The Reasons You Shouldn’t Think About Improving Your Boat Accident Attorney

Boat Accident Attorneys

If you’ve been injured in an accident in the boating industry and it wasn’t your fault, you could be entitled to a substantial settlement. These costs could include medical bills, physical therapy and loss of income because of your inability to work.

Some victims can be awarded punitive damages, if the defendant’s conduct was reckless and egregious. These awards are intended to penalize the defendant for their actions and to deter future incidents.

Personal Injury

Boating accidents can cause serious injuries, but a majority are avoidable. Inexperienced and untrained boaters are the main cause of boat-related accidents as well as other reckless choices like driving under the influence, transporting too many passengers, or reckless behavior. Injuries may be anything from bruising and cuts to permanent paralysis caused by injuries to the head or spinal cord.

Boating accident victims are entitled to compensation for their medical expenses and loss of work or income while recovering from their injuries. If their injuries are irreparable they may also recover costs for long-term medical care. Insurance companies often try and accept less than the victims deserve when estimating a claim’s value. An experienced lawyer can help you fight for the most lucrative settlement you can get.

A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident to collect all relevant evidence. This includes the gathering of crucial documents such as police reports, witness statements, vessel maintenance reports, chemical tests and photos of the scene of the accident and the property damage. Medical records can provide other essential information, such as detailed reports of the injuries, expenses, and the future costs. Lawyers can negotiate with the at-fault party and/or the insurance company for a fair settlement.

Maritime Workers’ Compensation

Workers on workboats, supply ships and other vessels are frequently exposed to hazardous conditions during the course of their work. They are at risk of being injured not only by falling equipment or cargo but also from boat accidents resulting from the negligence or recklessness of other parties on the vessel.

Seamen have rights that are specific to them under the Jones Act and other federal laws that protect them from the negligence of employers. They have the right to full compensation under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. These damages may include medical expenses, lost income, cost of living during recovery, pain and suffering as well as other benefits in the form of money.

Often, seamen who are injured on a supply portage boat accident lawsuit tugboat, dredger or tugboat barge, oil tanker, or cruise or sightseeing vessel require more than just workers’ compensation in order to cover their loss. A New York boat accident attorney can identify third party claims that an individual seaman may be eligible for, such as allegations of a lack of seaworthiness or an employer’s failure maintain a safe vessel.

Your lawyer will gather important documents and evidence that relate to your claim. These include medical records, information regarding insurance policies, police reports and more. They will then negotiate an agreement with the attorney for the defendant and the insurance company on your behalf. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, they will prepare for trial so that they can argue your case in the court on behalf of you.

Product Defects

Although the majority of boat accidents happen due to reckless or negligent behavior of the boat owner, there are also many instances where a crash was actually caused by defective equipment. In these cases, victims could sue the firm responsible for the product in order to recover compensation. In these cases, an Reston, VA product defect lawyer can help.

Defective equipment and boats may be covered by claims based on negligence, strict liability or warranty law. A warranty claim may be based on a breach of express or implied guarantees made by law, for example the New Jersey lemon laws for automobiles used for sale or the warranties of merchantability, or the fit and finish of the Uniform Commercial Code.

Latent defects are often covered by insurance policies as well. Although some consumers might claim that the issue is evident or obvious, courts often require expert testimony from a surveyor or other qualified professional to determine if the mechanical breakdown or damage was caused due to a hidden condition.

Certain defects are discovered after the boat is sold. These are generally deemed manufacturing defects, and the manufacturer is responsible for these. Others are discovered after a vessel is in operation and could be the responsibility of the owner. One example is when a boat owner forgets the emptying of the water from the engine and the water freezes, which causes damage to the motor during the winter.

Insurance

In a state such as New York with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes, boating and similar water recreation activities are common among residents. However, like most recreation activities, they come with certain risks and liabilities that can affect the lives of the participants.

When boating accidents occur the injured can file a personal injury or wrongful-death claim for compensation to cover their losses. Medical expenses and lost income, as well as property losses, as well as suffering and pain are all examples of damages. Victims can also demand punitive damages in the event of reckless or gross negligence behaviour by the at-fault party.

Insurance companies can be difficult to negotiate with in a boating case, especially when their main goal is to compensate as little as possible. 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 lawyer will go through all evidence available, including police reports, Vimeo.com medical records, and witness testimony. Then they will engage in discussions with the party at fault and their insurance company in order to reach an acceptable settlement. If they are unable reach an agreement the attorneys of our firm will prepare for trial. We are experts in presenting evidence to support your claim and securing the highest amount of financial compensation.