They can also assist you to comprehend the law of comparative negligence in the event they apply to your situation.

Victims may be entitled to both economic and noneconomic damages for their boating accidents injuries. Economic damages are more easily measurable including future and past medical expenses for your injury. This could include the loss of income you suffer due to your injury and any changes in your future capacity to work. Noneconomic damages are subjective and can include pain and discomfort, inconvenience, loss in enjoyment of life, emotional distress and boat accident lawsuits many more. A lawyer can help determine the value of your damages and make an insurance claim or a lawsuit against the people responsible for your injuries. They also handle cases involving government bodies like the Coast Guard or police.

Insurance

Financial burdens can quickly increase when someone is injured in an accident with a boat. Medical bills can cost in the thousands, and when surgery is required, the cost can be greater.

A personal injury lawyer can help injured victims get the compensation they need. They can conduct an investigation and file the necessary paperwork for an accident on the water. They can also negotiate with insurance companies to secure the most compensation.

An attorney who handles boat accidents can also determine who is at fault and what insurance coverage each side has. Not all boat owners and operators have liability insurance to protect against injuries. People who lease or borrow boats should verify their homeowners' and boating insurance policies to find out how much insurance they have.

Reporting boat accidents to authorities is vital. A police report can assist in establishing the negligence of the boat owner and other details when submitting a claim for damages. It is also recommended to speak to witnesses to get their testimony. It is also beneficial to get the names, contact numbers and insurance policy numbers for all the parties who were involved in the incident especially the owners of the boats.

Liability

You may be entitled to reimbursement of past and future medical costs when you're the victim of a boating incident. This includes hospital bills, emergency room services, doctor appointments therapy sessions, as well as the costs of medication. Your NYC boat accident lawyer will work to prove these expenses and will make sure that the entire amount of your losses are included in your compensation award.

Most injuries incurred in boat accidents result from negligence or reckless actions on the part of the owner of the boat accident law firm or the operator. The lack of safety equipment like emergency lighting, navigational lights, fire extinguishers or life jackets may cause injuries to become worse. A claim can be filed against the manufacturer of a boat accident law firm that is defective or an items on board like the ski.

If you've been injured while working on a commercial boat you could be able to submit a claim for compensation under the Jones Act. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer will analyze the particulars of your situation and give you more information regarding this particular law. Your lawyer will also negotiate on behalf of you with the responsible parties and their lawyers, as well as the insurance companies. If a fair settlement is not reached your attorney will draft an appeal on your behalf to obtain justice.

Time Limits

Boating and other watercraft are governed under a variety of laws. These regulations cover driving, passing and ceding rights-of-way among others. These regulations also require that operators remain sober, avoid overloading or overpowering their boats and avoid risky actions like weaving into traffic or jumping in the wake. The negligent actions of the operator or any other party involved in a boating accident could result in serious injuries and even wrongful death.

A qualified lawyer for boat accidents can guide you through the legal process, evaluate the quality of your case and ensure your rights. They can also assist you to pursue monetary compensation for your losses by providing medical evidence and other documents to prove your claim.

A case involving a boat accident could take longer to resolve because it involves issues that must be resolved by maritime law and state personal injury laws. This is because lawyers must gather eyewitness testimony, police reports, and other evidence before negotiations can begin. Negotiations before litigation can last between a few weeks and six months, depending on the nature of the case. If you are an employee of a commercial fisherman cruise ship, sightseeing or cruise ship or any other kind of worker who is on the water as part of their job, you could be eligible for workers compensation under maritime law. A NY lawyer for boat accidents can provide representation for the claims of these types as well.