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. These expenses may include medical bills, physical therapies and lost income due to inability to work.

Some victims may also be awarded punitive damages, in the event that the defendant's behavior was reckless and egregious. These awards are intended to punish the defendant for their blunders and also to deter further incidents.

Personal Injury

Accidents on the water can cause serious injuries but many are preventable. Boat accidents are usually caused by untrained and inexperienced boaters, and other reckless choices such as driving under the influence of alcohol, bringing more than one person, and reckless behavior. Injuries may range from lacerations and bruises to permanent paralysis due to neck or spinal cord injuries.

Victims injured in a boating accident may receive compensation for their medical expenses as well as lost income or work as they recuperate. They may also be able to recover the costs of long-term care if their injuries are permanent. Insurance companies often try and settle for less money than the victims have earned when estimating a claim's value. An experienced attorney can help fight for the maximum settlement that is feasible.

A New York City boating accident lawyer will conduct an extensive investigation into the accident in order to collect all relevant evidence. This includes gathering important documents like witness statements and police reports and logs of maintenance on the vessel chemical tests, and photographs of the scene of the accident and property damage. Medical records can provide crucial information, for example, detailed reports on the injuries, expenses and the future costs. The lawyer will then negotiate with the at-fault party or the insurance company for a fair settlement.

Maritime Workers' Compensation

Workers on supply ships, workboats and other vessels are often exposed to dangerous conditions in the course of their job. They are at risk of getting injured not just from falling equipment or cargo, but also by boat accidents caused by the negligence or inattention of other passengers on the vessel.

The Jones Act and other federal statutes protect seamen from employer negligence. If they are injured in such incidents, they're entitled to full damages under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). These damages can include medical expenses loss of income, cost of living while recovering the injury, pain and suffering, and other financial benefits.

Most often, seamen injured on a supply vessel tugboat, dredger barge, oil tanker, or cruise or sightseeing vessel require more than just workers' compensation to compensate their expenses. A New York boat accident attorney can help identify third-party claims a seaman may be entitled to like claims of unreliability or the employer's failure maintain the safety of the vessel.

Your attorney will gather important documents and evidence regarding your claim, including medical records, insurance policy information and police reports, among others. They will then negotiate an agreement with the defendant's attorney and the insurance company on your behalf. If the settlement is not fair agreed upon, they will create an argument that is strong enough to be tried on your behalf.

Product Defects

Many woodbury boat accident attorney accidents result from defective equipment. However, the majority of accidents on boats result from the negligent or reckless behavior of the boat operator. In these cases, victims may sue the company who made the defective product to claim compensation. A Reston, VA, product defect lawyer can assist in these instances.

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

Latent defects are typically covered by insurance policies too. While some people may argue that the issue is evident or obvious but courts typically require expert testimony by an engineer or other expert to determine if the mechanical breakdown or damage was caused due to an unnoticed issue.

Some defects are discovered after the boat is sold. These are typically regarded as manufacturing defects, and the manufacturer is accountable for the defects. They are often discovered after the boat has been owned and operated and may be the fault of the owner. One instance is when the owner doesn't emptying of the engine's water and the water then freezes and causes damage to the motor during the winter.

Insurance

Boating and other water sports are popular in New York, a state that has easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and many lakes. Like all recreational activities there are risks and responsibilities associated with it.

Injured persons may file a personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages. Medical expenses and lost income, as well as property loss, and suffering and pain are all examples of damages. Victims may also demand punitive damages in the event of reckless or gross negligence actions by the responsible party.

Insurance companies can be difficult to negotiate with in a case involving a boat particularly when their primary goal is to compensate as little as they can. Level the playing field by hiring a NYC boating injury attorney who will collaborate with insurers to ensure all parties involved are accountable for their actions.

An experienced attorney will thoroughly look over all evidence that is available including police reports, medical records, and witness testimony. Then, they'll engage in negotiations with the person at fault and their insurance company to obtain an acceptable settlement. If they are unable to agree on a settlement, our attorneys will prepare the case for trial. We are experienced in the presentation of evidence to support your claim and obtaining the highest amount of money.