Boat Accident Law Boats can collide, especially in severe weather, with submerged objects or coastlines. The boat's operator and/or owner may be liable depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident. A skilled New York boat accident lawyer will help you get compensation for your economic and non-economic damage. This includes reimbursement for your medical bills and lost wages. Ferry Boat Accidents Ferry boats are generally large commuter vessels that carry many passengers. They can also be fast, which means that injuries sustained in a ferry boat accident could be grave. https://vimeo.com/709600014 could involve collisions with docks, other boats, or even objects, resulting in injury from impacts, like broken bones or concussions. These accidents could also result in slipping and falling on the stairs that aren't well lit or on other walkways or being thrown around the cabin of a vessel as it moves in the water. In the majority cases, those who suffer injuries in a boating accident could receive substantial damages. This could include medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. The amount of compensation you receive will be contingent on the severity of the injury and how long it takes to recover. In many cases the owner or operator of a ferry may be held accountable for the incident and the injuries that resulted from it in the event they violated their obligation to exercise reasonable care and expertise when operating the boat. However a successful negligence claim will have to be based on specific evidence of what caused the accident and show that a prudent, reasonable ferry boat operator would not have caused the accident had they acted appropriately. The Jones Act, for instance, allows crew members who work on a ferry boat to sue the federal government. This law protects any seaman who is injured when working aboard a commercial US ship. Boating Accidents Resulted from Inattention of Operators Similar to motor vehicle drivers, boat operators must exercise an extreme level of care and concentration while operating their boats. If they do not, serious boating accidents may occur. These can cause drowning injuries, traumatic brain injury from a boat striking a swimmer, fire injuries and other serious wounds. Fortunately, those who suffer from these accidents can seek compensation for their medical bills or property damage, as well as pain and suffering through personal injury claims. It is possible for a boat driver to be distracted or not paying attention while on the water, regardless of the length of time they've been operating a vessel. This is one of the leading causes of boating accidents, and it can cause collisions with other boats, stationary objects, or swimmers. It could also cause passengers to slip overboard or slide into the beach bar. A New York boat accident attorney can help a victim establish the breach of duty of care by a vessel operator or owner and determine if it was the reason for their injuries. Additionally, a skilled attorney can investigate whether mechanical or some other type of defect contributed in the accident and seek claims against the manufacturer of the boat or its components. A successful claim could result in a substantial compensation to the victim. Contact Joye Law Firm for more details or to request an evaluation of your case at no cost. Boating accidents caused by defective watercraft Like any vehicle accidents, boating accidents are typically caused by mechanical malfunction. These accidents may be caused by numerous factors which include poor design as well as manufacturing. If it's a tiny, open vessel or large commercial ferry boat the wrongly constructed or designed piece of equipment could cause serious injuries. In these instances the injured person could seek damages from the manufacturer. In most boat accident lawsuits victims seek an amount of money to cover medical expenses, loss in income, as well as pain and suffering. Victims may also pursue punitive damages in some cases. In the majority of instances, the party at fault has insurance coverage to cover these costs and damages. A New York boating accident lawyer can help you file an injury claim for damages following an accident. The process typically involves a thorough analysis of your case and a thorough analysis of all facts. A lawyer can provide you with details about your rights and options, helping you determine what steps to take next. If you have been hurt in an accident while boating it is vital to seek medical attention immediately after the incident. You should also collect information about the accident scene and contact any witnesses as well as other boat operators. Making the report as quickly as possible to law enforcement agencies is crucial. Intoxication is a major factor in boating accidents Although it may be tempting to think of bodies water as a wild west, the truth is that they are heavily regulated. Boating accidents are generally governed by state and federal law, and can even be governed by 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. Drinking alcohol can be particularly hazardous on the water since it can affect the person's balance, coordination and balance as well as increase fatigue and cause a decline in judgment. These issues can result in life-changing injuries. Illegal to operate a vessel when under the under the influence. In fact, this is among the top causes of boating accidents and deaths. People who break this law could face the same penalties if they are found driving while impaired. Boating accidents can cause serious injuries like neck and back burns, brain injuries and broken bones. These injuries can have a long-lasting impact on the person's ability to work and their quality of life. They can also be extremely expensive to treat and require ongoing medical treatment. A successful claim in a boating accident can result in cash awards which pay for victims' financial losses. These damages include the cost to repair or replace a vessel, the cost of future medical expenses, lost wages, bonuses, as well as pain. In the case where the defendant's actions were particularly egregious, it is possible to seek punitive damages too.