How a Boat Accident Lawyer Can Help You File a Claim If you've been injured on the water or in an area marina, a New York boat accident lawyer will assist you in filing a 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 You may be able to claim compensation if your attorney can demonstrate an breach of duty as well as damages Damages Boating accidents can result in serious injuries, as with any other type of accident Drowning, oxygen deprivation, spinal cord injuries, brain trauma, fractured bones, whiplash and electrocution are only a few possible injuries A skilled lawyer will help you get the compensation you deserve for these damages As with https//vimeocom/709640076 , the case for a boating incident depends on proving the negligence of the person responsible A lawyer can do a thorough investigation, and take photographs of the accident scene and injuries to establish responsibility They can also assist in locating medical records as well as other documentation to back your claim They can also help know the laws of comparative liability in the event that your situation is impacted Victims could be entitled both economic and non-economic damages for their boating injuries Economic damages are more easily quantifiable for past and future medical expenses related to your injury They could also cover any losses in income caused by your injuries and changes to your ability to work in the future Noneconomic damages are more subjective and could include discomfort and pain and loss of enjoyment life and emotional stress An attorney can help you calculate the worth of your damages and file a lawsuit or insurance claim against the party accountable for your injuries They can also handle cases that involve government entities such as the Coast Guard and police Insurance When someone suffers injuries from an accident on the water, the 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 victims receive the compensation they need He or she can determine the causes of a boating incident, file necessary paperwork, and deal with insurance companies to obtain the maximum compensation In addition, a boat accident lawyer can identify who is accountable and how much insurance coverage they have Responsible operators and owners have insurance for liability on boats that will pay for injuries however, not everyone has Make sure to check your boating and homeowners insurance policies if you lease or borrow a boat to see the amount of coverage you have Notifying authorities about boat accidents is vital A police report can be used to establish negligence and other facts when filing an action for damages It is also recommended to speak with witnesses in order to obtain their statements It is also beneficial to collect the names, contact information and insurance policy numbers for all the parties who were involved in the incident and, in particular, the boat operators the boats Liability You could be eligible for reimbursement of past and future medical expenses If you're the victim of a boating accident This includes hospital expenses and emergency room services It also includes therapy sessions, doctor appointments and medication costs Your NYC boat accident lawyer will work to prove these expenses and will ensure that the entire amount of your losses are included in your compensation award Most injuries incurred in boat accidents are caused by negligence or reckless actions on the part of an owner or operator of a boat Certain injuries are caused due to the absence of essential safety equipment like life jackets, fire extinguishers and navigational lights A claim could also be made against a manufacturer of a defective vessel or an item that is on the boat, like a water ski If you've suffered injuries on a commercial vessel, you may qualify to make a Jones Act claim A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer will examine the particulars of your case and can provide you with more details on this law Your attorney will also lead in negotiation with the responsible parties, their lawyers and insurance companies on your behalf If a fair settlement is not reached Your attorney will then prepare a trial on your behalf to seek justice Time Limits Boating and other watercraft are governed by several laws These laws govern driving, passing, and granting the right of way, among other things They also require that boaters remain sober, not overloading or overwhelming their vessels and prohibit people from engaging in risky behavior like weaving in traffic or jumping in wake A negligent act by the operator or any other person involved in a boating accident can result in serious injuries and sometimes wrongful death A lawyer who has experience in boat accidents will guide you through the legal system, evaluate the validity of your claim, and protect your right They can also aid you in pursuing financial compensation by providing medical documentation and supporting evidence Since a case involving a boat accident involves issues that are adjudicated in accordance with maritime law and state personal injury law, it might take longer to resolve than an auto accident claim It is because attorneys must gather eyewitness testimonies and police reports, as well as other documentation, before negotiations can start Negotiations before litigation can last between a few weeks to six months, based on the nature of the case If you are employed by commercial fishing vessels or cruise ship, a sightseeing boat, or other type worker who is working on the boat as a part or in the course of his job and you are qualified for workers' compensation A NY boat accident lawyer is able to represent you in these claims, as well