Boat Accident Law Boats can be involved in collisions with submerged objects, jetties, and the shoreline, particularly during storms that cause visibility issues. The boat's owner and/or operator could be held responsible based on the circumstances surrounding the collision. A New York boat accident attorney will help you get compensation from your economic and noneconomic damages. This includes payment for your medical bills and lost wages. Ferry Boat Accidents Ferry boats are generally large vessels that transport many passengers. Ferry boats can be extremely fast and thus injuries in an accident are likely be severe. These accidents may involve collisions with docks, other boats, or objects, and could result in injuries due to impact such as broken bones or concussions. These accidents could also involve falling and sliding down unlit stairs or other walkways, or being thrown about the vessel's cabin as it moves in the water. Anyone injured in an accident on a ferryboat are usually entitled to substantial damages for their injuries. This could include medical expenses loss of wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. The amount of compensation you receive will be contingent upon the severity of your injury and the length of time it takes to recover. In many instances, the owner or operator of the ferry will be held accountable for the accident and injuries that resulted from their failure to use reasonable care and skill when operating the vessel. However, a successful negligence claim must be based on specific evidence of the circumstances of the accident and show that a reasonable, responsible ferry boat operator would not have caused the accident had they acted appropriately. Furthermore, crew members who are employed on a ferry boat might be able to sue under federal laws governing admiralty and maritime, including The Jones Act. This act safeguards any US seaman injured while working aboard the US commercial vessel. Boating accidents caused by inattention Operators Similar to motor vehicle drivers boat operators are required to maintain the same level of care and vigilance while operating their vessels. When they do not serious boating accidents could occur. They can result in drowning injuries, brain trauma injuries from a collision with an individual swimmer, fire-related injuries and other serious injuries. Fortunately, those who suffer from these accidents are able to seek compensation for medical bills, property damage, and suffering through personal injury claims. Whatever the length of time an individual has been a boater for there is no reason for them to get distracted or inattentive on the water. This is among the top causes of boating accidents, and can lead to collisions with other vessels, stationary objects or swimmers. It could also cause passengers to get swept overboard or crash into a sandbar. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer can help a victim establish that a vessel's owner or operator failed to meet their obligation of reasonable care, and that the breach was the proximate reason for their injuries. A skilled attorney can also examine whether a mechanical flaw or another type of defect was a factor in the accident, and then pursue claims against the manufacturer of the boat or other parts. A successful claim can result in a substantial settlement to the victim. Contact Joye Law Firm to learn more or request a free analysis of your case. Boating accidents caused by defective watercraft Like any vehicle accidents, boating accidents are typically caused by mechanical malfunction. These accidents can be caused by a variety of causes, including poor design and manufacturing. Whether a small, open vessel or a large commercial ferry boat, a flawedly designed or constructed piece of equipment could cause serious injuries. In these cases the victim could seek compensation from the manufacturer. In the majority of lawsuits involving boat accidents where the victim is injured, they seek monetary compensation for their medical expenses, loss in income, as well as suffering and pain. The victims may also seek punitive damages in some instances. The party responsible usually has insurance coverage that will cover the costs and damages. A seasoned New York boating accident attorney could help you file a personal injury claim to recover damages from a crash. The process usually requires a thorough investigation and review of all the details surrounding your case. A lawyer can provide you with information about your legal rights and options, assisting you to determine the best course of action next. It is important that you seek medical attention as soon as you can if injured in a boating incident. You should also collect information about the accident site and contact any witnesses and other boat operators. Notifying the accident as quickly as possible to the police is crucial. Boating Accidents Resulting from Intoxication Although it may be tempting to treat bodies of water as a wild west, the truth is that they are incredibly regulated. Boating accidents usually involve many federal and state laws, and could also be in conflict with maritime law. Many boating accidents result from the same factors that lead to car crashes, including speeding, drinking and driving, and reckless driving. Alcohol consumption is particularly risky in the water since it can affect balance and coordination, lead to fatigue, and cause impairment to judgement. https://vimeo.com/709768084 could lead to life-changing injuries. It is illegal to operate a vehicle while under the impaired. In fact, it is among the top causes of boating accidents and deaths. Anyone who violates this law could face the same penalties if caught driving under the influences. Boating accidents can cause serious injuries, such as neck and back brain injuries, burns, and broken bones. These injuries could have a long-term impact on the victim's quality of life and ability to work. They can also be extremely costly to treat and could require lifelong medical treatment. A successful claim in a boating accident could result in financial compensation that compensate victims for their financial losses. These damages could include the cost of fixing or replacing a vessel, hospital bills and future medical expenses as well as bonuses and lost wages as well as pain and suffering. In the case where the defendant's actions were particularly severe, it's possible to claim punitive damages as well.