How a Boat Accident Lawyer Can Help You File a Claim

A New York boat accident attorney can help you file a claim if you are injured on the water, or in a marina. They will provide guidance and evaluate the strength of your claim, and negotiate with insurance companies.

Most boat accident lawsuits are based on negligence. If your lawyer can show that there was a breach of duty, causation and damages, you could be awarded compensation.

Damages

A boating accident can result in devastating injuries, just like any other type of crash. The types of injuries that can happen include drowning in the water, oxygen deprivation injuries fractured bones and brain trauma. A skilled lawyer can assist you in obtaining the compensation that you deserve for these damages.

Like car accidents, the case for a boating incident hinges on proving the negligence of the responsible party. An attorney can conduct an extensive investigation, and take photos of the scene of the accident as well as injuries to establish responsibility. They can also assist in locating medical records and other documentation to back your claim. They can also help you understand comparative negligence laws if they apply to your particular situation.

Boating accidents can result in both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are those that are more easily verified, such as past and future medical costs for your injury. This could include the loss of income you suffer as a result of your injury as well as any changes in your future ability to work. Noneconomic damages are more subjective and could include the pain and suffering, inconvenience, loss of enjoyment of life and emotional anxiety. An attorney can help you determine the value of your losses, and file a lawsuit or insurance claim against the party accountable for your injuries. They also handle cases involving government entities like the Coast Guard or police.

Insurance

The financial burden can quickly grow when someone is injured in an accident on a boat. Medical bills can be to thousands of dollars and, when surgery is required the costs can be greater.

A personal injury attorney can help injured people recover the compensation they require. He or she can investigate the root of a boating accident and then file the necessary paperwork and negotiate with insurance companies to secure the highest possible compensation.

In addition an attorney for boat accidents can identify who is at fault and how much insurance coverage they have. Not all boat owners and operators carry liability insurance to protect against injuries. Make sure to check your boating and homeowners insurance policies if you rent or borrow a boat to find out how much coverage you have.

Reporting boat accidents to authorities is very important. A police report is a valid document that can be used to prove negligence as well as other elements in the case of a claim for damages. It is also a good idea for witnesses to be interviewed to gather their statements. It is also beneficial to get the names, contact information and insurance policy numbers of all parties involved in the accident, particularly the operators of the boats.

Liability

As a victim of a boating accident you may be eligible for reimbursement of future and past medical expenses. This includes hospital bills and emergency room services. Additionally, it includes doctor appointments, therapy sessions as well as medication costs. Your NYC boat accident lawyer will investigate the costs and will ensure that the entire amount of your losses is reflected in your compensation award.

The majority of injuries sustained in boat accidents are the result of negligence or reckless actions on the part of an owner or operator of a Boat Accident Lawsuit. Certain injuries are caused due to the lack of necessary safety equipment like life jackets, fire extinguishers, or navigational lights. An action can be brought against a manufacturer of a defective boat or an item that is on the boat, like a water ski.

If you've been injured working on a commercial vessel you could be able to make a claim under Jones Act. A New York boat accident attorney will examine your case and provide you with additional information about this specific law. Your attorney will also lead in negociating with the responsible parties along with their lawyers and insurance companies on your behalf. If a fair settlement is not able to be reached, your attorney will prepare for trial to get justice on your behalf.

Time Limits

There are many laws that govern boating as well as other watercrafts. These regulations cover driving, passing, and ceding the right-of-way among others. They also require that operators remain sane, avoid overloading or over-loading their boats and stop people from engaging in risky practices like weaving into traffic or jumping in wake. The negligence of the operator or any other person involved in a boating accident can result in serious injuries and even wrongful death.

A lawyer who is experienced in boat accidents will guide you through the legal process, determine the strengths of your case and protect your rights. They can also help you in pursuing monetary compensation providing medical documentation and Boat accident Lawsuit supporting evidence.

Since a boat accident case involves issues that are adjudicated in accordance with maritime law, as well as state personal injury law it may take longer to resolve than an auto accident claim. This is because lawyers must collect eyewitness statements, police reports and other documentation before negotiations can begin. Pre-litigation negotiation can take anywhere between a few weeks and six months, based on the nature of the case. If you are an employee of a commercial fishing vessel cruise ship, sightseeing or cruise ship or other kind of worker who works on a boat as part of his or her job, you could be eligible for workers compensation under maritime law. A NY boat accident lawyer will be able to assist you with these claims, as well.