boat accident law firm Accident Litigation

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

A NYC lawyer for boat accidents can help injured victims get the amount they are due. A claim includes a demand for past medical expenses and other economic damages.

Damages

Although many people imagine waters like the Wild West, there are laws that govern the boats on rivers, lakes and oceans throughout the United States. Boat accidents may be a result of many federal and state laws that are considered when determining negligence. If a boat driver is drunk, they may be liable for negligence. There are also federal laws that address pollution and deaths on the sea. Additionally, there are special maritime regulations, such as the Jones Act that give injured workers or their families access for compensation similar to workers compensated in other industries.

If a loved one was killed in a tragic boat accident family members can sue for damages, including loss of companionship and funeral costs. They can also sue for pain and suffering. Families can also recover money for medical bills from the past and future treatment costs.

A New York City boat accident lawyer can assist you to determine whether you or your loved ones were injured in a boat accident. A personal injury lawyer can review your insurance policy and the policies governing boat liability of the responsible party to determine the compensation you are eligible to receive as part of an agreement or jury verdict. Additionally, a knowledgeable lawyer can determine if there are any other parties who could be responsible for the accident such as the manufacturer of the defective boat or part.

Liability

Generally, injured boaters pursue damages to cover medical expenses (past and expected), lost income due to absences from work, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and damage to their boats. Injuries that are serious typically involve neck and back injuries as well as brain trauma, broken bones, paralysis or internal organ damage.

Boating accidents can involve a variety of parties that could be held liable for the crash. This includes the boat operator, passengers on board at the time of the collision, other boats or watercraft involved, the manufacturers of boats as well as their parts, engines, and government agencies who place buoys to alert people of dangers. A personal injury lawyer will be familiar with federal and state maritime laws to determine who is liable for an accident.

Under the Jones Act, a worker on a boat who is injured at sea is entitled to compensation similar to those of workers' compensation recipients. Additionally, sailors injured on international waters or in the outer continental shelf waters are entitled to file a claim under the Jones Act and other federal maritime regulations. Families of injured maritime workers as well as families of deceased sailors also have rights under state workers insurance laws.

Gathering Evidence

Evidence collected in the early stages of the legal process will help determine the strength and effectiveness of your case. For instance, taking photos of the scene of the accident could be useful in determining the degree of the extent of liability and what caused the boating crash. It's also important to obtain information from eyewitnesses, as they can provide valuable testimony to support your claims.

Medical records are vital for finding out the extent of your injuries, and the damages that resulted. The records should contain thorough reports of doctor and hospital visits, surgeries, rehabilitative treatments, as well as the costs associated with these. You'll need to record changes in your income and employment capacity, as well for any other financial loss.

Brain and spinal cord injuries are common in boat collisions. These injuries can be caused by oxygen deprivation carbon monoxide poisoning, or blunt force trauma that results from hitting the head against areas like the propeller or side of the boat. In most cases, these injuries can be life-changing.

Other forms of marine injuries are caused by mechanical issues for example, electrical or engine problems as well as steering system malfunctions and gear shift problems. In these cases our NYC boating accident lawyers will determine if a company should be held accountable for the injuries sustained by victims of accidents.

Making a Claim

You should seek medical attention immediately after an accident with a boat. However, it is recommended to consult with a lawyer before submitting an admission to the insurance adjuster or any other party. A lawyer can safeguard your rights, ensuring that you receive adequate compensation for the damages.

The legal process for seeking compensation in the event of a boating accident is to file an insurance claim or a lawsuit against the person or parties who are responsible. It is common to present evidence to support a claim for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are those incurred as a result of medical treatment as well as other costs associated with the accident, such as lost earnings due to missed work. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, and other types of intangible loss that may be difficult to quantify.

In certain cases, a boat manufacturer, or a component of the boat may be held liable for a mishap if their product was designed or manufactured in a defective manner. A skilled New York boating injury lawyer can determine whether a product liability is involved and pursue compensation from the parties responsible.

In some cases, the boat operator may not be held liable for an accident. The owner of the vessel is liable too, particularly if they are responsible for hiring or training the person who is operating their craft or if they allow a person who isn't qualified to operate an unfit boat to use their property.