How to Negotiate a Boat Accident Settlement When you are injured in a boating accident, you are entitled to compensation for your injuries. Contact an attorney in the area to discuss your claim. A skilled attorney will be able find evidence and information that you would not be able to find on your own. This includes asset reports for boat owners, the results of any alcohol or drug tests that are administered to the operator and all personal and commercial insurance coverage. Insurance Coverage Depending on the type boating accident that you are involved in there are a variety of insurance coverage that you could get. These policies may cover bodily injury and property damage as in addition to legal defense costs and other expenses. They are usually based on either an agreed value or actual cash value (ACV) loss settlement. The bodily injury portion of your insurance policy (also called protection and indemnity) covers any financial responsibility you might be liable for the damages suffered by third party due to their injuries or deaths. It also helps to cover the costs of a lawsuit brought against you. Watercraft liability insurance is another option. It is designed to pay for repairs and replacements for docks, boats or personal items in the event that a boat owner is responsible. It is dependent on the compensation limits and could include a deductible. An attorney who handles boating accidents can advise you on the best insurance coverage for your situation. They can also help recognize the differences between insurance companies and ensure that you get the best coverage. They can also negotiate with the party at fault and their insurance company to ensure that you are fairly compensated for your losses. You will also be able to avoid being pressured to accept a low-ball deal. This could save you thousands of dollars over the long term. Negligence Boat accidents can be caused by a range of causes, including negligence or recklessness, lack of experience, or simple mistakes. Even if the cause is something that you were unable to control, such as an unexpected turn or bad conditions, you may still claim the negligent party financial compensation. The person most likely at fault in a boating accident is the person who operates the vessel, especially when they were under the influence of alcohol or not exercising reasonable care. However, you may also sue for a breach of obligation by other parties, like the owner of the vessel (for instance if they failed to complete routine maintenance or repair that contributed to the accident) as well as the manufacturer of the boat (for defective equipment or parts), and the lookout (if they did not alert passengers of a danger). Identifying the parties who could be responsible is a crucial step in pursuing the settlement of a boating accident. You'll need to go through all incident reports and take photographs of the scene of the crash as well as your injuries, and speak with witnesses to gather the most evidence you can. Your lawyer can help you gather this information by assisting with subpoenas or other legal investigations. Your lawyer can assist you determine the worth of your claim and negotiate with insurers. Damages Medical costs can be high for those who are injured or loses a loved in a boating accident. Although health insurance might cover the costs, a person might also be seeking compensation from the party responsible for the loss. An experienced lawyer will evaluate any accountable parties and their insurance coverage to determine the amount of compensation that is fair. A boating incident can be caused by a variety of causes. Your attorney will analyze the circumstances that led to the accident and attempt to prove it was caused by someone's negligence. This could involve actions like speeding, not maintaining the boat, operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs and ignoring the weather or water conditions. In a boating crash, there is both economic and non-economic damage. Economic damages include medical costs and lost income as a result of the absence of work, as well as damage to property. Non-economic damages include disfigurement, suffering. A reputable NYC boating accident lawyer will maximize the compensation awarded to victims of these losses. A lawyer may make a claim against the manufacturer of the vessel or water safety equipment if a defect played part in the accident. This type of lawsuit could be described as product liability. Your attorney will be able to examine all evidence of the crash including witness testimony, accident reports, and video footage to establish that the defendant was liable. https://vimeo.com/709759955 If you've been injured in an accident in the boating industry that was caused by someone else's negligence it is essential to act quickly. Statutes of limitations are time limits that apply to the filing of a lawsuit, or a claim. These vary by state, and may depend on the type of accident. The protection of your legal rights is only possible with an experienced maritime attorney. You should seek medical attention right away following a boat accident even if it's not your intention to think you've been seriously injured. Certain injuries, such as concussions and internal bleeding may not be apparent immediately. It is important to record all the events that occurred, including any witnesses who were present and their contact information. It is also an excellent idea to take pictures of any damage to property or boats as well as any injuries that have occurred. Our lawyers will investigate your accident thoroughly to determine the root cause and responsible parties. We will then seek claims against all at-fault parties, seeking maximum compensation for your loss. We will consider both economic damages, such as medical bills, lost wages and suffering, and non-economic damages such as loss of enjoyment from your life and pain and discomfort. In addition, we will pursue punitive damages if the defendant has shown reckless negligence or a willful act.