Boat Accident Litigation

Boating is an enjoyable and thrilling activity for the whole family, but it can be risky. If a negligent act causes to an accident, the victim and their families may be entitled to compensation for the injuries and losses.

A NYC boat accident lawyer will assist victims of injuries to claim the maximum amount of compensation they are entitled to. A claim could include past medical expenses, as well as other economic damages.

Damages

Many people think of bodies of water similar to the Wild West, there are laws that govern vessels that travel on rivers, lakes and oceans throughout the United States. Boat accidents can trigger multiple federal and state laws that are taken into consideration to determine if negligence was the cause. If a boat driver is drunk, they could be liable for negligence. There are also federal laws that deal with the issue of pollution and deaths at sea. Additionally, there are specific maritime laws, like the Jones Act that give injured workers or their families a pathway to compensation that is comparable to workers compensated in other industries.

If a loved one was killed in a boat accident, the family members may bring a lawsuit on their behalf to recover damages, including the loss of companionship, funeral costs as well as pain and suffering. Families can get money to cover medical bills from the past and any future treatment.

A New York City boat accident lawyer can help you determine whether you or your loved one was injured in an accident on the boat. A personal injury lawyer will examine your insurance policy and the boat liability policies of the responsible party to determine the amount of compensation you could be entitled to receive as part of an agreement or jury verdict. Additionally, a knowledgeable lawyer can assess whether there are any other parties who could be responsible for the accident such as the manufacturer of the boat or part.

Liability

In general, injured boaters seek damages to recover medical costs (past and future) as well as lost income resulting from absence from work, emotional trauma and pain and suffering. Serious injuries include back and neck injuries and brain traumas, as well as broken bones and internal organ damage.

Boating accidents typically involve multiple parties who could have legal responsibility for a accident, including the vessel's operator, any other passengers aboard at the time of the accident along with other watercraft and vessels involved in the collision, the makers of the boats and their engines or parts and even government agencies responsible for putting buoys to warn of hazardous conditions. An attorney for personal injury is familiar with both state and federal maritime laws to determine who is accountable in an accident.

Under the Jones Act a worker on the vessel that is injured on the sea has similar rights as workers compensation beneficiaries. Similar to sailors who are injured in international waters or outer continental shelf water have the right to claim compensation under the Jones Act as well as other maritime regulations of the federal government. Workers' compensation laws also apply to maritime workers who are injured as well as the families of sailors who died.

Gathering Evidence

The evidence gathered during the initial stages of the legal process could help you determine the strength of your case. Photographing the accident scene will help determine the liability and reveal how the boating collision happened. It is also essential to collect information from eyewitnesses since they can provide valuable testimony to support your claims.

Medical records are essential for finding out the extent of your injuries and the damage that resulted from it. The records should include thorough details of hospital and Boat Accident Lawyer doctor visits surgery, rehabilitation and the costs associated with them. Additionally, you should note any changes to your income or employment and other non-financial losses.

Boat accidents are typically related to brain and spinal cord injuries. These injuries can be caused by oxygen deficiency carbon monoxide poisoning, or blunt force trauma that results from hitting the head on areas like the propeller or side of the boat. These injuries could have a life-changing effect.

Other kinds of marine accidents involve mechanical failures, such as electrical or engine malfunctions or steering issues, as well as problems with gear shifts. In these cases our NYC lawyer for boating accidents will investigate to determine if a company should be held responsible for injuries sustained by accident victims.

Filing a Claim

It is important to seek medical attention as soon as you notice an accident on the water. However, it is recommended to consult with a lawyer before submitting an account to the insurance adjuster or any other party. A lawyer can defend your rights and ensure you get the money you need for your losses.

The legal process to seek compensation in the event of a boating accident involves filing an insurance claim or a lawsuit against the party or parties that are responsible. It is commonplace to present evidence to support a claim for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are medical expenses and other expenses that are incurred due to the accident, such as lost earnings due to missed work. Noneconomic damages are those that result from pain and suffering and other intangible losses which are harder to quantify.

In some cases the manufacturer of a vessel or one of its components could be held responsible for an accident in the event of a product that was defectively designed or manufactured. A New York boating accident lawyer can investigate the possibility of product liability and seek compensation from the parties responsible.

In certain instances the boat owner may not be held liable for the outcome of a collision. boat accident lawsuit owners can also be held accountable, in particular in the event that the owner is responsible for the hiring and training of the person operating their vessel or when a person who is not fit to operate a craft is allowed to use their property.