How a Boat Accident Lawyer Can Help You File a Claim

If you've been injured on the water or in a marina or a marina New York boat accident lawyer can assist you in filing a claim. They'll provide guidance, evaluate the strengths of your case and negotiate with insurance companies.

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

Damages

A boating accident can cause devastating injuries, similar to other kind of crash. The types of injuries that can result are drowning or oxygen deprivation-related injuries, brain trauma and fractured bones. A competent lawyer can help you in obtaining the compensation you deserve for these losses.

As with car accidents, the case for a boating incident is dependent on proving the fault of the responsible party. A lawyer can conduct an exhaustive investigation and take photos of the scene of the accident and injuries to prove responsibility. They can also assist in locating medical records as well as other evidence to prove your claim. They will also help you learn about comparative negligence laws in the event they apply to your situation.

Victims could be entitled both economic and non-economic damages for their boating injuries. Economic damages are those that are more easily determined, such as past and future medical costs for your injury. These can also include any loss of income due to your injuries and changes to your ability to work in the future. Noneconomic damages can be subjective and may include pain and discomfort, inconvenience and discontentment with life, emotional stress, and more. A lawyer can assist you determine the amount of your damages and bring a lawsuit or a claim against the people accountable for your injuries. They can also handle cases that involve government agencies, such as the Coast Guard and police.

Insurance

When someone suffers injuries from an accident on a boat, the costs can quickly mount up. Medical bills can run in the thousands and, when surgery is required the costs can be more costly.

A personal injury lawyer can assist injured victims get the compensation they require. He or she can investigate the cause of a boating accident and file the necessary paperwork and negotiate with insurance companies to receive the most compensation.

A lawyer for boat accidents can also determine who is responsible and the insurance coverage each party has. Responsible operators and owners have insurance for boat liability which can cover injuries but not everyone has. Check your own boating and homeowners insurance policies if you lease or borrow a boat accident law firm to determine how much coverage you're covered.

It is important to report any boat accident to the authorities. A police report is a valid document that can be used to prove negligence and other facts in an action for damages. Also, it is recommended to talk with witnesses in order to obtain their testimony. It is also helpful to get the names, contact details and insurance policy numbers for everyone who were involved in the incident including the captains of the boats.

Liability

If you're a victim of a boat accident, you may be entitled to reimbursement for the past and future medical expenses. This includes hospital bills emergency room services, doctor appointments therapy sessions and expenses of medication. Your NYC lawyer for boat accidents will work to prove the totality of these costs, and ensure that your complete losses are reflected in the compensation award.

The majority of injuries that occur in boat accidents result from the negligence or recklessness on the part of the owner of the boat or the operator. Certain injuries are caused by the failure to have the safety equipment required such as life jackets, fire extinguishers, or navigational lights. An action can be filed against the manufacturer of a defective boat or equipment on board, like a ski.

If you've been injured while working on a commercial vessel and suffered an injury, you may be able to make a claim under Jones Act. A New York boat accident attorney will evaluate your case and provide additional information about this special law. Your lawyer will also negotiate on your behalf with the parties responsible and their lawyers, as well as the insurance companies. If a fair settlement is not able to be reached, your attorney will prepare for trial to obtain justice on your behalf.

Time Limits

Boating and other watercrafts are governed under a variety of laws. These laws cover driving, passing and ceding the right-of-way among others. They also mandate that operators remain sober, not overloading or causing damage to their boats, and prevent people from engaging in dangerous practices like weaving into traffic or attempting to wake-jump. A negligent act by an operator or a person who is involved in a boating accident could result in serious injuries or even deaths.

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

Since a boat-related case is governed by maritime law, as well as state personal injury law it can take longer to settle than an auto accident claim. This is due to the fact that attorneys must gather eyewitness testimonies, police reports, and other evidence prior to negotiations beginning. Depending on the complexity of your case, negotiations prior to litigation can take anywhere between a few weeks and six months. If you are an employee of a commercial fishing vessel or cruise vessel or other kind of worker who is working on a boat accident attorneys as part of his or her job, you could be entitled to workers' compensation under maritime law. A NY lawyer who handles boat accidents can also represent these claims.