A Boat Accident Lawyer Can Help You File a Personal Injury Claim A New York boat accident lawyer can assist you with filing a personal injury claim to get compensation for your losses. They will collect important documents like medical records and insurance policy information. They can also gather police reports and other data. A boating accident can be a frightening event, and could even be life-threatening. Finding the right legal representation could make all the difference to a successful recovery. Causes of Boating Accidents Texas Waterways are an abundance of recreational opportunities, from lakes and rivers to shipping channels and the Gulf of Mexico. However, the water can also be dangerous. An accident on a boat can cause serious injuries or even death for the victims and their families. Just like driving a car operating a boat requires the same level of responsibility and vigilance. https://vimeo.com/709560556 who attempts to operate a vessel under the influence of alcohol, drugs or even prescription drugs puts everyone aboard at risk of injury. Other impulsive actions by skiers or passengers can cause fatal accidents on the water. Falling overboard, for example is a common reason for fatal boating accidents. Speeding can also be a contributing factor to boating accidents. Like roadways the boating speed puts the operator and other passengers at risk for collisions with other boats or other dangers. Failure of equipment is another common reason for boating accidents. Similar to automobiles, boating equipment has to undergo regular inspection and maintenance. Equipment malfunctions can result in serious injuries if they are not maintained. A boat's equipment that is not working properly could be due to design or manufacturing defects. In these situations those who suffer injuries can seek strict product liability against the responsible party. Kinds of injuries The severity of the incident and the type of injury could have a big impact on the extent of injuries that are sustained. The most common types of injuries include head trauma as well as spinal cord injuries and lacerations. As there are no seatbelts for boats, the victims are tossed about the boat in the event of an accident, which makes them more prone to injuries to the neck and spine. In addition, the force of impact with a sharp object can cause brain injuries like concussions and trauma to the brain. Spinal cord injuries can result in devastating consequences. They are a typical accident in boating accidents. A spinal injury can result in complete or partial paralysis. Lower spinal injuries can hinder your ability to move arms and legs. Lacerations can occur in boating accidents resulting from being struck by a propeller or a collision with another vessel. The sharp edges of debris resulting from collisions could pierce your skin and cause serious bleeding. Electrical injuries are common on boats because they use an enormous amount of power for systems and appliances. When a boat is not well-maintained or in a place where water is present, people may be electrocuted. This is particularly dangerous for boat operators and passengers. Compensation for injuries Depending on the severity of your injuries and associated costs, you could be eligible for a substantial amount in damages from the responsible owner or boater. This could include medical bills, lost wages, loss of future earning potential along with pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement, and much more. Punitive damages may be awarded when the boater who was negligent acted in a reckless or unprofessional manner. A skilled lawyer can help you determine the value of your boating accidents injuries and the associated expenses. They can estimate your financial damages, including out-of pocket costs and medical bills, and add up to two times that amount to take into account general damages, such as pain and suffering. Many victims are unable work when recovering from a serious boating injury that could lead to a loss of future earnings. These damages can be recouped through a personal injury lawsuit or settlement with the person 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 own insurance provider who will "stand in the shoes of" the insurer of the negligent boater. This process can be complicated so it's essential to have an attorney by your side. Wrongful Death Claims New Yorkers have an abundance of boating opportunities, thanks to the state's vast miles of waterways and coastlines. However, operating a sailing boat, motorboat, speed boat or any other type of vessel carries with it significant responsibilities. Serious accidents can occur when these responsibilities aren't complied with due to negligence or inattention. These accidents typically cause severe injuries, and even death. Those who are injured in boating accidents may file a personal injury claim to recover compensation for their losses. In some cases victims could be able to claim more than one party in a lawsuit involving a boating accident depending on the circumstances. If the accident was caused due to the negligence or recklessness of more than one party, each may be held responsible in proportion to the amount they contributed. A boating accident is a serious event that can alter the entire life of a person in just a few minutes. It is imperative to act quickly to safeguard your rights and obtain the justice you deserve. If you've been severely injured in a boating accident and have suffered serious injuries, you should consult a Long Island personal injury lawyer immediately to discuss your legal options. A reputable lawyer can assist to file a claim for compensation as well as make responsible parties accountable. It is important to seek medical attention immediately and preserve all documents related to the incident. These include eyewitness statements and police reports, photos and the injuries you sustained.