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

Boat Accident Attorneys

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

Some victims can also be awarded punitive damages in the event that the defendant's behavior was egregious and reckless. These awards are designed to punish the defendant for their conduct and to prevent future incidents.

Personal Injury

Boating accidents can result in serious injuries, however many are preventable. Boat accidents are usually caused by inexperienced and untrained boaters, as well as other reckless decisions like driving under the influence of alcohol, carrying too many passengers, or reckless behavior. The injuries can range from minor bruising to paralysis due to the brain or spinal cord.

Victims injured in a boating accident may get compensation for their medical expenses and lost income or work while they recover. If their injuries last for a long time they may also recover costs for long-term medical care. Insurance companies typically try to settle for less money than the victims should receive when estimating claims' value. An experienced lawyer can help you fight for the highest amount of compensation possible.

A New York City boat accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident to ensure all relevant evidence is gathered. This includes the gathering of crucial documents like police reports and witness statements, vessel maintenance reports, chemical tests and photos of the site of the accident as well as the damage to property. Other important information can be obtained from medical records that include detailed descriptions of the injuries sustained as well as the expenses incurred and estimates of future costs. The lawyer can then negotiate with the at-fault party and/or the insurance company for a fair settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on workboats as well as other vessels, such as supply ships, are subject to hazardous conditions throughout their work. They are at risk of being injured not just by falling equipment or cargo but also from boat accidents caused by the negligence or carelessness of other people on board the vessel.

Seamen have specific rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws that are designed to safeguard them from employer negligence. They are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. The damages could include medical expenses, lost income, cost of living during recovery, pain and suffering and other financial benefits.

Most often, seamen injured while on a supply ship tugboat, dredger barge, oil tanker or cruise or sightseeing vessel require more than workers' compensation to compensate their losses. A knowledgeable New York boat accident attorney accident lawyer will be able to identify any other third-party claims for which a seaman might be entitled to compensation, including claims of insecurities and the employer's failure to maintain an appropriate vessel.

Your attorney will collect important documents and evidence that relate to your claim. These include medical records, information on insurance policies, police reports, and more. They will then engage in settlement negotiations with the lawyer of the defendant and the insurance company on your behalf. If a fair settlement cannot be reached the lawyers will prepare for trial to argue a convincing case in the court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

While most boat accidents occur due to reckless or negligent behavior on the part of the boat owner However, there are many instances where a crash is actually caused by defective equipment. In these instances, victims may seek compensation from the company that produced the defective product by filing a lawsuit. In these situations, an Reston, VA product defect lawyer can assist.

Defective boats and equipment may be covered under strict liability, negligence or warranty law. A warranty claim can be based on a violation of express or implied guarantees that are imposed by law, for example the New Jersey lemon laws for used cars or the warranties of merchantability or the fit and finish of the Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are usually covered by insurance policies as well. While some individuals may assert that a problem is evident or obvious however, courts usually require expert testimony from an expert surveyor or other expert to determine if the mechanical breakdown or damage was caused due to a hidden condition.

A few defects are discovered when the boat is sold. They are usually regarded as manufacturing defects and are the responsibility of the manufacturer. Other defects are discovered after the boat is owned and operated and may be the responsibility of the owner. One instance is when the owner forgets the emptying of the engine's water and the water freezes and damages the motor in the winter.

Insurance

In a state like New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes and waterways, boating and other water recreation activities are common for residents. However, as with most recreational activities, they are accompanied by certain risks and liabilities that could impact the lives of participants.

When boating accidents happen victims may be able to file a personal injury or wrongful-death claim for compensation to cover their losses. Medical expenses as well as lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering are all examples of damages. In cases of gross negligence, the victims may also pursue punitive damages.

Insurance companies involved in a boating collision case are often difficult to deal with, especially since their main objective is to pay you as little as is possible. Bring the game level by hiring a NYC lawyer for injuries sustained in boating who will work with insurance companies to ensure all parties involved are held accountable for their actions.

An experienced lawyer will examine all evidence available including police reports, medical records and witness testimony. Then, they'll engage in negotiations with the at-fault party and their insurance company to secure an equitable settlement. If they cannot reach a settlement, our attorneys will prepare for trial. We are experts in presenting evidence in support of your claim and securing maximum amount of money.