How to Get a Fair Boat Accident Settlement Get in touch with a skilled personal injury attorney as quickly as you can if you or someone you love has been injured in a boating accident. A skilled lawyer can uncover critical evidence and insurance coverage which could lead to a total boat accident settlement. Many states have modified their laws regarding contributory negligence. This could reduce your compensation in the event that you are a part of the blame for an accident. A personal injury lawyer will contest these claims to ensure you the maximum amount of compensation. Medical Treatment In the event of a boating collision that results in severe injuries, the medical bills can quickly become overwhelming. Most of these bills are covered by the insurance of the victim. The victim could be faced with high coinsurance, deductibles, costs, and lost wages due to missing work. Additionally, non-economic damages may be in play, such as the suffering of others or loss of enjoyment of life. An experienced lawyer can assist victims receive the financial compensation they need and deserve. They will review the facts and determine who is responsible for the accident. This could involve requesting witnesses and evidence to investigate the cause of an accident. It is essential for injured victims to seek medical attention promptly following a boating crash. This ensures that any serious injuries are treated properly and documented. Medical records can also be used to prove an insurance claim. It is also crucial for injured victims to report the accident to their insurance company. This is especially the case if the victim owned or operated the boat that was involved in the incident. Insurance companies will demand details such as names, contact information, registration or identification number of all boat operators as well as witnesses. The lawyer will also require documentation such as photos and visible damage. Documentation It's important to note that just as you would in an auto accident you can seek compensation for medical expenses and other losses after an accident on the water. The amount you could receive can be used to pay for a variety of costs such as doctors' visits, X-rays, prescriptions and physical therapy as well as the loss of income caused by being incapable of working. https://vimeo.com/709655930 's a great idea take photos of the accident scene as well as any visible injuries. It's also recommended to record the contact information of any witnesses and anyone on board the vessel involved in the accident. Doing this can help in building your case should you decide to file a personal injury lawsuit against the party at fault for their negligent acts. In a personal injury lawsuit there are four elements you must prove: the defendant was bound by the duty of care to you, that they breached this duty, that their breach caused your injury and damages, and that your injuries and damages resulted from that incident. In a boating lawsuit you might be able to identify several defendants responsible for the boating accident depending on the level of negligence they showed and their involvement in the incident. While it's essential to collect the most documentation you can after a boating collision however, you shouldn't apologize or accept responsibility for the accident. This could undermine the investigation and your claim for damages from boating accidents. Insurance Coverage New Yorkers are accustomed boating and other water sports because of their easy access to the Atlantic Ocean, numerous lakes and other bodies of water. This leisure activity comes with unique liabilities that should be taken seriously. If you are injured by an accident while boating, consult with an attorney who specializes in personal injury. An attorney can help determine what insurance coverage is available for your case. The majority of responsible boat owners and operators carry liability insurance that will cover any damage caused by their actions. If the other party does not have insurance or is underinsured you may be entitled for additional compensation. It is also important to verify your insurance policies for boating to ensure they are current and provide coverage for your specific boat. These policies usually cover medical expenses, which includes hospital bills, first aid treatments and other associated expenses should you or anyone else aboard is injured on your vessel. They typically provide towing coverage, which covers labor costs and towing up to the limit you set for your boat if it is disabled on water. Physical damage coverage can include a settlement for agreed value, which reimburses the full amount of your policy in total loss situations, or actual cash value, that is the current market value of your boat less depreciation. Some policies also cover for pollution (spills) as well as pet insurance as well as wreck removal. Legal Advice You may be facing significant damage as a result of a boating accident. This includes serious injuries, property damage, and loss of income. The law attempts to compensate you for your losses, even if you cannot change what happened. You'll need a knowledgeable Fort Lauderdale attorney to make sure you get a fair settlement. A boat accident case takes a while to be resolved. Our team will investigate the scene of an accident to determine if alcohol was the cause, what safety rules were violated, how long the safety rules had been in effect and who was responsible for making sure that the rules were followed. If multiple boat operators are at fault, we'll need to determine their respective percentage of responsibility for the crash and allocate a settlement accordingly. While the primary cause of boating accidents is human error, mechanical malfunctions can also be the cause. This includes everything from engine malfunction and electrical system failures to propellers and rudders. Our lawyers will assist you determine whether claims for product liability are appropriate if a mechanical failure is the reason for your settlement. Financial concerns can arise from serious injuries sustained in boating accidents, particularly when they require medical attention and/or physical therapy. Neck and back injuries as well as brain injuries and internal damage are all common injuries.