Boat Accident Law Boats can collide, particularly in stormy weather, with submerged objects and coastlines. Depending on the circumstances, the owner of the boat and/or operator could be held liable. A New York boat accident attorney can assist you in recovering the compensation you deserve from your economic and non-economic injuries. This includes reimbursement for your medical bills as well as lost wages. Ferry Boat Accidents Ferry boats can be large vessels for commuters, bringing lots of passengers. Ferry boats can be extremely fast, so injuries in an accident are more likely to be serious. These accidents could result in collisions with docks, other boats, or other objects, and may result in injury from impacts, like fractured bones or concussions. These accidents could also involve falling and sliding down stairs that are not well lit or other walkways, or being thrown about the cabin of a vessel when it moves in the water. In most cases, those who are injured in a boating accident may receive substantial damages. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, suffering and other damages. The amount of compensation you receive will be contingent upon the severity of your injury and how long it takes for you to recover. In many cases, the owner or operator of a ferry could be held accountable for the accident and the injuries that resulted from it when they failed to use reasonable care and expertise when operating the vessel. A successful negligence claim must be supported by evidence that demonstrates how the accident happened and that a prudent and reasonable boat operator could have avoided the accident when they had taken the proper actions. https://vimeo.com/709351059 , for example, can allow crew members employed on a ferry boat to sue the federal government. This law protects sailors who is injured when working on a commercial US ship. Boating Accidents Caused By Inattention Operators Just like motor vehicle drivers boat operators also need to exercise an extreme level of care and attention when operating their vessels. If they fail to do so, serious boating accidents may occur. These can cause drowning injuries, traumatic brain injuries caused by a boat hitting the swimmer, fire injuries and other serious injuries. Fortunately, those who suffer from these accidents can seek compensation for their medical expenses and property damage as well as pain and suffering through personal injury claims. It is possible for boaters to become distracted or unattentive when on the water, no matter how long they have been operating their vessel. This is among the leading causes of boating accidents, and can lead to collisions with other boats, stationary objects, or swimmers. It also can cause passengers to slip overboard or slide into a sandbar. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer can assist a victim to establish that the owner of the vessel or operator failed to meet their obligation of reasonable care, and that this breach was the proximate reason for their injuries. A skilled attorney can also investigate whether a mechanical defect or other type of defect caused the accident, and seek claims against the manufacturers of the boat or parts. A successful claim can result in a substantial payout for the person who was injured. Contact Joye Law Firm for more details or to schedule an evaluation of your case at no cost. Boating accidents caused by defective watercraft Like other vehicles boating accidents typically occur due to mechanical problems. These accidents can be caused by many factors such as poor design and manufacturing. It doesn't matter if it's a small open-air vessel or a huge, commercial ferry boat, an unsuitable or poorly designed piece of equipment could result in serious injuries. In these cases the injured party may seek damages from the manufacturer of the specific piece of equipment. In the majority of lawsuits for boat accidents the injured victim seeks an amount of money to cover medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering. In certain instances, victims may also seek punitive damages. In most cases, the responsible party has insurance coverage to pay for these costs and the damages. A seasoned New York boating accident attorney can assist you with filing an injury claim in order to recover damages from an accident. The process typically involves an exhaustive analysis of your case and an analysis of all details. A lawyer can provide information about your legal rights and options, helping you decide what steps to take next. It is important that you seek medical attention as soon as possible if you are injured in a boating accident. Also, you should gather information about the accident scene and contact any witnesses, including other boat owners. Reporting the accident as soon as you can to the authorities is crucial. Boating Accidents Resulting from Intoxication Although it may be tempting to think of bodies of water as a wild west, the reality is that they are heavily regulated. Boating accidents are often a result of many federal and state laws, and could even violate maritime law. Boating accidents are usually caused by the same factors that cause car crashes. This includes speeding too much and driving while drunk. Drinking alcohol is especially dangerous when on the water, as it can affect a person's balance and coordination as well as increase fatigue and reduce judgment. These issues can lead to life-changing injuries. It is illegal to operate a boat while under the under the influence. In fact, it is among the top causes of boating accidents and deaths. Those who violate this law could face the same penalties if arrested for driving under the influence. The most serious injuries sustained in boating accidents include back and neck injuries, brain injuries, broken bones, and burns. These injuries could have a long-term impact on a victim's quality of life and ability to work. They can also be very expensive to treat and may require lifelong medical attention. A successful boating injury claim can result in cash awards which pay for victims' financial losses. The damages can include the cost of the repair or replacement of a boat and hospital bills as well as future medical expenses as well as lost wages and bonuses as well as pain and suffering. If the defendant's actions were particularly severe, it's possible to seek punitive damages in addition.