Boat Accident Attorneys

If you were injured in an accident with a boat that wasn't your fault, you could be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. These costs could include medical bills, physical therapy and income loss due to the inability to work.

Some victims might also be eligible for punitive damages if defendant's conduct was shocking or reckless. These awards are designed to punish the defendant for their misconduct and to discourage future offenses.

Personal Injury

Although boating accidents may cause serious injuries, many of them are preventable. Boat accidents are usually caused by inexperienced and untrained boaters, and other careless choices like driving under the influence of alcohol, bringing more than one person, and reckless behavior. The severity of the injuries vary from minor bruising to paralysis due to brain injury or a spinal cord injury.

Victims of injuries sustained in a boating incident can get compensation for their medical expenses and lost earnings or work while they recover. They can also claim the expenses of long-term care for injuries that are permanent. Insurance companies usually try to settle for less money than the victims deserve when estimating a claim's value. An experienced lawyer can help in negotiating the best settlement possible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to ensure that all relevant evidence is gathered. This includes the collection of important documents such as police reports and witness statements, boat maintenance records, chemical tests, and photos of the site of the accident as well as property damage. Other important information can be obtained from medical records including detailed accounts of the injuries sustained as well as the expenses incurred and estimated future costs. The lawyer will then bargain with the party at fault or the insurance company for a fair settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on workboats and other vessels, including supply ships, are subject to dangerous conditions during their employment. They are at risk of getting injured not just by falling equipment or cargo, but also by boat accidents resulting from the negligence or recklessness of others aboard the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from negligence by employers. They have the right to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. These damages can include medical expenses loss of wages, cost of living during recuperation as well as pain and suffering as well as other benefits in the form of money.

Most often, seamen injured on a supply ship tugboat, dredger, barge, oil tanker or cruise or sightseeing boat require more than workers' compensation to compensate their expenses. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer will be able to identify any other third-party claims for which a seaman could be eligible to recover compensation, including allegations of a lack of seaworthiness or the employer's failure to keep the safety of the vessel.

Your lawyer will collect crucial documents and evidence related to your claim. These include medical records, details about insurance policies, police reports, and many more. They will then engage in settlement negotiations with the defendant's lawyer and the insurance company on your behalf. If a fair settlement cannot be reached then they will prepare for trial so that they can argue your case in the court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

Although the majority of boat accident attorney accidents happen due to reckless or negligent behavior on the part of the boat's operator However, there are many cases where a crash is actually caused by defective equipment. In these instances, victims can seek compensation from manufacturer of the defective product in a lawsuit. In these situations, a Reston, VA product defect lawyer can assist.

Boats and defective equipment can be covered under strict liability, negligence, or warranty law. A warranty claim can be based on a violation of implied or express guarantees that are imposed by law, like the New Jersey lemon laws for used vehicles or the warranties of merchantability, or quality and fit under Uniform Commercial Code.

Insurance policies often cover latent defects as well. While some people may argue that the issue is obvious or clear but courts typically require expert testimony from a surveyor or other qualified professional to determine if the mechanical breakdown or damage resulted from an unnoticed issue.

Some defects are discovered after the boat is sold. They are usually regarded as manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. They are often discovered after the boat is operated and owned and could be the owner's fault. An example is when a boater forgets to empty water out of the engine, and that water freezes in the winter, boat accident attorneys causing damage to the motor.

Insurance

In a state like New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes, boating and similar water recreational activities are commonplace for residents. However, as with most recreational activities, they carry certain risks and liabilities that can affect the lives of those who participate.

Individuals who have been injured are able to file a personal injury claim or wrongful-death suit to seek compensation. Medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering are all examples of damages. In the event of gross negligence, the victims can also seek punitive damages.

Insurance companies involved in a boating injury case aren't easy to deal with, particularly when their primary goal is to settle the case as little as possible. Set the bar higher by hiring a NYC boating injury attorney who will work with insurers to ensure all parties involved are accountable for their actions.

An experienced lawyer will review all available evidence, including police reports, medical records and witness testimony. They will then enter into negotiations with both the responsible person and their insurance company in order to reach an equitable settlement. If they are not able to reach an agreement on the amount of settlement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are skilled at presenting evidence in support of your claim and Boat Accident Attorneys securing highest amount of financial compensation.