How to Negotiate a Boat Accident Settlement

When you are injured in a boat accident, you're entitled to compensation for the losses. Contact a local attorney today to discuss your claim and rights.

A knowledgeable attorney will be able to locate evidence and information that you wouldn't be able to discover on your own. This includes reports on the assets of boat owners and the results of any drug or alcohol tests given to the owner and all commercial and personal insurance coverage.

Insurance Coverage

Depending on the type of boating accident you suffer, there is a range of insurance coverage options. These policies cover bodily injuries and property damage, as in addition to legal defense costs and other costs. The policies are usually built around an agreed value settlement or an actual cash value (ACV).

The bodily injuries portion of your policy (also called protection and indemnity) covers any financial responsibility you have for the costs incurred by third parties due to their injuries or deaths. It also helps pay for the costs of a lawsuit that is filed against you.

Watercraft liability insurance is another option. This insurance is designed to cover the cost of repairs and replacements for other people's docks, boats or personal items, if the boat accident law firm owner is responsible. It is based upon limitations on compensation and may also include the possibility of a deductible.

A boating accident attorney will be able to advise you on the best insurance coverage for your particular situation. They can also help understand the differences between different insurance companies, so that you get the most from your insurance. They can also negotiate with the at-fault party and their insurance company to ensure that you get fairly compensated for your losses. You should also avoid being pressured to accept a low-ball deal. This could save you thousands in the end.

Negligence

Accidents on boats can be caused by a variety of causes, including negligence or recklessness, lack of knowledge, or even simple mistakes. Even when the cause is outside of your control, like an unexpected turn or bad weather, you are able to seek financial compensation from the responsible party in a personal injuries lawsuit.

The person who is most likely to be blamed for a boating accident is the operator of the vessel, especially if they were operating under the influence or not taking reasonable precautions. But, you are also able to claim a breach of obligation from other parties, including the owner of the vessel (for example, if they neglected to perform routine maintenance or repair work that caused the accident) and the manufacturer of the vessel (for defective equipment or parts) and the lookout (if they did not alert passengers to the dangers they could face).

Identifying the parties who could be held responsible is an important step to pursue the settlement of a boating accident. You'll need to go through all incident reports and photos of the scene of the accident and your injuries, and then speak with witnesses to gather the most evidence you can. Your lawyer can assist you to gather this information by assisting with subpoenas as well as other legal investigations. Your lawyer can assist you determine the value of your claim, and negotiate with insurance companies.

Damages

A person suffering injuries or the loss of a loved one due to an accident with a boat could incur significant medical expenses. Although health insurance may cover the costs, a person might also require compensation from the responsible party for their loss. An experienced attorney will assess the insurance coverage of any responsible party to determine the appropriate amount.

There are many factors that can lead to accidents while boating. Your lawyer will investigate the circumstances of the accident and try to establish that someone was negligent. This could be due to speeding or not maintaining the boat accident attorney or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs or not observing the weather conditions and water conditions.

Damages that could result from an accident with a vessel include economic and non-economic damage. Economic damages include the cost of medical treatment, loss of income from missing work, and property damage. Non-economic damages are those that result in disfigurement or pain and suffering. A reputable NYC boating accident lawyer will maximize the compensation awarded to these losses.

A lawyer can file a lawsuit against the manufacturer of the boat or the water safety equipment if a defect played an integral role in the incident. This type of lawsuit is called product liability. Your attorney will be able review all evidence from the accident, including witness testimony as well as accident reports and video footage to establish that the defendant was liable.

Time Limits

It is important to act quickly in the event of injury in a boating incident that was caused by a third party's negligence. Statutes of limitations are the time limits that apply to filing a lawsuit or claim. They differ from state to state and based on the type of accident. A knowledgeable maritime lawyer in your corner is crucial to protect your legal rights.

It is also important to seek medical attention right away following an accident on the water, even if you don't believe that you have suffered serious injuries. Certain injuries, such as internal bleeding or concussions, may not become apparent immediately. It is also essential to record all the events that occurred, including any witnesses names and contact details. Also, it is recommended to take photos of any damage to property or boats as well as any injuries that have occurred.

Our lawyers will conduct a thorough investigation into your accident to determine the cause and who was responsible. We then file claims against all the parties responsible to seek the highest amount of compensation. We will consider both economic damages, like medical bills, lost wages, and suffering and pain, as well as non-economic damages like the loss of enjoyment from your life and discomfort and pain. We will also seek punitive damages if the defendant showed willful or reckless negligence.