How a Boat Accident Lawyer Can Help You File a Claim

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

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

Damages

Boating accidents can cause serious injuries, just like any other kind of accident. Drowning, oxygen deprivation, fractured bones, brain trauma, whiplash and boat accident lawsuits electrocution are only a few possible injuries. A good lawyer can aid you in obtaining the money you deserve for these damages.

As with car accidents, the case for a boating incident hinges on proving the negligence of the responsible party. An attorney can conduct an exhaustive investigation and capture photos of the scene and your injuries to establish liability. They can also assist you in locating medical records as well as other documentation that will help you prove your claim. They can also help you know the laws of comparative liability should your situation be affected.

Victims may be entitled to both economic and noneconomic damages for their boating accident injuries. Economic damages are more easily measurable like past and future medical expenses related to your injury. They can also include loss of income due to your injuries as well as changes to your ability to work in the future. Noneconomic damages can be subjective and include discomfort and pain and loss of enjoyment life, emotional suffering, and more. An attorney can help you determine the value of your damages and file an insurance claim or a lawsuit against the parties responsible for your injuries. They also handle cases involving government agencies such as the Coast Guard or police.

Insurance

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

An attorney for personal injury can help injured individuals recover the compensation they require. He or she can determine the causes of a boating incident and file the necessary paperwork and work with insurance companies to receive the most compensation.

An attorney who handles boat accidents can also determine who is responsible and what insurance coverage each party has. Responsible operators and owners have boat liability insurance that covers injuries, but not everyone does. Anyone who rents or borrows boats should look over their homeowners' and boating insurance policies to find out how much insurance they have.

Notifying authorities about boat accidents is crucial. A police report will help establish negligence as well as other facts when filing an action for damages. It is also a good idea for witnesses to be interviewed to collect their statements. It is also helpful to get the names, contact numbers and insurance policy numbers of all parties involved in the accident especially the owners of the boats.

Liability

If you're a victim of a boat accident you may be entitled to reimbursement for future and past medical expenses. This includes hospital expenses and emergency room services. Also, therapy sessions, doctor appointments as well as medication costs. Your NYC lawyer for boat accidents will work to prove these expenses and will ensure that the entire amount of your losses is included in the compensation you receive.

The majority of injuries sustained in boat accidents are caused by the negligence or recklessness by a boat owner or operator. Some injuries are exacerbated because of the absence of the safety equipment required like life jackets, fire extinguishers, or navigational lights. The claim can also be made against a manufacturer of a defective vessel or an item that is on the boat, for instance water skis.

If you were injured on a commercial vessel you could be eligible to make an Jones Act claim. A New York boat accident attorney will evaluate your case and provide additional information about this specific law. Your lawyer will also take the lead in negotiation with the responsible parties, their lawyers and insurance companies on your behalf. If a fair settlement can't be reached, your lawyer will prepare for trial in order to achieve justice on your behalf.

Time Limits

There are many laws that govern boating as well as other watercrafts. These laws include driving, passing, and ceding the right of way among others. They also require that operators remain sane, avoid overloading or causing damage to their boats and prohibit those who are involved in risky behaviors like weaving into traffic or jumping in wake. In the event of negligence, the operator or any other party involved in a boating collision can result in serious injuries and boat accident lawsuits sometimes wrongful death.

A lawyer for boat accidents will guide you through the legal system, assess the merits of your claim, and protect your right. They can also help you in pursuing financial compensation by providing medical documents and other evidence.

Since a case involving a boat accident is governed by maritime law, as well as state personal injury law, it can take longer to resolve than an auto accident claim. It is because attorneys must gather eyewitness testimony, police reports, as well as other documentation prior to negotiations beginning. Negotiations in the pre-litigation phase can last anywhere between a few weeks to six months, based on the nature of the case. If you are an employee of a commercial fisherman, cruise or sightseeing ship or other kind of worker who works on vessels as part of their job, you could be entitled to workers compensation under maritime law. A NY boat accident lawyer is able to represent you in the claims of these types as well.