How a Boat Accident Lawyer Can Help You File a Claim

Whether you're injured on the water or in the marina or a marina New York boat accident lawyer will help you file an insurance claim. They'll guide you, assess the potential of your case, and bargain with insurance companies.

The majority of lawsuits involving boat accidents are based on negligence. You may be able to claim compensation if your lawyer is able to establish an breach of duty as well as damages.

Damages

Boating accidents can cause serious injuries, as with any other type of accident. Some of the injuries that can happen include drowning or oxygen deprivation-related injuries, fractured bones and brain trauma. A good lawyer can help you obtain the compensation you deserve for these damages.

Similar to car accidents, a boating accident case hinges on proving the negligence of responsible party. A lawyer can do an exhaustive investigation and even take photographs of the scene of the accident and injuries to prove liability. They can also assist you in locating medical records and other documentation to help you prove your claim. They can also help you learn about comparative liability laws should your situation be affected.

Victims may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages for their boating accident injuries. Economic damages are more easily verifiable such as past and future medical expenses for your injury. These can also include any loss of income caused by your injuries or changes in your ability to work in the future. Noneconomic damages are more subjective and may include the suffering and inconvenience, loss of enjoyment of life and emotional stress. A lawyer can help you determine the worth of your losses and file an insurance claim or lawsuit against the responsible parties for lawyers your injuries. They can also handle cases involving government agencies such as the Coast Guard and police.

Insurance

If someone is injured in a boating accident, the financial burdens can quickly add up. Medical bills can easily run into thousands of dollars, and if surgery is required, expenses could be much higher.

A personal injury lawyer can help people who have suffered injuries receive the compensation they require. They can investigate and prepare the necessary paperwork for an accident on a boat. They can also bargain with insurance companies to secure the most compensation.

An attorney for boat accidents can also determine who is at fault and what insurance coverage each side has. Responsible owners and operators have insurance for boat liability that will pay for injuries however, not everyone has. People who lease or borrow boats should look over their homeowners and insurance policies for boating to determine the amount of insurance they have.

Notifying authorities about boat accidents is essential. An official police report can be used to establish negligence and other facts in the case of a claim for damages. Also, lawyers it is recommended to speak to witnesses to get their testimony. Finally, it is helpful to get the names, contact information and insurance policy numbers of all involved in the boat accident and especially the owners of the boats.

Liability

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

Most injuries in boat accidents result from reckless or negligent behavior by the boat's owner or operator. Lack of safety equipment such as lighting for navigation, fire extinguishers or life jackets may cause injuries to be worsened. An action can be filed against the manufacturer of a defective boat or items on board such as a ski.

If you've suffered injuries while working on a commercial vessel you could be able to make a claim under Jones Act. A New York boat accident attorneys accident attorney will examine your case and provide you with more information regarding this particular law. Your attorney will also lead in negotiating with the responsible parties and their lawyers as well as insurance companies on your behalf. If the fair settlement isn't reached the attorney will conduct a trial on your behalf to seek justice.

Time Limits

There are many laws that govern boating as well as other watercrafts. These regulations include driving, passing, and ceding right-of-way, among other things. They also require that boaters remain sober, not overloading or overwhelming their vessels and stop those who are involved in risky practices like weaving into traffic or attempting to wake-jump. Unintentional actions by a boater or a person who is involved in a boating accident can lead to serious injuries and even deaths.

A qualified lawyer for boat accidents will guide you through the legal process, determine the strength of your case, and ensure your rights. They can also assist you to get financial compensation for your losses by submitting medical documents and other evidence to support your claim.

Because a case involving a boat collision involves issues adjudicated under maritime law, as well as state personal injury law, it can take longer to settle than a car accident claim. This is because lawyers must collect eyewitness statements, police reports and other documents before negotiations can begin. Depending on the complexity of your case, pre-litigation discussions can last anywhere between a few weeks and six months. If you work for a commercial fishing vessel or cruise ship, a sightseeing boat, or other type of worker that is working on the boat as part or his or her job and you are eligible for workers compensation. A NY lawyer who handles boat accidents can also help you with these claims.