How a Boat Accident Lawyer Can Help You File a Claim

If you've been injured on water or in an area marina or a marina New York boat accident lawyer can assist you in filing an insurance claim. They will offer advice to assess the merits of your claim, 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 or damages, you could receive compensation.

Damages

A boating incident can cause devastating injuries, similar to other type of crash. Some of the injuries that can occur include drowning in the water, oxygen deprivation injuries brain trauma and fractured bones. A competent lawyer can assist you in obtaining 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 the negligence of responsible party. A lawyer can conduct an exhaustive investigation and capture photos of the scene and your injuries to establish the responsibility. They can also assist you in finding medical records and other documentation that will prove your claim. They can also assist you to learn about comparative negligence laws if they apply to your particular situation.

Victims may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages for their boating accidents injuries. Economic damages are ones that are easier to assessed, like the future and past medical costs for your injury. This can include the loss of income due to your injury and any changes in your future capacity to work. Noneconomic damages are more subjective and may include discomfort and pain as well as loss of enjoyment of life and emotional distress. A lawyer can help you determine the worth of your damages and file a lawsuit or insurance claim against the party responsible for your injuries. They can also handle cases that involve government agencies like the Coast Guard and police.

Insurance

When someone is injured as a result of an accident on a boat, the financial burdens can quickly add up. Medical bills can be in the thousands. And, in the event of surgery, the cost can be more costly.

A personal injury lawyer can assist injured victims receive the compensation they need. They can investigate and complete the necessary paperwork in case of an accident on the water. They can also discuss with insurance companies to receive the maximum amount of compensation.

An attorney for boat accidents can also determine who is liable and the insurance coverage each party has. Responsible operators and owners have boat liability insurance that can pay for injuries however, not everyone has. People who lease or borrow boats should check their own homeowners' and boating insurance policies to find out how much coverage they have.

Reporting boat accidents to authorities is very important. A police report is a valid document that can be used to establish the negligence of the boat owner and other details in a claim for damages. It is also an excellent idea to talk with witnesses to get their statements. It is also helpful to collect 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 eligible for reimbursement of past and future medical expenses. This includes hospital bills and emergency room services. Additionally, it includes doctor appointments, therapy sessions and medical expenses. Your NYC lawyer for boat accidents will work to prove these expenses and ensure that the totality of your losses are reflected in your compensation award.

The majority of injuries sustained in boat accidents are the result of reckless or negligent behavior by the owner or operator of the boat. Certain injuries are caused by the failure to have necessary safety equipment such as life jackets, fire extinguishers or navigational lights. A claim can also be filed against the manufacturer of a defective vessel or an item that is on the boat, for instance water skis.

If you've been injured while on the commercial vessel then you could be able to claim a Jones Act claim. A experienced New York boat accident lawyer will examine the particulars of your case and can provide more details on this special law. Your attorney will also take the lead in negotiations with the parties responsible as well as their lawyers and insurance companies on your behalf. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will prepare for trial to achieve justice on your behalf.

Time Limits

There are many laws that govern boating as well as other watercrafts. These laws cover driving, passing and granting the right of way among other things. These regulations also require boaters to remain sober, avoid overloading or powering their vessels and also discourage risky behaviours such as weaving into traffic or jumping in the wake. Negligent actions by an operator or any other person involved in a boating accident can lead to serious injuries or even deaths.

A qualified boat accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process, assess the quality of your case and defend your rights. They can also assist you to seek financial compensation for your losses by providing medical documentation and other evidence to support your claim.

Since a boat-related case involves issues that are adjudicated in accordance with maritime law as well as state personal injury law, it could take longer to settle than a car accident claim. The reason for this is that lawyers must collect eyewitness statements, police reports and other evidence before negotiations can begin. Pre-litigation negotiation can take anywhere between a few weeks and six months, depending on the nature of the case. If you are employed by a commercial fishing vessel or cruise ship, sightseeing boat accident lawsuit, or other type of worker that is working on the boat as part or for the purpose of working and is qualified for workers' compensation. A NY boat accident attorney can also represent these claims.