A Boat Accident Lawyer Can Help You File a Personal Injury Claim A New York boating accident lawyer can assist you with filing an injury lawsuit to seek damages. They will collect important documents, including medical records and insurance policy information. They can also gather police reports and other information. A boating accident can be a terrifying event, and could even be life-threatening. The proper legal representation can make a big difference in the outcome of your recovery. Causes of Boating Accidents Texas waterways are rich in recreational opportunities, ranging from lakes and rivers to shipping channels and the Gulf of Mexico. https://vimeo.com/709639915 can be risky. A boat accident can cause serious injuries, or even death for the victims and their families. Like driving a car, which requires lots of attention and responsibility just like operating on a boat. A person who tries to operate a vessel under the influence of drugs, alcohol or even prescription medications puts everyone aboard at risk of injury. Other reckless actions of passengers or skiers can also result in fatal accidents on the water. For instance, falling overboard is a frequent cause of fatal boating accidents. Many boating accidents are also caused by speeding. Just like on the road, boating at high speeds puts the boater and passengers at risk of collisions with other vessels or other hazards. Equipment failure is another common cause of boating accidents. Just as with automobiles, boating equipment needs to undergo regular inspections and maintenance. Equipment failures can cause serious injuries if they are not maintained. In some instances, defective equipment for boats is the result of design or manufacturing flaws. In these cases those who suffer injuries can pursue strict product liability claims against the responsible party. Types of Injuries The injuries sustained in a boating incident can vary greatly based on the type of incident and how serious it was. The most commonly reported types of injuries include head trauma or spinal cord injuries and lacerations. Since there aren't any seatbelts for boats, the victims are tossed around the boat in an accident, making them more susceptible to spinal and neck injuries. In addition the force of collision with a solid object could result in brain injuries such as concussions as well as traumatic brain injuries. Spinal cord injuries can result in devastating effects. They are a typical injury in boating accidents. A spinal cord injury can lead to partial or complete paralysis. Injuries to the lower portions of the spine could restrict your ability to move your legs and arms. Lacerations are common when boating accidents occur, as caused by being hit with a propeller or another vessel. The sharp edges of the debris from a collision could pierce your skin, causing severe bleeding. Boats consume a lot of power to run their systems and appliances. Electrocution is a possibility when the boat is not properly maintained or in standing water. This is especially dangerous for boat operators and passengers. Compensation for Injury You could be entitled to significant damages from the person who was the boater or owner responsible for your injuries, based on the severity and amount of the injury. This includes medical bills and lost wages, loss of future earning potential in addition to pain and suffering mental anguish, disfigurement, and more. In addition, punitive damages can be awarded when the boater who was negligent acted in a particularly reckless or in a blatant manner. A skilled lawyer can help you determine the worth of your boating accidents injuries and associated expenses. They can estimate economic damages like medical bills and out-of-pocket expenses and then add an additional one or two times the amount to account for other damages such as discomfort and pain. Many victims are unable to work while recovering from a serious boating injury that could lead to an eventual loss of earnings. These damages can be recovered through a personal injury lawsuit or settlement with the party at fault. An experienced Brooklyn boat accident attorney can also help you file an uninsured/underinsured claim if the at-fault boater does not have adequate boat liability insurance coverage to cover your injuries. This requires you to work with your insurance company, who will "stand in the shoes of" the negligent boater’s insurer. This process can be a bit complicated so it's essential to have an attorney by your side. Wrongful Death Claims New Yorkers have a wealth of boating options, thanks to the state's miles of coastline and waterways. However, operating a sailing boat, speed boat, motorboat or any other vessel carries with it significant responsibilities. When these responsibilities are not fulfilled due to negligence or reckless actions, serious accidents may result. These accidents often cause severe injuries, and even death. Boaters who have been injured can bring a personal injury claim to receive compensation. In certain instances the victim may be able to sue several parties in a lawsuit, based on the facts of the case. For instance, if the accident was caused through the negligence or carelessness of more than one person, each party can be held responsible according to their respective share of the blame. A boating accident is a serious event that can change the course of a person's life in a matter of seconds. You must act quickly to ensure your safety and receive the compensation you deserve. If you have been injured in a serious boating accident, you should contact a Long Island injury lawyer to discuss your legal options. A reputable lawyer can help to file a claim for compensation as well as hold responsible parties accountable. You should seek medical care as soon as you can and keep all records related to the incident, including eyewitness testimony, police reports, photographs of the scene and your injuries.