"Ask Me Anything:10 Responses To Your Questions About Boat Accident Attorney

Boat Accident Attorneys

If you've been injured in an accident with a boat which was not your fault, you could be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation. These expenses could include physical therapy, medical bills and income loss because of your inability to work.

Some victims may also be awarded punitive damages in cases where the conduct of the defendant was reckless and indecent. These awards are designed to punish the defendant for their misconduct and to prevent future incidents.

Personal Injury

Although boating accidents can cause serious injuries, a lot of them are preventable. Untrained and inexperienced boaters are the most common cause of boat accidents, as are other naive choices like operating under the influence, transporting too many passengers, or reckless behavior. Injuries can range from bruising and lacerations to permanent paralysis due to injuries to the head or spinal cord.

Victims who suffer injuries in a boating accident can be compensated for medical expenses and loss of income or job while they recuperate. They can also claim the expenses of long-term care when their injuries are permanent. Unfortunately the process of estimating the value of an injury claim isn't a simple task and insurance firms often attempt to offer less than what victims need to receive. An experienced attorney can help to get the highest settlement that is feasible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the incident to ensure that all relevant evidence is collected. This includes obtaining important documents, such as police reports and witness statements along with logs of vessel maintenance chemical tests, photographs of the scene of the accident as well as the property damage. Other essential information may be gathered from medical records, which include detailed accounts of the injuries sustained along with the costs incurred as well as estimated future costs. Lawyers can negotiate an acceptable settlement with the at-fault person and/or insurance company.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Maritime workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are frequently exposed to dangers in the course of their employment. In addition to being injured by falling cargo or equipment in the course of their work, they are also at risk for boat accidents caused by negligence or reckless actions of other parties on board the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from employer negligence. They are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. These damages could include medical expenses loss of income, cost of living during recovery as well as pain and suffering and other benefits monetary.

Many times, injured seamen on supply vessels tugboats, dredgers and tugboats barges, oil tanks, cruise or sightseeing boats require more than workers' compensation to pay for their losses. A New York boat accident attorney will be able to identify third-party claims the seaman could be eligible for including claims of unreliability or the employer's inability to maintain an appropriate vessel.

Your lawyer will gather crucial documents and evidence pertaining to your claim. This includes medical records, details about insurance policies, police reports and many more. They will then negotiate an agreement with the defendant's attorney and the insurance company you have named. If a fair settlement is not reached, they will then prepare a compelling case for trial on your behalf.

Product Defects

Many accidents on boats result from defective equipment. However, the majority of accidents on boats result from the negligent or reckless behavior of the boat's owner. In those instances, victims may seek compensation from the company that produced the defective product through a lawsuit. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can help in these cases.

Defective equipment and boats could be covered by claims that are based on negligence, strict liability or warranty law. A warranty claim may be based on a violation of implied or express guarantees provided by law, such as the New Jersey lemon laws for used vehicles, or the guarantees of merchantability, or the guarantee of fit and finish under Uniform Commercial Code.

Insurance policies usually cover latent problems as well. Although some consumers may claim that a problem is obvious or clear but courts typically require expert testimony by an expert surveyor or other qualified professional to determine whether the issue was caused by a mechanical malfunction or resulted from an unnoticed condition.

Some defects are found after a boat has been sold. These are generally deemed manufacturing defects, and the manufacturer is accountable for them. Some are discovered after the boat has been operated and owned and could be the owner's fault. An example is the case of a boat owner who forgets to drain water from the engine, and that water freezes in the winter, causing damage to the motor.

Insurance

Boating and other water sports are popular in New York, a state with easy access the Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. As with all recreational activities there are risks and liabilities to be considered.

Injured persons can file a personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation. The damages include medical expenses loss of income, property losses in addition to pain and suffering diminished quality of life permanent disability, disfigurement and other expenses. Victims may also seek punitive damages in cases of reckless or gross negligence behaviour by the at-fault party.

Insurance companies aren't easy to work with in a case involving boats particularly when their primary goal is to compensate as little as they can. Choose a NYC lawyer for boating accidents who will work closely with insurers to hold everyone accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will review all evidence available including police reports as well as medical records. They will also review witness testimony. Then they will engage in negotiations with the person at fault and their insurance company to secure a fair settlement. If they are not able to reach an agreement on an agreement, our lawyers will prepare the case for trial. We are experienced in presenting evidence to support your claim and securing maximum amount of money.