How to File a Boat Accident Lawsuit

Injuries to boats that are severe can cost many dollars. A personal injury lawyer can help you sort out who might be responsible and how to submit a claim to recover compensation.

In general, just like in motor accident cases, it is imperative to prove that the negligent person violated their duty of care and Boat Accident Lawsuit was the cause of your injuries. There are several key pieces of evidence your lawyer needs to gather for your case.

Damages

Medical expenses loss of income, discomfort and pain are the most frequent damages suffered by victims of boating accidents. The severity of your injuries will play a major part in determining the amount you could receive from a settlement or an award. Traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, or permanent disfigurement often result in larger settlement or verdict amounts.

Medical expenses may include hospital bills, ambulance costs doctor's visits, therapy as well as medication costs. Your attorney will establish your past and future medical expenses. In certain states, you can also be awarded damages for future losses that are related to your injuries. These may include costs for an aide at home or additional physical therapy appointments, as well as the loss of earning capacity in the future.

Liability is easier to establish if the boat accident lawyer owner or operator did not maintain their vessel or had an inadequate amount of safety equipment on board. For instance, if a boat was not equipped with life jackets flares, fire extinguishers, flares or whistles, it is likely that it contributed to the incident.

A personal injury lawyer can assist you with the burden of proof by obtaining evidence such as witness statements, pictures or videos of the scene of the accident as well as medical documentation of your injuries. Your attorney can also challenge claims that you were partially responsible for the accident.

Expert Witnesses

In any personal injury case, the best way to support your demand for compensation is to have a well-established expert network to provide testimony. Expert witnesses are highly trained experts who have been trained in their area of expertise. They can demonstrate that an accident did occur. They are typically compensated to express their opinions and could provide a significant amount of credibility to an argument.

A expert witness in marine engineering for instance, can recreate the technological events that caused a boating accident by analyzing evidence such as speed calculations and collisions triggered by visibility. They may also testify on the safety rules that were followed or if they were not followed.

A medical professional is a second important expert witness. They can testify about the extent of your injuries, and the long-term consequences. They can also describe the consequences of your injuries to your life, which could impact your claim for damages.

Admiralty and maritime expert witnesses are able to conduct in-depth investigations into the causes of accidents involving recreational boats and personal watercrafts as well commercial vessels and their crew. They can also testify and analysis on maritime laws which govern classification of ships, surveying and design.

Shared Fault

Similar to how an inattention-deficient driver or reckless can result in a car accident and a drunken boat owner could put themselves as well as their passengers at risk of serious injury. When boat accidents occur it is important for injured parties to seek compensation from all responsible parties.

In the immediate aftermath of any boat accident, it's important to ensure everyone is safe and receives immediate medical attention, if required. It is crucial to gather details about the accident as early as you can. This includes contact information for witnesses, photos of the scene as well as names and telephone numbers of any other boaters or boat owners who were involved in the collision. It's also important to file a police report with police.

Insurance companies of liable parties ask victims in accidents on boats to record their accounts. An attorney can help you avoid giving insurance companies information that could be used to reduce the value of your claim, or even throw the claim completely.

An experienced York County boat accident attorney can gather evidence of eyewitness testimony and police reports, and photos of the scene of the accident to make a solid case on your behalf. Most personal injury lawsuits and lawsuits for wrongful death must be filed within four years of the incident. The sooner you consult with an attorney, they can begin gathering information and preparing your case.

Insurance Companies

Similar to lawsuits involving car accidents, any successful personal injury claim requires the proof of negligence. This means that you must prove that the person who caused your injuries has violated a legal obligation and that this breach was the primary cause of your damages. Our lawyers can review the evidence of your boating accident to determine who's responsible and seek compensation on your behalf.

It is important to seek medical attention as quickly as possible following a boating incident. A visit to a doctor can help you document the extent of your injuries, and directly link them to the incident. Additionally, it's important to take pictures of the injuries and bruises you have suffered and keep a diary of your experiences. Organizing these documents can expedite the claims process and will help your attorney create your case.

Sometimes, the person who is responsible for your injuries does not need to be in the room. For instance, you can, sue the boat manufacturer if you find an issue with the manufacturing process. Our team can review your case to determine if you have an appropriate claim.

If there is a valid claim against the responsible party Our attorneys will begin by filing a complaint to the court that lists all of the relevant details about the accident and the damages you want to claim. The next step is the discovery process, where both parties exchange information, including interrogatories and depositions in sworn testimony. The case can be resolved or taken to trial.