How a Boat Accident Lawyer Can Help You File a Claim

Whether you're injured on the water or in an area marina or in a marina, a New York boat accident lawyer can assist you in filing an insurance claim. They'll offer advice, assess the strength of your case and negotiate with insurance companies.

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

Damages

A boating accident can result in devastating injuries, just as any other kind of crash. Drowning, oxygen deprivation, spinal cord injuries, fractured bones, brain trauma, whiplash and electrocution are only a few possible injuries. A skilled lawyer can assist you in obtaining the compensation you are entitled to for these injuries.

Similar to car accidents, a boating accident case hinges on proving negligence of the responsible party. An attorney can conduct an extensive investigation and take photographs of the accident scene and injuries to prove liability. They can also assist in locating medical records as well as other evidence that can help you prove your claim. They can also help comprehend the laws of comparative negligence when they pertain to your situation.

Victims may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages for their boating accident injuries. Economic damages are ones that are more easily verifiable, such as the future and past medical costs for your injury. This can include the loss of income you suffer as a result of your injury as well as any changes in your ability to work. Noneconomic damages are more subjective and could include discomfort and pain and loss of enjoyment life and emotional distress. A lawyer can assist you determine the value of your losses, and submit a lawsuit or insurance claim against those accountable for your injuries. They also deal with cases involving government agencies such as the Coast Guard or police.

Insurance

If someone is injured in a boating accident, the financial burdens can quickly add up. Medical bills can cost in the thousands, and when surgery is required the costs can be more expensive.

An attorney for personal injury can assist injured people in getting the compensation they require. He or she can investigate the causes of a boating accident as well as file the necessary paperwork and bargain with insurance companies in order to get the maximum possible compensation.

In addition, a boat accident lawyer can identify who is liable and how much insurance coverage they have. Not all boat owners and operators carry liability insurance to cover injuries. Anyone who rents or borrows boats should review their homeowners' and boating insurance policies to determine the amount of protection they have.

It is important to report any boating accidents to the authorities. A police report can help establish negligence and other facts when filing a claim for damages. It is also a good idea to talk to witnesses to collect their statements. It is also helpful to get the names, contact details and insurance policy numbers for all parties who were involved in the incident including the captains of the boats.

Liability

If you're a victim of a boating accident you could be eligible for reimbursement of past and future medical expenses. This can include hospital bills and emergency room services. Also, it covers visits to the doctor, therapy sessions and medication costs. Your NYC lawyer for boat accidents will investigate the totality of these costs, and ensure that your full losses are reflected in the award of compensation.

The majority of injuries in boat accidents result from reckless or negligent behavior by the boat's owner or operator. The lack of safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, navigational lights or life jackets may cause some injuries to become more severe. A claim could also be filed against the manufacturer of a defective boat or an item on the boat, such as a water ski.

If you've suffered injuries on a commercial vessel then you could be able to file an Jones Act claim. A experienced New York boat accident lawyer will analyze the particulars of your case and give you more information on this special law. Your attorney will also take the lead in negotiating with the responsible parties as well as their lawyers and insurance companies on your behalf. If an acceptable settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will prepare an appeal on your behalf to get justice.

Time Limits

There are numerous laws that govern boating and other watercrafts. These regulations cover driving, passing and ceding right-of-way, among other things. They also mandate that operators remain sane, avoid overloading or overwhelming their vessels and prohibit those who are involved in risky behaviors like weaving into traffic or attempting to wake-jump. In the event of negligence, an operator or another party involved in a boating collision can result in serious injuries and sometimes, even wrongful deaths.

A qualified boat accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal procedure, assess the strength of your case, and ensure your rights. They can also assist in pursuing financial compensation by providing medical documentation and supporting evidence.

Because a case involving a newport boat accident law firm collision involves issues adjudicated under maritime law and the state's personal injury law, it might take longer to settle than an auto accident claim. This is because a lawyer must collect eyewitness testimony, police reports and other documentation before negotiations can begin. Negotiations in the pre-litigation phase can last anywhere between a few weeks and six months, based on the complexity of the case. If you are an employee of a commercial fishing vessel cruise ship, sightseeing or cruise ship, or any other type of worker that is on a boat as part of his or her job, you could be eligible for workers compensation under maritime law. A NY lawyer who handles boat accidents can also represent these claims.