How a Boat Accident Lawyer Can Help You File a Claim

A New York boat accident attorney can assist you in filing an insurance claim if injured in the water or in a marina. They will give advice to assess the merits of your claim, and negotiate with insurance companies.

Most boat accident lawsuits are based on negligence. If your attorney can prove that there was a breach of duty, causation and damages, you could get compensation.

Damages

A boating accident could cause devastating injuries, just like any other kind of crash. Drowning, oxygen deprivation, spinal cord injuries, brain trauma, fractured bones whiplash, electrocution and whiplash are just a few of the possible injuries. A skilled lawyer will help you get the compensation you deserve for these injuries.

Like car accidents, the case of a boating accident depends on proving the negligence of the party responsible. A lawyer can do a thorough investigation, and take photographs of the accident scene and injuries to prove the responsibility. They can also assist you to locate medical records to support your treatment as well as other evidence to back your claim. They can also assist you know the laws of comparative liability if your situation is affected.

Boating accidents can result in both economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages are ones that are more easily verifiable, such as future and future medical expenses for your injury. This could include the loss of income you suffer due to your injury and any change 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 distress. A lawyer can help you determine the value of your injuries and make an insurance claim or lawsuit against those liable for your injuries. They can also handle cases involving government entities like the Coast Guard or police.

Insurance

Financial burdens can quickly increase when someone is injured in an accident on the water. Medical bills can add up in the thousands and, when surgery is required, the expenses can be even higher.

A personal injury attorney can assist injured victims in obtaining the compensation they require. He or she can investigate the causes of a boating incident and file the necessary paperwork and bargain with insurance companies in order to get the maximum possible compensation.

In addition an attorney for boat accidents can determine which parties are responsible and what insurance coverage they have. Responsible owners and operators have insurance for liability on boats which can cover injuries, but not everyone does. People who lease or borrow boats should check their own homeowners' and boating insurance policies to find out how much coverage they have.

Notifying authorities about boat accidents is vital. A police report can be used to establish the negligence of the boat owner and other details when submitting an claim for damages. It is also an excellent idea to speak with witnesses to obtain their statements. It is also helpful to obtain the names, contact information and insurance policy numbers for all the parties involved in the accident, particularly the operators of the boats.

Liability

If you're a victim of a boat accident you could be eligible for reimbursement of the past and future medical expenses. This includes hospital bills emergency room services, doctor's appointments therapy sessions, and the cost of medications. Your NYC boat accident lawyer will investigate these expenses and will make sure that the full amount of your losses is included in your compensation award.

Most injuries incurred in boat accidents are caused by either negligent or boat accident lawsuits reckless behavior on the part of the boat's owner or operator. Inadequate safety equipment such as emergency lighting, navigational lights, fire extinguishers or life jackets can cause some injuries to become more severe. A claim could also be filed against a manufacturer of a defective vessel or an item that is on the boat, like water skis.

If you've been injured working on a commercial boat, you may be eligible to make a claim under the Jones Act. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer will analyze the particulars of your case and provide you with more information on this special law. Your attorney will also be the one to lead in negociating with the responsible parties and their lawyers as well as insurance companies on your behalf. If a fair settlement is not able to be reached, your lawyer will prepare for trial to achieve justice on your behalf.

Time Limits

Boating and other watercraft are governed under a variety of laws. These laws govern driving, passing and granting the right of way as well as other aspects. They also require that boaters remain sane, avoid overloading or over-loading their boats and prohibit individuals from engaging in risky behavior like weaving in traffic or wake-jumping. The negligence of an operator or other party involved in a boating accident could result in serious injuries, and sometimes wrongful death.

A lawyer for boat accidents can guide you through the legal system, analyze the validity of your claim, and safeguard your right. They can also assist you to get financial compensation for your losses by providing medical evidence and other documents to back your claim.

A boat-related accident case could be more difficult to settle as it is a matter that has to be decided according to maritime law and boat accident lawsuits state personal injury laws. This is due to the fact that an attorney must collect eyewitness testimonies and police reports, and other evidence, before negotiations can start. Pre-litigation negotiation can take anywhere between a few weeks and six months, based on the nature of the case. If you are employed by a commercial fishing vessel or cruise ship, sightseeing boat, or any other type of worker that is in the boat as a result of or as part of their job and is qualified for workers' compensation. A NY lawyer for boat accidents will be able to assist you with the claims of these types as well.