How a Boat Accident Lawyer Can Help You File a Claim

A New York boat accident lawsuit accident attorney can assist you with filing an insurance claim if injured in the water or in a marina. They'll offer advice, assess the quality of your claim and discuss your case 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 be awarded compensation.

Damages

Boating accidents can result in serious injuries, just like any other kind of accident. The types of injuries that can result are drowning or oxygen deprivation-related injuries, fractured bones and brain trauma. A competent lawyer can help you in obtaining the compensation that you are entitled to for these injuries.

As with car accidents, the case for a boating incident depends on proving the negligence of the responsible party. Lawyers can conduct an extensive investigation, and take pictures of the accident scene and injuries to prove liability. They can also assist in finding medical records and other documentation to back your claim. They can also assist you to understand comparative negligence laws in the event that they are applicable to your particular situation.

Boating accidents can result in both economic and noneconomic damage. Economic damages are those that are more easily verified, such as the future and past medical costs for your injury. They can also include losses in income caused by your injuries, as well as any changes to your ability to work in the future. Noneconomic damages are subjective and can include pain and discomfort, inconvenience or loss of enjoyment in life, emotional distress, and more. A lawyer can help you determine the amount of your damages and file an insurance claim or lawsuit against the people responsible for your injuries. They also handle cases involving government bodies like the Coast Guard or police.

Insurance

When someone suffers injuries from a boating accident, costs can quickly mount up. Medical bills can add up in the thousands, and when surgery is required, the expenses can be even more costly.

A personal injury lawyer can help injured people get the compensation they need. They can investigate and file the necessary paperwork to an accident on the water. They can also bargain with insurance companies in order to secure the most compensation.

An attorney for boat accidents can also determine who is liable and what insurance coverage each party has. Responsible owners and operators have boat liability insurance that covers injuries however not all do. Check your own boating and homeowners insurance policies if renting or take a loan on a boat, to determine how much coverage you have.

It is essential to report any boating accidents to the authorities. A police report from the official can be used to establish the negligence of the boat owner and other details in the case of a claim for damages. It is also an excellent idea to speak with witnesses to get their statements. It is also beneficial to get the names, contact details and insurance policy numbers for everyone involved in the accident, particularly the operators of the boats.

Liability

You may be eligible for reimbursement of the medical expenses of the past and in the future if you are a victim of a boating accident. This includes hospital bills emergency room services, doctor's appointments, therapy sessions and the cost of medications. Your NYC boat accident attorney will prove the full cost of these expenses and ensure that all of your losses are included in the settlement award.

Most injuries incurred in boat accidents are caused by the negligence or recklessness on the part of a boat owner or operator. Some injuries are exacerbated due to the lack of the necessary safety equipment, such as life jackets, fire extinguishers, or navigational lights. A claim can be filed against the manufacturer of a boat that is defective or an product on board, like the ski.

If you've been injured while on commercial vessels, you may qualify to claim an Jones Act claim. A New York boat accident attorney will review your case and provide additional information about this special law. Your lawyer will also lead in negotiation with the responsible parties and their lawyers as well as insurance companies on your behalf. If there is no fair settlement reached your attorney will draft for you a trial to get justice.

Time Limits

There are many laws that govern boating as well as other watercrafts. These laws govern driving, passing and granting the right of way among other things. They also require that operators remain sane, avoid overloading or overwhelming their vessels, and prevent people from engaging in risky behaviors like weaving into traffic or wake-jumping. The negligence of an operator or another party involved in a boating accident can result in serious injuries, and even wrongful death.

A lawyer for boat accidents will guide you through the legal system, evaluate the strength of your claim, and defend your rights. They can also assist you seek financial compensation for your losses by providing medical records and other evidence to prove your claim.

A boat accident case may take longer to resolve because it involves issues that must be resolved according to maritime law and state personal injury laws. It is because an attorney needs to collect eyewitness testimony and police reports and other evidence prior to negotiations beginning. Negotiations in the pre-litigation phase can last anywhere between a few weeks and six months, depending on the complexity of the case. If you are an employee of a commercial fisherman or cruise vessel or other kind of worker that is on the water as part of their job, you could be eligible for workers compensation under maritime law. A NY boat accident attorney can represent you in these cases.