The Good And Bad About Boat Accident Settlement

A Boat Accident Lawyer Can Help You File a Personal Injury Claim

A New York boating accident lawyer can help you file a personal injury lawsuit to seek damages. They will gather important records such as medical records, insurance policy information along with police reports and other information to build your case.

A boating accident can be a terrifying experience and even life-threatening. Getting the proper legal representation can make a big difference in recovering successfully.

The causes of boating accidents

Texas Waterways are a treasure trove of possibilities for recreation, ranging from rivers and lake to shipping channels and the Gulf of Mexico. However, the water can also be hazardous. A boating accident could cause serious injuries or even death for victims and their families.

Just like driving a car, operating a boat requires an extreme amount of responsibility and attention. A person who tries to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or even prescription medication puts everyone aboard at risk of injury.

Other reckless actions of skiers or passengers may lead to fatal accidents on the water. For instance, slipping overboard is among the most frequent causes of fatal boating accidents. Speeding is also a major cause of accidents on boats. As with roadways boats operating at a fast speed puts the operator and other passengers at risk for collisions with other boats or other dangers.

Another cause of boat accidents is the failure of equipment. Like automobiles, boating equipment has to undergo regular inspection and maintenance. If this isn't the case failures in equipment can cause serious injuries. The problem with defective boat equipment could be the result of manufacturing or design faults. In these instances, injured parties can seek strict product liability against the responsible party.

Types of Injuries

The injuries that result from a boating accident may vary widely based on the type of incident and how serious it was. Head trauma, spinal cord injuries and lacerations are the most commonly reported kinds.

Since there aren't seats on boats, people are tossed about the boat when they are involved in an accident, which makes them more vulnerable to injuries to the neck and spine. The force of impact from a hard object may also cause brain injuries such as concussions, or traumatic brain injuries.

The injuries to the spinal cord can have devastating effects. They are a common injury in boating accidents. A spinal cord injury can cause complete or partial paralysis. Injury to the lower parts of the spine may obstruct your ability to move your arms and legs.

Lacerations are commonplace in boating accidents as the result of being struck with a propeller or hitting another vessel. The sharp edges of debris resulting in a collision could cut the skin and cause serious bleeding.

Electrical injuries are common on boats since they draw a lot of power for equipment and systems. If a boat isn't well maintained or if it is in standing water, individuals can become electrocuted. This is especially dangerous for boat accident lawsuit operators and passengers.

Compensation for Injuries

You may be entitled to significant damages from the boater or the owner responsible for your injury, depending on the severity and cost of the injury. This includes medical bills as well as lost wages, loss of future earning potential, pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement and many more. You may also be able to receive punitive damages when the actions of the negligent boater were particularly egregious or reckless.

A skilled lawyer can estimate the worth of your boating accident and the associated costs. They can calculate economic damages such as medical bills and other out-of-pocket expenses, and then add one or two times the amount to take into account other damages such as pain and discomfort.

Many victims are unable to work as they recover from serious boating injuries, which may cause a loss of earnings. The damages can be recouped by filing a lawsuit or settling with the party who was at fault.

An experienced Brooklyn boat accident attorney can also help you file an uninsured/underinsured claim if the at-fault boater does not have adequate boat liability insurance coverage to cover your injuries. This requires working with your insurance company, which "stands in the shoes" of the negligent boater's insurer to seek the compensation you are entitled to. This process can be difficult and it's important to have an experienced attorney on your side.

Wrongful Death Claims

With countless miles of coast and waterways, New York residents are in a midst of opportunities to boat. However, operating a sailboat speed boat, motorboat or other vessel carries with it significant responsibilities. When these responsibilities are not met due to negligent or reckless actions, serious accidents can result. These accidents can cause serious injuries and even deaths.

People who suffer injuries in boating accidents may make a claim for personal injury to seek compensation for their losses. In some cases the victim might be able to sue several parties in a boating accident lawsuit, depending on the specifics of the incident. For instance, if an accident was caused through the negligence or carelessness of more than one person, all parties can be held liable according to their respective share of responsibility.

A boating accident can be a catastrophic event that can change the life of a person in a matter of seconds. You must act fast to ensure your safety and receive the compensation you deserve.

If you've been injured in a severe boating accident, contact a Long Island injury lawyer to discuss your legal options. An experienced lawyer can help you file a claim for compensation and hold the responsible party accountable. You should seek medical attention immediately and keep all the documents relating to the incident, including eyewitness testimony, law enforcement reports, photographs of the scene and your injuries.