How to Get a Fair Boat Accident Settlement If you or a loved one has been injured in a boat accident it is important to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer as quickly as you can. An experienced lawyer can uncover crucial evidence and insurance coverage that could result in a complete settlement from the accident. Many states have amended law on contributory negligence which can reduce your compensation if you're at fault for an accident. An attorney for personal injuries will fight these claims to obtain you the maximum amount of compensation. Medical Treatment Medical bills can quickly mount up when a boating incident can result in serious injuries. These expenses are typically paid for in part by a victim's health insurance. The victim could be left with high deductibles, coinsurance fees and lost wages due to missing work. Additionally, non-economic damages might be applicable, such as the suffering of others or loss of enjoyment life. An experienced lawyer can help victims get the financial compensation they require and deserve. They will review the facts and determine who is accountable for the accident. This could involve finding out the cause of the accident through subpoenaing evidence and interviewing key witnesses. Injured victims should seek medical attention as soon as possible following an incident with a boat. Doing so ensures that any serious injuries are treated properly and documented. Medical records can be used to back an insurance claim. Victims of injuries should also notify their insurance company. This is especially the case if the victim owned or operated the vessel that was involved in the accident. The insurance company could seek information like names, contact information, registration or identification numbers for all boat owners and eyewitnesses. The lawyer may also require documentation such as photos and visible damage. Documentation You may also be able to seek compensation for medical bills and other losses in the event that you are involved in a boating incident. The amount you can receive may be used to cover a range of expenses, including the cost of doctor's visits, X-rays, physical therapy and prescriptions and also loss of income as a result of being disabled to work. If you're in a position to do so, it's a good idea to take pictures of the scene of the boating accident and any visible injuries. It's also a good idea to collect the contact information of any witnesses as well as any other people on board the vessel that was involved in the incident. Doing this will help build your case if you have to start a personal injury lawsuit against the party at fault for their negligence. In a personal injury lawsuit, you have to establish four things: that the defendant had a duty of caring towards you, that duty was violated and that their negligence caused your injury and damages and that these injuries and damages were caused by the incident. In a case of a boating collision you may name multiple defendants as responsible for your boating accident depending on their degree of negligence as well as the role they played in the incident. While it's important to gather the most documentation you can following a boating accident However, you should not apologize or accept responsibility for the incident. This could jeopardize the investigation and also your claim for injury from a boating accident. 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. This recreational activity comes with unique liabilities that should be taken seriously. If you've been injured in an accident on the water you should think about working with an experienced personal injury lawyer. An attorney can help you determine the insurance coverage available in your specific situation. https://vimeo.com/709638722 and operators have liability insurance to protect against damages caused by them. However, if the other party is not insured or underinsured, you may be entitled to additional compensation through an excess policy. Check your boat insurance policy to make sure it is current and provides coverage for your boat. These policies will usually cover medical expenses, including hospital bills, first aid treatment and other related expenses in the event that you or someone else on board is injured while on your boat. These policies usually include towing coverage, which covers labor costs and towing up to a limit you decide to set if your boat is disabled on water. According to the policy and the policy, physical damage insurance can include the agreed value loss settlement, which pays you the full amount of the policy in total loss situations or actual cash value coverage that covers the current market price of your boat, minus depreciation. Certain policies offer pollution (spill) liability, pet coverage and wreck removal coverage too. Legal Advice In the event of a boat accident you could face substantial damages from serious 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 need an experienced Fort Lauderdale attorney to make sure you receive an equitable settlement. It takes time to resolve a boat accident case. Our team will need to examine the scene of the accident, and determine what safety regulations were violated, how long those safety regulations have been in effect and who was accountable for their enforcement, and if alcohol was involved. If multiple boat operators were responsible we'll have to determine their percentage of the blame and determine a settlement based on that. While the most common reason for a boating accident is human error, mechanical issues can also be the cause. This includes everything from engine failure and electrical system failure to propellers and rudders. Our lawyers can help you determine if product liability claims are appropriate if mechanical failure is the cause of your settlement. Financial concerns can arise from serious injuries sustained during an accident on the boat, especially those that require medical attention or physical therapy. Neck and back injuries as well as brain injuries and internal injuries are all common injuries.