Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured as a result of an accident with a boat which was not your fault, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. This could include physical therapy, medical bills and income loss due to the inability to work.

Certain victims may also be eligible for punitive damages if the defendant's conduct was inexplicably reckless. These awards are intended to penalize the defendant for firms their actions and to prevent future incidents.

Personal Injury

Boating accidents can result in serious injuries, but they are often preventable. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are the main cause of boat-related accidents as well as other reckless choices like driving under the influence, carrying too many passengers, and reckless behavior. The severity of the injuries vary from minor bruises to paralysis due to brain injury or a spinal cord injury.

The victims of a boating accident are entitled to compensation for their medical expenses and loss of work or income as they recover from their injuries. They may also be able to recover the costs of long-term care in the event that their injuries are irreparable. Unfortunately, estimating the value of a personal injury claim isn't an easy task. Insurance firms often attempt to settle for less than victims are entitled to. A knowledgeable attorney can assist you in negotiating for the highest amount of compensation possible.

A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct an extensive investigation into the accident in order to collect all relevant evidence. This includes the collection of crucial documents such as police reports and witness statements, boat accidents maintenance records, chemical tests and photographs of the accident site and the property damage. Other essential information may be obtained from medical records, which include detailed descriptions of the injuries sustained along with the costs incurred as well as estimates of future costs. The lawyer can then negotiate a fair settlement with the person who was at fault or the insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are typically exposed to hazardous conditions during the course of their employment. They are at risk of being injured not only by cargo or equipment falling as well as accidents on boats caused by the negligence or carelessness of other people aboard the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from employer negligence. If they are injured in such incidents, they're entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages can include medical expenses, lost wages, cost of living during recuperation in the event of pain and suffering and other monetary benefits.

In many cases, injured seamen on a supply vessel, firms tugboats, dredgers, oil tanks, barges, cruise boats, or sightseeing vessels require more than workers' compensation in order to compensate for their expenses. A New York boat accident attorney will be able to identify third-party claims a seaman may be entitled to including claims of a lack of seaworthiness or an employer's negligence in maintaining a safe vessel.

Your lawyer will collect important documents and evidence pertaining to your claim, such as medical records and insurance policy information or police reports, among others. They will then negotiate a settlement with the attorney for the defendant and the insurance company you have named. If a fair agreement cannot be reached then they will prepare for trial to present a strong case in court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

While most boat accident lawyers accidents occur due to negligent or reckless behavior on the part of the boat owner However, there are a number of instances when a crash actually caused by defective equipment. In these instances, the victims may sue the company that made the defective product in order to recover compensation. In these instances, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can help.

Boats and defective equipment can be covered under strict liability, negligence or warranty law. Warranty claims can be due to a breach of express or implied warranties created by law, for example the New Jersey used car lemon laws or the warranties of merchantability and fit and finish under the Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are usually covered by insurance policies as well. While some people may argue that the issue is evident or obvious but courts typically require expert testimony by an expert surveyor or other expert to determine if an issue with a mechanical component or damage was caused by an unnoticed issue.

Some defects are found after a boat is sold. These are usually considered manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Others are discovered after the boat is operated and owned and could be the fault of the owner. One example is when the owner fails to emptying of the water from the engine and the water freezes and damages the motor in the winter.

Insurance

Boating and other water sports are popular in New York, a state with easy access the Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. However, like most recreational activities, they carry certain risks and liabilities that could affect the lives of those who participate.

When boating accidents happen victims may pursue a personal injury wrongful-death claim for compensation to compensate for their losses. Medical expenses as well as lost income, property losses, as well as suffering and pain are all damages. In cases of gross negligence, the victims can also seek punitive damages.

Insurance companies involved in a boating accident case can be difficult to deal with, especially since their primary goal is to settle the case the least amount they can. Make sure you are level playing field by hiring a NYC boating injury attorney who will work with insurers to ensure that all parties are held accountable for their actions.

A seasoned attorney will review all available evidence, including police reports, medical records, and witness testimony. Then, they'll engage in negotiations with the person at fault and their insurance company in order to reach an acceptable settlement. If they are unable to reach an agreement then our lawyers will prepare for trial. We are experienced in providing evidence to support your claim and winning the maximum financial award.