How a Boat Accident Lawyer Can Help You File a Claim

A New York boat accident attorney can help you file an insurance claim if you've been injured on the water, or in a marina. They'll offer advice, assess the quality 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, and damages, you could be awarded compensation.

Damages

A boating accident could cause devastating injuries, similar to other type of crash. Some of the injuries that could result include drowning in the water, oxygen deprivation injuries fractured bones and brain trauma. A lawyer with experience can help you obtain the compensation you deserve for these losses.

Similar to car accidents, a boating accident case hinges on proving negligence of the responsible party. Lawyers can conduct an exhaustive investigation and take pictures of the accident scene and injuries to prove the responsibility. They can also assist in locating medical records and other documentation that will prove your claim. They can also assist you to understand comparative negligence laws when they pertain to your situation.

Boating accidents can cause both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are easier to prove such as past and future medical expenses related to your injury. This can include the loss of income as a result of your injury and any changes in your ability to work. Noneconomic damages can be subjective and include pain and discomfort, inconvenience and discontentment with life, emotional stress, and more. A lawyer can help calculate the amount of your damages and submit a lawsuit or insurance claim against the party accountable for your injuries. They also handle cases involving government entities such as the Coast Guard and police.

Insurance

When someone is injured in a boating accident, the financial burdens can quickly pile up. Medical bills can cost to thousands of dollars and, in the event of surgery, the cost could be more costly.

A personal injury lawyer can help injured people get the compensation they require. He or she can investigate and file the necessary paperwork to an accident on the water. They can also negotiate with insurance companies to obtain the highest amount of compensation.

An attorney for boat accidents can also determine who is responsible and what insurance coverage each person has. Not all boat owners and operators have liability insurance to cover injuries. People who lease or borrow boats should check their own homeowners and boating insurance policies to determine how much coverage they have.

It is important to report any boating accidents to the authorities. An official police report can be used to prove the negligence of the boat owner and other details in a claim for damages. It is recommended to talk with witnesses to get their testimony. Finally, it is helpful to collect the names, contact information and insurance policy numbers of all involved in the boat accident, especially the operators of the boats.

Liability

As a victim of a boating accident you could be entitled to reimbursement for the past and future medical expenses. This includes hospital bills as well as emergency room services. It also includes appointment with a doctor, therapy sessions, and medication costs. Your NYC boat accident lawyer will be able to prove these expenses and ensure that the totality of your losses is included in your compensation award.

The majority of injuries sustained in boat accidents are the result of reckless or negligent actions of the owner of the boat or the operator. Inadequate safety equipment such as lightbulbs for navigation, fire extinguishers or life jackets may cause some injuries to get worse. A claim could be brought against a manufacturer of a defective vessel or Boat Accident Lawsuits an item on the boat accident lawsuit, like a water ski.

If you've been injured working on a commercial vessel, you may be eligible to make a claim under Jones Act. A New York boat accident attorney will review your case and provide additional information about this special law. Your lawyer will also negotiate on behalf of you with the parties responsible and their lawyers as well as with the insurance companies. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will prepare for trial in order to obtain justice on your behalf.

Time Limits

Boating and other watercrafts are governed by several laws. These laws include driving, passing, and ceding the right-of-way among others. They also require that operators remain in a safe place, refrain from overloading or causing a lot of stress to their boats and prohibit those who are involved in risky behaviors like weaving into traffic or attempting to wake-jump. The negligent actions of an operator or another party involved in a boating collision can result in serious injuries and sometimes, even wrongful deaths.

A lawyer who is experienced in boat accidents will guide you through the legal process, boat accident lawsuits determine the strength of your case, and defend your rights. They can also help you get financial compensation for your losses through the submission of medical documentation and other evidence to back your claim.

Since a boat-related case involves issues adjudicated under maritime law, as well as state personal injury law, it can take longer to settle than an auto accident claim. This is because a lawyer must collect eyewitness evidence, police reports, and other documentation before negotiations can begin. Pre-litigation negotiation can take anywhere between a few weeks to six months, depending on the complexity of the case. If you are employed by a commercial fishing vessel cruise ship, sightseeing boat, or other type worker who is working on the boat as part or for the purpose of working and you are qualified for workers' compensation. A NY lawyer for boat accidents can provide representation for these claims, as well.