Boat Accident Law Boats can be involved in collisions with submerged objects, jetties and the shoreline, particularly during conditions of severe weather and with a limited visibility. Depending on the circumstances, the boat's owner and/or operator may be held accountable. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer can help you recover compensation for your non-economic and economic damage. This includes compensation for medical bills as well as lost wages. Ferry Boat Accidents Ferry boats can be huge commuter vessels, which can carry a lot passengers. Ferry boats can be speedy and therefore injuries from accidents are likely to be severe. These accidents could result in collisions with docks, other boats or objects and can result in injury from impacts, like fractured bones or concussions. They can also involve slipping and falling, especially on stairs or other walkways which are dark or uneven or being carried around the cabin of the vessel while it moves through the water. Those who are injured in the event of a ferry boat crash are typically entitled to substantial damages for their losses. This could include medical expenses along with lost wages, pain and suffering. The amount you receive will be contingent on the severity of your injury and how long it takes you to recover. In many cases the operator or owner of a ferry could be held responsible for the accident and the resulting injuries in the event they violated their obligation to use reasonable care and competence when operating the boat. However, a successful negligence claim must be supported by specific evidence of what caused the accident and also prove that a prudent, reasonable ferry boat operator could not have caused the incident had they acted appropriately. The Jones Act, for instance, allows crew members on ferry boats to sue the federal government. This law protects any US seaman injured while working aboard the US commercial ship. Boating Accidents Caused by Inattentive Operators Similar to motor vehicle driver, boat operators must exercise a high level of care and attention when operating their boats. If they don't then serious boating accidents could occur. They can result in drowning injuries, brain trauma injuries from a collision with a swimmer, fire injuries, and other severe wounds. Fortunately, victims of these accidents can seek compensation for medical bills and property damage as well as suffering through personal injury claims. It is possible for a boat driver to become distracted or unattentive when on the water, regardless of how long they've been operating their vessel. This is a major cause of boating accidents. It could lead to collisions with other vessels, stationary objects, or swimmers. It can also cause passengers drown or fall into a beach bar. A New York boat accident attorney can assist a victim in establishing the breach of duty of care committed by the owner or operator of the vessel and also the reason for their injuries. An experienced lawyer can determine if a mechanical issue or other kind of defect caused the accident and pursue claims against the makers of the boat or other parts. A successful claim could result in a substantial compensation for the injured party. Contact Joye Law Firm to learn more about your rights or request a free evaluation of your case. Boating Accidents Resulted from Defective Watercraft As with any vehicle boating accident, boating accidents are usually caused by mechanical malfunction. These accidents may be caused by numerous factors such as poor design and manufacturing. A defectively designed or manufactured equipment can result in serious injuries, regardless of whether it is a small, open-boat or a huge, commercial ferry. In such cases, the injured victim may seek damages from the manufacturer. In the majority of lawsuits for boat accidents, an injured victim seeks monetary compensation for their medical costs, loss of income, as well as pain and suffering. In certain cases, victims also seek punitive damages. The liable party typically has insurance coverage that will pay for the damages and costs. An experienced New York boating accident attorney could help you file an injury claim to seek compensation for damages incurred in the accident. This process typically requires a thorough investigation and analysis of all the facts surrounding your case. A lawyer can provide details regarding your legal rights and options, as well as help you determine the best course of action next. If you've been injured in an accident on the water it is vital to get medical attention immediately following the incident. Also, you should gather information about the accident scene and call any witnesses, as well as other boat operators. Reporting the accident as soon as you can to law enforcement agencies is crucial. Intoxication plays a role in boating accidents Although it might be tempting to imagine bodies of water like the Wild West, they are actually very controlled. Boating accidents are often a result of many state and federal laws and could also be in conflict with maritime law. Many accidents on boats are caused by the same factors that lead to car crashes, which include excessive speeding drinking and driving and reckless driving. Alcohol consumption is especially risky in the water since it can affect the coordination and balance, cause fatigue, and cause impairment to judgment. These issues can lead to life-altering injuries. It is illegal to operate a boat when under the influence. This is among the most common causes of boating accidents and death. People who are found in violation of this law may face the same penalties as when they were found driving while impaired. Boating accidents can lead to serious injuries such as neck and back burns, brain injuries and broken bones. These injuries can have long-term effects on the ability of the victim to work and the quality of life. They can also be very costly to treat and could require ongoing medical treatment. Monetary awards from a successful boating accident claim could help victims to recover the financial losses they have sustained. https://vimeo.com/709566097 could include the cost of fixing or replacing a vessel and hospital bills as well as future medical expenses as well as loss of wages and bonuses as well as pain and suffering. In cases where the defendant's actions were especially injurious, it is possible to obtain punitive damages, too.