Boat Accident Litigation Boating is an enjoyable and exciting activity to enjoy, but it can be dangerous. If negligence causes an accident, the victims and their families could be entitled to compensation for losses and injuries. A NYC lawyer for boat accidents can assist injured victims in obtaining the maximum amount of compensation they deserve. A claim may include past medical expenses as well as other economic damages. Damages Many people think of bodies of water like the Wild West, there are laws that govern boats that are moored on lakes, rivers and oceans throughout the United States. Boat accidents can involve many federal and state laws which are considered when determining the degree of negligence. If a boater is drunk, they could be sued for negligence. Federal laws also deal with pollution and deaths at sea. There are also maritime regulations, such as the Jones Act, that provide injured workers and their families with similar compensation pathways to other industries. If a loved one was killed in a boating accident, family members can sue on their behalf for damages such as the loss of companionship, funeral costs as well as pain and loss. Families may also seek compensation for past medical bills and future medical expenses. If a boating accident has caused injuries to you or your loved ones and loved ones, a New York City boat accident attorney can help you determine the kind of damages you are entitled to claim. A personal injury lawyer will review your insurance coverage and the responsible party's boat liability policy to determine what damages you could be entitled to receive in a settlement or verdict. A lawyer with experience can also determine if other parties that could be accountable, such as the manufacturer or a component of the boat that was faulty. Liability In general, boaters who are injured seek damages to recover medical costs (past and future) as well as lost earnings due to time away from work emotional trauma, and pain and suffering. Serious injuries include neck and back injuries brain traumas, broken bones and internal organ damage. In boating accidents, there are a variety of parties that could potentially bear legal responsibility for a collision, including the boat's operator, any other passengers aboard at the time of the crash along with other watercraft and vessels involved in the collision, manufacturers of the boats and their components or engines and even the government agencies that are responsible for putting up buoys that warn of the dangers of conditions. A personal injury lawyer is aware of the ins and outs of state law as well as federal maritime laws to determine who may be responsible in a collision. Under the Jones Act, a worker on a boat who suffers an injury on the sea has rights to compensation that are similar to those of workers' compensation beneficiaries. Additionally, sailors injured in international waters or in outer continental shelf waters have the right to claim compensation under the Jones Act and other federal maritime regulations. Injured maritime workers and families of sailors who have died have claims under state worker compensation laws. Gathering Evidence The evidence collected in the beginning stages of the legal process could help you determine the strength of your case. Photographing the scene of the accident can help determine liability and help determine what caused the boating collision. Eyewitnesses can also give crucial information that can support your claim. Medical records are critical for establishing the extent of your injuries and the injuries that result from them. They should contain detailed details of doctor and hospital visits, surgeries, rehabilitation treatments, and the costs associated with these. You will also need to record any changes to your income or employment along with other non-financial losses. Brain and spinal cord injuries are common in boating accidents. These injuries can result from carbon monoxide poisoning, oxygen deprivation, or blunt force trauma if the head hits the propeller of the boat. These injuries can cause life-altering impact. Other types of marine accidents involve mechanical issues, for example electrical or engine malfunctions such as steering issues, engine failure, and problems with gear shifts. Our NYC lawyers for boating accidents will analyze these cases to determine whether the manufacturer should be held responsible for the injuries suffered by accident victims. How to File a Claim It is important to seek medical attention immediately following a boating accident. However, it is recommended to consult with a lawyer prior to giving an account to the insurance adjuster or any other person. A lawyer can help protect your rights and ensure you get the money you are entitled to for the damages you have suffered. The legal process for seeking compensation for a boating accident involves filing an insurance claim or lawsuit against the person or parties who are accountable. This usually involves the presentation of evidence to justify a claim of economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical expenses and other expenses incurred as a result of the accident, including lost earnings due to missed work. Non-economic damages can include pain, suffering, and other types of intangible loss that can be difficult to quantify. In some instances, a boat manufacturer or an element of the vessel can be held responsible for an accident if their product was created or manufactured in a defective manner. A New York boating accident lawyer can investigate the possibility of product liability and seek compensation from the parties responsible. In some cases, the boat operator may not be held accountable for an accident. Boat owners can also be held responsible, especially in the event that the owner is responsible for hiring and training the person operating their vessel, or if a person unfit to operate a vessel is allowed to use their property.