Boat Accident Attorney: The Good The Bad And The Ugly

Boat Accident Attorneys

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

Some victims might also be eligible for punitive damages in the event that the defendant's conduct was shocking or reckless. These types of awards are crafted to punish the offender and deter similar actions in the future.

Personal Injury

Although boating accidents can lead to serious injuries, a lot of them can be avoided. Boat accidents are usually caused by inexperienced and untrained boaters, as well as other reckless choices such as driving under the influence of alcohol, bringing too many passengers, or reckless behavior. Injuries can range from bruising and lacerations to permanent paralysis caused by injuries to the head or spinal cord.

Boating accident victims are entitled to compensation for medical bills and loss in income or employment while recovering from their injuries. They may also be able to recover the expenses of long-term care for injuries that are permanent. Unfortunately it is difficult to estimate the value of a personal injury claim is not a simple task and insurance companies often try to offer less than what victims deserve. An experienced attorney will help you fight for the highest settlement possible.

A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident in order to gather all evidence relevant. This includes the gathering of important documents such as police reports and witness statements, boat accident law firms maintenance records, chemical tests and photos of the accident site and property damage. Medical records can also provide crucial information, for example, detailed reports of the injuries, expenses, and the cost of future expenses. The lawyer will then negotiate with the at-fault party or the insurance company to negotiate a fair settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are typically exposed to hazardous conditions in the course of their employment. They are at risk of getting injured not just by falling equipment or cargo but also from boat accidents resulting from the negligence or recklessness of others on board the vessel.

Seamen have certain rights under the Jones Act and other federal laws that protect them from employer negligence. They are entitled to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. These damages may include medical expenses loss of income, cost of living during recovery as well as pain and suffering and other benefits monetary.

In many cases, injured seamen on a supply vessel tugboats, dredgers and tugboats barges, oil tanks, cruise boats, or sightseeing vessels require more than workers' compensation to cover their expenses. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer can help identify other third-party claims that a seamen could be eligible to recover compensation, such as allegations of a lack of seaworthiness or the employer's failure to keep a safe vessel.

Your lawyer will gather crucial documents and evidence related to your claim, such as medical records as well as insurance policy information or police reports, among others. They will then engage in settlement negotiations with the lawyer of the defendant and insurance company on your behalf. If a fair settlement is not able to be reached, they will prepare for trial and argue your case in the court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

Although the majority of boat accidents happen due to negligent or reckless behaviour on the part of the boat owner However, there are many instances where a crash is actually the result of faulty equipment. In these cases, victims may sue the manufacturer who made the defective product to seek compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can assist in these cases.

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

Latent defects are usually covered by insurance policies, too. Although some consumers may claim that a problem is obvious or clear however, courts usually require expert testimony from a surveyor or another expert to determine if an issue with a mechanical component or damage was caused by an unnoticed problem.

Certain defects are discovered after the boat is sold. These are generally deemed manufacturing defects, and the manufacturer is accountable for the defects. Others are discovered after a vessel is in operation and could be the fault of the owner. One example is when a boat owner does not empty the engine of water and the water gets frozen and causes damage to the motor during the winter.

Insurance

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

Individuals who have been injured can file a personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation. Damages can include medical expenses, loss of income, property loss as well as pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, permanent disability, disfigurement, and other expenses. In cases of gross negligence, the victims may also seek punitive damage.

Insurance companies can be difficult to negotiate with in a case involving a boat particularly when their main objective is to pay the lowest amount they can. Level the playing field by hiring a NYC attorney for boating injuries who will collaborate with insurers to ensure that all parties are accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will review all evidence available including police reports as well as medical records. They will also review witnesses' testimony. Then, they'll enter into negotiations with the at-fault party and their insurance company to secure an acceptable settlement. If they fail to come to an agreement Our lawyers will prepare for trial. We are experts in presenting evidence in support of your claim and securing the maximum amount of financial compensation.