How to Get a Fair Boat Accident Settlement Get in touch with a skilled personal injury attorney as quickly as you can if someone close to you has been injured in a boating accident. An experienced lawyer can reveal critical evidence and insurance coverage that could lead to a complete settlement in a boating accident. A number of states have changed their laws regarding contributory negligence, which could reduce your damages if you are a contributory factor in an accident. A personal injury lawyer can contest these claims to obtain you the most compensation. Medical Treatment Medical bills can quickly mount up when a boating accident causes severe injuries. These costs are typically covered in part through a victim's health insurance. The victim may be left with high deductibles, coinsurance fees and lost wages because of a missed work. In addition other damages that are not economic, like pain, suffering, or loss of enjoyment living, could also be considered. An experienced lawyer can assist victims in getting the financial compensation they deserve. They will examine the facts and determine who is responsible for the accident. This can include subpoenaing witnesses and other evidence to determine the causes of an accident. It is vital for injured victims to seek medical attention as soon as they can following a boating accident. In this way, serious injuries are properly treated and documented. Additionally, medical records can be used to back the claim for compensation. Injured victims should inform their insurer. This is especially the case when the victim was the owner or operated the boat that was involved in the incident. The insurance company will likely seek information like names, contact information, registration or identification numbers for all boat operators and eyewitnesses. The attorney may also require documentation such as photos and visible damage. Documentation You can also seek reimbursement for medical expenses and other losses if you are involved in a boating accident. The amount you can receive may cover a variety of expenses which include medical visits, Xrays, physical therapy and prescriptions as well as the loss of income caused by being disabled to work. It's a great idea take pictures of the accident scene as well as any visible injuries. Also, it's a good idea to gather the contact details of witnesses as well as anyone on any of the vessels involved in the accident. Doing so can help build your case in the event that you need to make a personal injury claim against the at-fault party for their wrongful actions. In a personal injury lawsuit there are four elements you must prove: that the defendant owed the duty of care to you, that they failed to fulfill this duty, that their breach caused you to suffer injury and damages and that your injuries and damages resulted from this incident. In a boating lawsuit you may be able to name several defendants responsible for the accident, based upon the level of negligence they displayed and their role in the incident. Never apologize or accept the blame for an accident. This could undermine the investigation process and could affect your claim for boating injuries. Insurance Coverage With easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes it is commonplace for New Yorkers to take pleasure in boating and similar water activities. However, this type of activity brings with it unique risks which must be viewed seriously. If you're injured in a boating accident, you should consider working with a skilled personal injury lawyer. An attorney can assist you determine the insurance coverage available in your particular situation. https://vimeo.com/709542552 and operators carry liability insurance that covers any injuries caused by their actions. If the other party doesn't have insurance, or is underinsured, you could be eligible for additional compensation. It is also crucial to review your insurance policies on boating to make sure they are up-to-date and include coverage for your particular boat. The policies typically cover medical expenses, including hospital bills, first aid treatments and other associated expenses in the event that you or someone else aboard is injured on your vessel. These policies typically include towing coverage, which covers labor costs and towing up to a limit you choose if your boat is damaged on the water. Depending on the policy, physical damage coverage includes agreed value loss settlement that covers you for the full amount of the policy in total loss situations or the actual cash value coverage that pays for the current market price of your boat, minus depreciation. Some policies include pollution (spill) liability as well as pet and wreck removal insurance as well. Legal Advice You may be facing significant damages after a boating accident. These include severe injuries, property damage and lost income. While you aren't able to undo what occurred, the law tries to compensate you for your losses with money-based compensation. You'll need a knowledgeable Fort Lauderdale attorney to make sure you receive an equitable settlement. A boat accident case can take a long time to settle. Our team will examine the scene of an accident to determine whether alcohol was the cause, what safety rules were violated as well as how long the safety rules were in effect, and who was responsible for enforcement of the rules. If multiple boat operators are at fault we'll have to determine their share of blame for the crash and assign a settlement according to that. Mechanical failures can also be the cause of accidents. This includes everything from electrical system malfunctions to engine failures, propellers, and rudders. If you receive an amount of money and an issue with the mechanical system was to blame our lawyers will help you determine if product liability claims should be included in your claim. Financial issues can arise from serious injuries sustained in a boating accident, especially when they require medical attention or physical therapy. Common injuries can include neck and back injuries, broken bones, brain injuries, internal damage such as burns, paralysis and other conditions that have significant impact on your daily life.