Boat Accident Litigation

Boating can be an enjoyable and exciting recreational activity that can be risky. If negligence causes an accident the victims and their families could be entitled to compensation for injuries and loss.

A NYC boat accident lawyer can help injured victims demand the full amount of damages they are entitled to. A claim can be a demand for past medical expenses as well as other economic damages.

Damages

Although many people associate bodies of water with the Wild West in the United States, there are laws governing the boats on rivers and lakes as well as oceans. Boat accidents can be governed by a number of federal and state laws which are considered when determining negligence. If a boat driver is drunk, they could be liable for negligence. Federal laws also address pollution and deaths on the sea. There are also maritime regulations, such as the Jones Act, that provide injured workers and their families with a similar compensation options to other industries.

If a loved one was killed in a fatal boat crash, the family could sue for damages including lost companionship and funeral expenses. They may also sue for pain and suffering. Families can collect money to cover medical bills from the past and any future treatment.

If a boating accident has caused injuries to you or your loved ones A New York City boat accident lawyer can help you determine what damages you might be entitled to claim. A personal injury lawyer will review your insurance policy and the policies on boat liability of the responsible party to determine the compensation you might be able to receive as part of a settlement or jury verdict. Additionally, a knowledgeable lawyer can assess whether there are any additional individuals who are liable for the accident such as the manufacturer of the defective boat or part.

Liability

Generally, injured boaters seek damages to recover medical expenses (past and anticipated) and lost income due to the time they miss from work or pain and suffering emotional trauma, and damage to their boats. Most serious injuries involve neck and back injuries and brain trauma, fractured bones, paralysis and organ damage.

In boating accidents, there are a variety of parties who could have legal responsibility for a crash, including the boat accident attorneys's operator, other passengers who were aboard at the time of the incident as well as other watercraft and boats involved in the collision, the makers of the boats and their engines or parts and even government agencies responsible for placing buoys that warn of the dangers of conditions. A personal injury lawyer will be aware of the details of state law as well as federal maritime laws to determine who can be held accountable in the event of a collision.

Under the Jones Act a worker on a vessel who is injured at sea has the same rights as workers compensation beneficiaries. Similar to that, firm sailors injured in international waters, or the outer continental shelf waters are able to submit claims under the Jones Act as well as other federal maritime regulations. Families of injured maritime workers as well as relatives of sailors who died have claims under state workers' compensation laws.

Gathering Evidence

Evidence gathered in the initial stages of the legal process can help determine the strength and validity of your case. Photographing the accident scene can help establish liability and determine what caused the boating collision. It's also important to obtain information from eyewitnesses since they can offer valuable evidence which can back up your assertions.

Medical records are vital for understanding the severity of your injuries and the damage that resulted from it. These records should include detailed details of hospital and doctor firm visits as well as rehabilitation procedures, surgeries and the associated costs them. It is also necessary to note any changes to your income and employment and any other non-financial losses.

Boat accidents are often caused by brain and spinal cord injuries. The injuries in this category can be caused by oxygen deficiency carbon monoxide poisoning or blunt force trauma that results from hitting the head against areas like the propeller or sides of the boat. Often, these injuries are life-changing.

Other types of maritime injuries include mechanical failures like engine or electrical failure or steering system malfunctions and gear shift problems. In these cases, our NYC lawyer for boating accidents will investigate to determine if a manufacturer should be held accountable for the injuries sustained by victims of accidents.

How to File a Claim

You should seek medical attention immediately following an accident with a boat. However, it is recommended to consult with a lawyer prior to giving an account to the insurance adjuster or any other person. Your lawyer can help protect your rights, including ensuring that you get the right amount of compensation for the damage.

In order to claim compensation following a boating accident you must make an insurance claim or a lawsuit against the party(ies) responsible. This usually includes the presentation of evidence to support a claim for financial and noneconomic damages. Economic damages include the costs of medical treatment and other costs associated with the accident, like lost income from missed work. Noneconomic damages are those that result from pain and suffering and other intangible damages which are harder to quantify.

In certain cases a boat manufacturer or a part of the boat can be held responsible for causing an accident if their product was constructed or designed in a manner that was not safe. A New York boating accident lawyer can investigate the possibility of product liability and seek compensation from the responsible parties.

In certain instances the boat's operator might not be held responsible for a collision. The owner of a vessel could be held accountable too, particularly when they are responsible for hiring or training the person who operates their boat or permit someone who isn't fit to operate the boat on their property.