Boat Accident Litigation Boating is a fun and thrilling recreational activity that can be dangerous. If negligence causes an accident the victim and their families could be entitled to compensation for injuries and loss. A NYC lawyer for boat accidents will assist victims of injuries to get the amount they deserved. A claim will include the need for past medical expenses as well as other economic damages. Damages Although many people imagine bodies of water similar to the Wild West, there are laws that govern boats on rivers, lakes and oceans in the United States. Boat accidents can be governed by various federal and state laws which are considered when determining negligence. If a boater is drunk, they could be liable for negligence. Federal laws also deal with pollution and deaths on the sea. There are maritime regulations, like the Jones Act, that provide injured workers and their families with similar compensation pathways to other industries. If a loved one has been killed in a fatal boat accident family members can sue for damages, including lost companionship and funeral expenses. They may also sue for pain and suffering. Families can also recover money for past medical bills and future costs for treatment. A New York City boat accident lawyer can help you determine if you or your loved one was injured during a boating accident. A personal injury lawyer can look over your insurance policy and the policies regarding liability for boats of the responsible party to determine the compensation you might be able to receive as part of settlement or a jury verdict. A lawyer with experience will also be able to determine if there are other parties who may be accountable, such as the manufacturer, or even a part of the boat that was faulty. Liability In general, boaters who are injured seek compensation to cover medical expenses (past and future) as well as lost earnings due to time away from work emotional trauma, as well as pain and suffering. The most serious injuries are neck and back injuries, brain traumas, broken bones, and internal organ damage. Boating accidents often involve multiple parties that could be liable for legal liability for a collision, such as the boat's operator, any passengers who were onboard at the time of the accident along with other watercraft and vessels involved in the collision, manufacturers of the boats and their components or engines and even authorities responsible for putting buoys to warn of dangerous conditions. A personal injury lawyer will be aware of the specifics of both state law and federal maritime laws to determine who might be held accountable in the event of a collision. Under the Jones Act a worker on a vessel injured at sea has similar rights to those of workers compensation beneficiaries. Similarly, sailors who are injured in international waters or in outer continental shelf waters have the right to submit a claim under Jones Act and other federal maritime regulations. Families and maritime workers who have been injured as well as the families of sailors who have died have rights under state workers compensation laws. Gathering Evidence The evidence collected in the beginning stages of the legal process can help you determine the strength of your case. Photographing the scene of the accident can help determine the extent of liability and help determine how the boating collision happened. Eyewitnesses can also give crucial information that can support your claim. Medical records are crucial for finding out the extent of your injuries and the damage they cause. These records should include detailed reports of hospital and doctor visitations, surgeries, rehabilitation treatments as well as the expenses associated with them. It is also necessary to record any changes to your income and employment and any other non-financial losses. Boat accidents are typically linked to spinal cord injuries. These injuries can result from carbon monoxide poisoning, oxygen deprivation or blunt force trauma, when the head is struck by the propeller of the boat. These injuries can cause life-changing impact. Other types of marine injuries are caused by mechanical failures, such as electrical or engine failure or steering issues, as well as gear shift issues. Our NYC boating accident attorneys will examine these cases to determine if the manufacturer should be held accountable for the injuries suffered by accident victims. How to File a Claim You should seek medical attention immediately after an accident on the water. However, it is recommended to consult a lawyer before giving a statement to the insurance adjuster or any other person. Your lawyer will protect your rights and ensure that you get the compensation you need for your losses. The legal process for seeking compensation following a boat accident involves filing an insurance claim or a lawsuit against the party or parties that are liable. https://vimeo.com/709536211 is commonplace to present evidence in support of an insurance claim for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical expenses and other expenses that are incurred due to the accident, such as lost earnings due to missed work. Noneconomic damages are those that result from pain and suffering as well as other intangible losses which are harder to quantify. In some instances the manufacturer of a boat or one of its components can be held liable for an accident in the event of a product that was defectively created or manufactured. A skilled New York boating injury lawyer can determine whether a product responsibility is involved and seek compensation from the responsible parties. In some cases the boat's operator might not be held liable for an accident. The owners of boats can also be held responsible, especially when they are responsible for the hiring and training of the person operating their vessel or when a person not qualified to operate a vessel is allowed to use their property.