How a Boat Accident Lawyer Can Help You File a Claim

If you've suffered injuries on the water or in the marina or at a marina, a New York boat accident lawyer will help you file a claim. They will provide guidance on the strength of your claim, and negotiate with insurance companies.

Most boat accident lawsuits involve negligence. You may be awarded compensation if the attorney you hire can demonstrate a breach of duty and boat accident law firm damages.

Damages

A boating accident could cause devastating injuries, just as any other kind of crash. The types of injuries that can occur include drowning in the water, oxygen deprivation injuries fractured bones and brain trauma. A lawyer with experience can assist you in getting the amount of compensation you are entitled to for these damages.

Similar to car accidents, the case of a boating injury is dependent on proving negligence of the responsible party. An attorney can conduct an exhaustive investigation and capture pictures of the accident scene and your injuries to prove that you are liable. They can also assist you in locating medical records as well as other documentation to prove your claim. They can also assist you learn about comparative liability laws in the event that your situation is impacted.

Boating accidents can result in both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are ones that are easier to determined, such as the future and past medical costs for your injury. This can include the loss of income you suffer due to your injury, as well as any changes in your future capacity to work. Noneconomic damages are subjective and can include discomfort and pain or loss of enjoyment in life, emotional distress, and more. A lawyer can help you determine the amount of your damages and submit a lawsuit or insurance claim against the parties responsible for your injuries. They also handle cases involving government bodies like the Coast Guard or police.

Insurance

When someone is injured as a result of a boating accident, financial burdens quickly pile up. Medical bills can easily run into thousands of dollars and, if surgery is required, the costs could be more.

A personal injury lawyer can assist injured people in getting the compensation they require. He or she can investigate and file the necessary paperwork for an accident on the water. They can also negotiate with insurance companies to get maximum compensation.

An attorney who handles boat accidents can determine who is accountable and the insurance coverage each party has. Not all boat owners and operators carry liability insurance to cover injuries. People who lease or borrow boats should look over their homeowners and insurance policies for boating to find out how much insurance they have.

Notifying authorities about boat accidents is essential. A police report from the official can be used to establish the negligence of the boat owner and other details in an action for damages. It is recommended for witnesses to be interviewed to get their testimony. In addition, it is helpful to collect the names, contact information and insurance policy numbers of all involved in the boat accident, especially the operators of the boats.

Liability

As a Boat Accident Law Firm accident victim you could be eligible for reimbursement of past and future medical expenses. This includes hospital bills, emergency room services, doctor's appointments, therapy sessions and the costs of medication. Your NYC boat accident attorney will help you prove the full cost of these expenses and ensure that your full losses are taken into account in the award of compensation.

Most injuries suffered in boat accidents are due to negligence or reckless actions on the part of an owner or operator of a boat. Certain injuries are caused because of the absence of necessary safety equipment such as life jackets, fire extinguishers or navigational lights. The claim can be filed against the manufacturer of a boat that is defective or an item on board, like the ski.

If you were injured on a commercial vessel, you may qualify to file a Jones Act claim. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer will analyze the particulars of your case and can provide you with more details on this special law. Your attorney will also lead in negotiations with the parties responsible along with their lawyers and insurance companies on your behalf. If a fair settlement is not able to be reached, your lawyer will prepare for trial in order to obtain justice on your behalf.

Time Limits

There are a variety of laws which govern boating and other watercrafts. These laws govern driving, passing, and granting the right of way as well as other aspects. They also require that operators remain sane, avoid overloading or overwhelming their vessels and discourage people from engaging in dangerous behavior like weaving in traffic or wake-jumping. The negligent actions of the operator or any other party involved in a boating accident could cause serious injuries, and sometimes even death.

A boat accident lawyer will guide you through the legal system, determine the strength of your claim, and protect your rights. They can also assist you seek compensation for your losses by providing medical documentation and other evidence to prove your claim.

Since a case involving a boat accident is one that is adjudicated under maritime law, as well as state personal injury law, it may take longer to resolve than an auto accident claim. It is because an attorney needs to collect eyewitness testimony, police reports, along with other evidence before negotiations can begin. Depending on the nature of your case, pre-litigation negotiations could last from a few weeks to six months. If you work for commercial fishing vessels or cruise ship, sightseeing boat, or any other type of worker that is working on the boat as part or in the course of his job, then you may be eligible for workers compensation. A NY lawyer for boat accidents can also assist with these claims.