How to Get a Fair Boat Accident Settlement
Consult an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as you can if you or someone you love has been injured in a boat accident. A skilled attorney can discover critical evidence and insurance coverage that could result in a complete settlement from the accident.
Many states have altered their laws on contributory negligence, which may reduce your amount of compensation if you were a part of the cause of an accident. A personal injury lawyer will contest these claims to get you the maximum amount of compensation.
Medical Treatment
When a boating accident results in severe injuries, the medical bills can quickly become overwhelming. These costs are typically paid for in part by a victim's health insurance. However, victims could be left with huge coinsurance and deductibles as well as lost wages from missing work. In addition other damages that are not economic, such as suffering, pain or loss of enjoyment living, may be applicable.
An experienced lawyer can assist victims receive the financial compensation they need and deserve. They will analyze the facts and determine who is accountable for the accident. This could involve finding out the cause of the accident through subpoenaing evidence and speaking with key witnesses.
Injured victims must seek medical attention as quickly as possible after an incident on the water. This will ensure that all serious injuries are treated correctly and documented. Furthermore medical records are a good basis for the claim for compensation.
The injured victims must also be sure to report the accident to their insurer. This is especially important when the victim was the owner or operated the boat that was involved in the incident. The insurance company may ask for information such as names, contact information, registration or identification numbers for all boat owners and eyewitnesses. Additionally, the attorney will be looking for evidence such as photographs of the scene, as well as any visible damage.
Documentation
It is important to keep in mind that just like a car accident, you can seek compensation for your medical bills and other losses that result from a boating accident. The money you get 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.
It's a good idea to capture images of the accident scene and any visible injuries. Also, it's recommended to collect the contact information of witnesses and anyone aboard any of the vessels involved in the crash. Doing so can help build your case in the event that you need to start a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party for their negligent actions.
In a personal injuries lawsuit, you have to prove four things: that the defendant was bound by the duty of care to you, that this duty was not fulfilled and that their breach resulted in your injury as well as damage, and that these injuries and damages were caused by the incident. In a boating lawsuit you may be able to name several defendants responsible for the boating accident depending on the level of negligence they displayed and their involvement in the incident.
You should never apologize or take responsibility for an accident. This could impede the investigation and your claim for injury from a boating accident.
Insurance Coverage
With easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes, it is common for New Yorkers to take pleasure in water sports such as boating, fishing and more. This recreational activity comes with unique liabilities that should be taken seriously. If you've been injured in an accident while boating, consult an attorney who specializes in personal injury.
An attorney can help you determine the insurance coverage that is available in your case. The majority of responsible boat owners and operators have liability insurance policies that cover any damage caused by their actions. If the other party does not have insurance, or is underinsured, you may be entitled to additional compensation.
It is also important to examine your own insurance policies for boating to ensure they are current and include coverage for your specific boat. Generally, these policies provide medical insurance coverage that will provide first aid treatment and hospital bills as well as other expenses if you or anyone else is injured on your Boat Accident Law firm. The policies also typically include a towing coverage that covers on-site labor and towing expenses in the amount you choose when your boat becomes damaged on the water.
Physical damage coverage may include agreed value loss settlement which pays the entire amount of your policy in total loss situations or actual cash value, Boat Accident Law firm which is the current market value of your boat, less depreciation. Some policies also offer coverage for pollution (spills) and pet coverage as well as wreck removal.
Legal Advice
In the event of a boat accident you could face substantial damages from severe injuries, property damage, and loss of income. Although you cannot undo what was done, the law will attempt to compensate you with money-based compensation. You'll need a seasoned Fort Lauderdale attorney to make sure you get a fair settlement.
A boat accident case takes time to be resolved. Our team will examine the scene of an accident to determine whether alcohol was the cause, what safety rules were violated, how long the safety rules had been in effect and who was responsible for enforcement of the rules. If there were multiple boat accident lawyer operators at fault, it will be necessary to determine each's percentage of blame and then assign a settlement.
While the primary reason for a boating incident is human error, mechanical issues can also be the cause. This includes everything from engine malfunction and electrical system malfunctions to propellers and rudders. Our lawyers will assist you determine whether product liability claims are appropriate if a mechanical issue is the cause of your settlement.
The serious injuries that result from a boating accident could cause financial issues, particularly in the event you are absent from work and require physical therapy or medical treatment. Neck and back injuries, brain injuries and internal injuries are all common injuries.