How a Boat Accident Lawyer Can Help You File a Claim

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

Most boat accident lawsuits involve negligence. If your lawyer can show that there was a breach of duty, causation or damages, you could be awarded compensation.

Damages

A boating incident can cause devastating injuries, just like other type 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 obtaining the compensation you deserve for these damages.

Like car accidents an injury involving a boat is contingent on proving the negligence of the responsible party. A lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation, and even take photographs of the scene of the accident as well as injuries to prove the responsibility. They can also assist you to find medical records for treatment and other documentation to support your claim. They can also help comprehend the laws of comparative negligence in the event that they are applicable to your particular situation.

Victims might be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages for their boating injuries. Economic damages are more easily verifiable including future and past medical expenses related to your injury. This can include the loss of income as a result of your injury as well as any changes in your future capability to work. Noneconomic damages are more subjective and may include discomfort and pain or loss of enjoyment in life, and emotional distress. A lawyer can help determine the value of your damages and file an insurance claim or a lawsuit against the parties responsible for your injuries. They also handle cases involving government bodies, such as the Coast Guard or police.

Insurance

Financial burdens can quickly increase when someone is injured in an accident on the water. Medical bills can be in the thousands, and when surgery is required the cost can be higher.

A personal injury lawyer can help injured individuals recover the compensation they require. They can look into the cause of a boating incident, file necessary paperwork, and negotiate with insurance companies to obtain the maximum compensation.

An attorney who handles boat accidents can also determine who is liable and what insurance coverage each side has. Responsible operators and owners have insurance on their boats that will pay for injuries, but not everyone does. People who lease or borrow boats should verify their homeowners' and insurance policies for boating to find out how much protection they have.

Notifying authorities about boat accidents is very important. A police report can assist in establishing the negligence of the boat owner and other details when filing an claim for damages. It is also recommended to speak to witnesses to obtain their statements. It is also helpful to obtain the names, contact details and insurance policy numbers for everyone involved in the accident, especially the operators 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 includes hospital bills, emergency room services, doctor's appointments therapy sessions, as well as the expenses of medication. Your NYC lawyer for boat accidents will prove the full cost of these expenses and ensure that your full losses are included in the award of compensation.

Most injuries suffered in boat accidents are the result of reckless or negligent behavior by the owner of the boat or the operator. Certain injuries are caused due to the absence of the safety equipment required, such as life jackets, fire extinguishers and navigational lights. A claim can be filed against the manufacturer of a boat accident lawsuit that is defective or an product on board, such as the ski.

If you've been injured working on a commercial vessel you could be able to submit a claim for compensation under the Jones Act. A New York boat accident attorney will examine your case and provide additional information about this special law. Your lawyer will also negotiate on your behalf with the responsible parties and their lawyers and the insurance companies. If a fair and reasonable settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will prepare for trial to get justice on your behalf.

Time Limits

There are several laws that regulate boating and other watercrafts. These laws cover driving, passing and granting the right of way as well as other aspects. They also mandate that operators remain sane, avoid overloading or causing a lot of stress to their boats and prohibit people from engaging in risky behavior like weaving in traffic or jumping in wake. Inadequate actions of an operator or a third party involved in a boating accident can lead to serious injuries and even deaths.

A qualified lawyer for boat accidents can help you navigate the legal process, determine the potential strength of your case and defend your rights. They can also help you in pursuing monetary compensation providing medical documentation and supporting evidence.

Since a case involving a boat accident is one that is adjudicated under maritime law, as well as state personal injury law, it can take longer to settle than an auto accident claim. This is because a lawyer must collect eyewitness evidence, police reports, and other documents before negotiations can begin. Depending on the complexity of the case, pre-litigation negotiations can take anywhere between a few weeks and six months. If you are an employee of a commercial fisherman cruise ship, sightseeing or cruise ship or any other type of worker who is on boats as part of his or her job, you may be entitled to workers compensation under maritime law. A NY boat accident attorney can represent you in these cases.