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How a Boat Accident Lawyer Can Help You File a Claim

If you've suffered injuries on the water or in an area marina or in a marina, a New York boat accident lawyer will help you file an insurance claim. They'll offer advice, assess the potential of your case, and discuss your case with insurance companies.

The majority of lawsuits involving boat accidents are based on negligence. You could receive compensation if your attorney can prove a breach of duty and damages.

Damages

A boating accident can cause devastating injuries, just like other type of crash. Some of the injuries that can result are drowning, oxygen deprivation injuries, brain trauma and fractured bones. A skilled lawyer can assist you in obtaining the money you deserve for these losses.

Like car accidents, the case for a boating incident hinges on proving the negligence of the person responsible. An attorney can conduct an extensive investigation, and even take photographs of the scene of the accident and injuries to prove liability. They can also assist in locating medical records as well as other evidence to prove your claim. They can also help understand comparative negligence laws in the event that they are applicable to your situation.

Boating accidents can result in both economic and noneconomic damage. Economic damages are more easily quantifiable such as past and future medical expenses resulting from your injury. This could include the loss of income you suffer as a result of your injury, as well as any changes in your future capacity to work. Noneconomic damages can be subjective and may include pain and discomfort, inconvenience and discontentment with life, emotional distress and more. A lawyer can assist you determine the value of your losses, and make a lawsuit or an insurance claim against those responsible for your injuries. They can also handle cases involving government agencies, such as the Coast Guard and police.

Insurance

When someone is injured as a result of a boating accident, financial burdens can quickly pile up. Medical bills can run in the thousands. And, in the event of surgery, the cost could be higher.

A personal injury attorney can help injured individuals recover the compensation they require. He or she can investigate and complete the necessary paperwork in case of a boating accident. They can also negotiate with insurance companies in order to get maximum compensation.

In addition, a boat accident lawyer will determine which parties are responsible and what insurance coverage they have. Not all boat owners and operators have liability insurance to cover injuries. Make sure to check your boating and homeowners insurance policies if you rent or borrow a boat to determine the amount of coverage you have.

Notifying authorities about boat accidents is vital. A police report can assist in establishing the negligence of the boat owner and other details when submitting an action for damages. Also, it is an excellent idea to talk with witnesses to obtain their testimony. It is also beneficial to get the names, contact information and insurance policy numbers for everyone involved in the accident especially the owners of the boats.

Liability

You may be entitled to reimbursement for the medical expenses of the past and in the future If you're the victim of a boating incident. This can include hospital bills and emergency room services. Also, appointment with a doctor, therapy sessions as well as medication costs. Your NYC lawyer for boat accidents will help you prove these expenses and ensure that the full extent of your losses is reflected in your compensation award.

The majority of injuries that occur in boat accidents result from reckless or negligent actions of the boat's owner or operator. The lack of safety equipment such as lighting for navigation, fire extinguishers or Boat Accident Claim life jackets may cause injuries to become worse. An action can be filed against the manufacturer of a boat that is defective or an item on board, like the ski.

If you've been injured while working on a commercial boat, you may be eligible to make a claim under Jones Act. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer will go over the details of your case and provide more details about this specific law. Your lawyer will also negotiate on behalf of you with the responsible parties and their lawyers and the insurance companies. If the fair settlement isn't reached your attorney will draft a trial on your behalf to get justice.

Time Limits

There are many laws that govern boating as well as other watercrafts. These laws cover driving, passing and ceding the right-of-way among others. They also mandate that operators remain in a safe place, refrain from overloading or over-loading their boats and stop those who are involved in risky practices like weaving into traffic or attempting to wake-jump. A negligent act by the operator or any other party involved in a boating collision can result in serious injuries and sometimes even death.

A qualified boat accident lawyer can guide you through the legal procedure, assess the quality of your case and safeguard your rights. They can also help you seek compensation for your losses through the submission of medical documents and other evidence to back your claim.

Since a boat accident case is governed by maritime law as well as state personal injury law, it may take longer to resolve than an auto accident claim. This is due to the fact that an attorney needs to collect eyewitness testimonies and 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 complexity of the case. If you are an employee of a commercial fisherman, cruise or sightseeing ship or any other kind of worker who is working on boats as part of their job, you could be entitled to workers compensation under maritime law. A NY boat accident lawyer will be able to assist you with these claims as well.