How a Boat Accident Lawyer Can Help You File a Claim

A New York boat accident attorney will assist you in filing an insurance claim if injured in the water or in a marina. They will offer advice on the strength 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

Boating accidents can cause serious injuries, like any other kind of accident. Some of the injuries that can occur include drowning, oxygen deprivation injuries, brain trauma and fractured bones. A lawyer with experience can assist you in obtaining the amount of compensation you are entitled to for these losses.

Similar to car accidents, the case of a boating injury is dependent on proving the negligence of the responsible party. An attorney can conduct an extensive investigation and take photographs of the scene of the accident as well as your injuries to prove that you are liable. They can also help locate medical records to support your treatment and other evidence to support your claim. They can also help you learn about comparative liability laws should your situation be affected.

Victims could be entitled to both economic and noneconomic damages for their boating injuries. Economic damages are more easily measurable such as past and future medical expenses for your injury. This could include the loss of income you suffer as a result of your injury and any change in your future ability to work. Noneconomic damages can be subjective and include discomfort and pain and discontentment with life, emotional stress, and many more. A lawyer can assist you determine the amount of your damages and bring a lawsuit or a claim against the parties accountable for your injuries. They also handle cases involving government entities such as the Coast Guard and police.

Insurance

Financial burdens can rapidly mount when someone is injured in an accident on the water. Medical bills can quickly reach thousands of dollars and, if surgery is required, the expenses could be much higher.

An attorney for personal injury can assist injured victims in obtaining the compensation they require. He or she can investigate and complete the necessary paperwork in case of a boating accident. They can also engage with insurance companies to get maximum compensation.

A lawyer for boat accidents can determine who is accountable and what insurance coverage each person has. Not all boat owners and operators carry liability insurance to cover injuries. Examine your own boating insurance and homeowners insurance policies if you rent or borrow a boat to determine the amount of coverage you have.

It is important to report any boat accident to the authorities. A police report can assist in establishing the negligence of the boat owner and other details when filing a claim for damages. Also, it is an excellent idea to talk to witnesses to obtain their statements. It is also beneficial to get the names, contact numbers and insurance policy numbers of all parties involved in the accident especially the owners of the boats.

Liability

If you're a victim of a boating accident You may be entitled to reimbursement for the past and future medical expenses. This includes hospital expenses and emergency room services. It also includes doctor appointments, therapy sessions and medication costs. Your NYC boat accident lawyer will help you prove these expenses and will make sure that the full extent of your losses are included in your compensation payout.

Most injuries in boat accidents are caused by reckless or negligent actions of the boat owner or operator. Certain injuries are caused because of the absence of necessary safety equipment, such as life jackets, fire extinguishers, or navigational lights. A claim could also be filed against a manufacturer of a defective vessel or a component of the boat, like a water ski.

If you've been injured working on a commercial vessel it is possible to submit a claim for compensation under the Jones Act. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer will analyze the particulars of your situation and provide you with more details on this law. Your lawyer will also negotiate on your behalf with the responsible parties and their lawyers as well as with the insurance companies. If the fair settlement isn't reached your attorney will draft for you a trial to obtain justice.

Time Limits

Boating and other watercraft are governed under a variety of laws. These laws cover driving, passing and ceding the right-of-way among other things. These regulations also require that boaters remain in a safe place, refrain from overloading or powering their vessels and avoid risky actions like weaving into traffic or jumping in the wake. A negligent act by an operator or another party involved in a boating accident can cause serious injuries and even wrongful death.

A qualified lawyer for boat accidents can help you navigate the legal process, assess the strengths of your case and boat accident lawsuits ensure your rights. They can also assist you seek financial compensation for your losses, by submitting medical documents and other evidence to prove your claim.

Since a case involving a boat accident is one that is adjudicated under maritime law, as well as state personal injury law it may take longer to settle than an auto accident claim. It is because an attorney needs to collect eyewitness testimonies, police reports, as well as other documentation prior to negotiations beginning. Negotiations before litigation can last between a few weeks to six months, based on the complexity of the case. If you are employed by commercial fishing vessels, cruise ship, sightseeing boat, or any other type of worker that is in the boat as a result of or for the purpose of working, then you may be eligible for workers compensation. A NY boat accident lawyer can provide representation for these claims as well.