How a Boat Accident Lawyer Can Help You File a Claim

If you've been injured on the water or in the marina, a New York boat accident lawyer will help you file an insurance claim. They'll offer advice, assess the strengths of your case and discuss your case with insurance companies.

Most boat accident lawsuits (visit) involve negligence. If your lawyer can prove that there was a breach of duty, causation and damages, you could receive compensation.

Damages

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

Like car accidents, the case of a boating injury is dependent on proving the negligence of responsible party. A lawyer can do an extensive investigation and even take photographs of the accident scene and injuries to prove responsibility. They can also assist in finding medical records and other evidence that can prove your claim. They can also help learn about comparative negligence laws when they pertain to your particular situation.

Boating accidents can cause both economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages are ones that are more easily determined, such as past and future medical costs for your injury. They can also include loss of income resulting from your injuries or changes in your ability to work in the future. Noneconomic damages are more subjective and could include pain and suffering, inconvenience and loss of enjoyment life and emotional distress. A lawyer can help determine the value of your injuries and file an insurance claim or lawsuit against the parties responsible for your injuries. They can also handle cases involving government entities, such as the Coast Guard or police.

Insurance

Financial burdens can quickly increase when someone is injured in an accident on a boat. Medical bills can run in the thousands and, in the event of surgery, the expenses can be even higher.

A personal injury lawyer can assist injured victims receive the compensation they require. He or she can investigate the cause of a boating accident, file necessary paperwork, and deal with insurance companies to get the maximum possible compensation.

Additionally a lawyer who handles boat accidents will determine which parties are at fault and how much insurance coverage they have. Responsible owners and operators have boat liability insurance that will pay for injuries but not everyone has. Those who rent or borrow boats should review their homeowners' and boating insurance policies to find out how much protection they have.

Reporting boat accidents to authorities is vital. An official police report can be used to prove negligence as well as other facts in a claim for damages. It is also a good idea to speak to witnesses in order to gather their statements. It is also helpful to gather the names, contact information and insurance policy numbers for everyone participants in the boat accident and especially the owners of the boats.

Liability

You may be entitled to reimbursement of past and future medical costs if you are a victim of a boating incident. This includes hospital bills, emergency room services, doctor appointments therapy sessions, and the cost of medications. Your NYC lawyer for boat accidents will help you prove these expenses and will make sure that the totality of your losses is included in your compensation payout.

The majority of injuries in boat accidents are the result of careless or reckless actions by the owner or operator boat accident lawsuits of the boat. Lack of safety equipment such as emergency lighting, navigational lights, fire extinguishers, or life jackets can cause some injuries to become more severe. An action can be filed against the manufacturer of a defective boat or product on board, such as a ski.

If you've been injured on a commercial vessel you could be eligible to claim an Jones Act claim. A New York boat accident attorney will evaluate your case and provide more details about this unique law. Your lawyer will also negotiate on behalf of you with the responsible parties and their lawyers, as well as the insurance companies. If there is no fair settlement reached the attorney will conduct a trial on your behalf to seek justice.

Time Limits

Boating and other watercraft are governed under a variety of laws. These laws cover driving, passing and granting the right of way, among other things. These rules also require that operators remain sober, avoid overloading or powering their vessels and deter risky behavior such as weaving into traffic or boat accident lawsuits hopping in the wake. Inadequate actions of an operator or a person who is involved in a boating incident could result in serious injuries and even deaths.

A skilled lawyer for boat accidents can help you navigate the legal process, determine the quality of your case and protect your rights. They can also assist you to seek compensation for your losses through the submission of medical evidence and other documents to support your claim.

Because a case involving a boat collision involves issues that are adjudicated in accordance with maritime law as well as state personal injury law it might take longer to settle than an auto accident claim. This is because lawyers must collect eyewitness evidence, police reports, and other evidence before negotiations can begin. Negotiations in the pre-litigation phase can last anywhere between a few weeks and six months, based on the complexity of the case. If you are employed by commercial fishing vessels or cruise ship, a sightseeing boat, or any other kind of worker who is working on the boat accident law firms as a part or for the purpose of working or job, you could be eligible for workers compensation. A NY lawyer for boat accidents can provide representation for these claims as well.