How to Get a Fair Boat Accident Settlement If you or a loved one was injured in a boating accident it's crucial to talk with an experienced personal injury lawyer as fast as possible. A skilled lawyer can discover important evidence and insurance coverage that could result in a full settlement in a boating accident. Many states have amended laws on contributory negligence that could reduce your compensation if your share of the blame for an accident. A personal injury lawyer can contest these claims to get you the maximum compensation. Medical Treatment Medical expenses can quickly add up when a boating incident results in serious injuries. These expenses are typically covered in part through a victim's health insurance. However, victims could be faced with substantial coinsurance and deductibles as well as the loss of wages resulting from being absent from work. Additionally, non-economic damages could be in play, such as the suffering of others or loss of enjoyment of life. An experienced lawyer can aid victims in obtaining the financial compensation that they are entitled to. They will analyze the facts of the case and determine who can be held accountable for the accident. This may include finding out the cause of the accident by subpoenaing evidence and interviewing witnesses. The injured victim must seek medical attention as soon as possible after an incident on the boat. This will ensure that all serious injuries are treated correctly and documented. Furthermore, medical records can be used to support any claim for compensation. Injured victims should inform their insurer. This is especially the case when the victim was the owner or operated the vessel that was involved in the incident. Insurance companies will demand information like names, contact information as well as registration or identification numbers of all boat operators as well as witnesses. The lawyer may also require documentation such as photos and visible damage. Documentation You can also seek compensation for medical bills and other losses if involved in a boating incident. The compensation you receive could be used to pay for a variety of expenses including doctor's appointments, physical therapy and X-rays prescriptions, and loss of income due to inability to work. If you're able, it's a good idea to capture images of the scene of the boating incident and any visible injuries. Also, it's recommended to collect the contact details of witnesses and anyone on any of the vessels involved in the accident. This will help to build your case if you have to file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party for their wrongful actions. In a personal injury case, there are four elements that you must prove: the defendant owed the duty of care to you, that they violated this obligation, that their failure resulted in your injury and damages, and that your injuries and damages resulted from the incident. In a case involving a boating accident you may name multiple defendants responsible for the boating accident that occurred, according to their degree of negligence as well as the role they played in the incident. Never apologize or admit responsibility for an accident. This could compromise the investigation and also your claim for a boating injury. Insurance Coverage With easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes, it is common for New Yorkers enjoy water sports like boating and fishing. However, this sport brings with it unique risks that need to be addressed. If you are injured by an accident on the water, you must consult with a personal injury lawyer. An attorney could help you determine the insurance coverage available to your situation. https://vimeo.com/709675906 and operators have liability insurance to cover damages they cause. If the other party doesn't have insurance or is not insured, you could be entitled to additional compensation. Review your boat insurance policy to ensure it's up-to date and includes coverage for your boat. The policies typically include medical expenses, such as hospital bills, first aid treatments and other associated expenses for instance, if you or someone else on board gets injured while on your vessel. The policies also typically provide a towing protection that provides for on-site labor and towing expenses up to your chosen limits when your boat becomes disabled on the water. In accordance with the policy, physical damage coverage includes agreed value loss settlement that reimburses you for the full amount of the policy in total loss circumstances or the actual cash value coverage that covers the current market value of your boat, less depreciation. Certain policies offer pollution (spill) liability as well as pet and wreck removal insurance as well. Legal Advice There could be significant damage as a result of a boating accident. These can include serious injuries, property damage, and lost income. Although you cannot undo what happened, the law is attempting to compensate you with monetary compensation. You need an experienced Fort Lauderdale attorney to make sure you get an equitable settlement. A boat accident case can take a long time to settle. Our team must examine the scene of the accident, determine what safety rules were violated, how long those safety regulations have been in effect, who was responsible for enforcing them and if alcohol was involved. If multiple boat operators are at fault we'll have to determine their respective percentage of the responsibility for the accident and assign a settlement according to that. While the most common cause of boating accidents is human error, mechanical failure can be a factor. This includes everything from engine failure and electrical system malfunctions to propellers and rudders. If you're awarded settlement, and a mechanical failure was the cause our lawyers will assist you determine if the product liability claims should be part of your claim. Financial concerns can arise due to serious injuries that are sustained in a boating accident, especially when they require medical attention and/or physical therapy. Back and neck injuries along with brain injuries and internal injuries are all common injuries.