Boat Accident Law Boats can collide, particularly during bad weather, and with submerged objects and coastlines. Depending on the circumstances, the owner of the boat and/or operator may be held accountable. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer can help you recover compensation for your non-economic and economic damages. This includes compensation for expenses for medical treatment and lost wages. Ferry Boat Accidents Ferry boats are often large vessels that transport lots of passengers. They can also be quick, which means that injuries sustained in a ferry boat accident could be extremely grave. These accidents can involve collisions with other boats, docks or other objects, and may result in injury from an impact such as concussions or broken bones. These accidents could also result in slipping and falling on the stairs that aren't well lit or on other walkways or being thrown around the cabin of the boat as it moves in the water. The victims of a ferry boat accident are usually entitled to substantial damages for their injuries. This could include medical costs, lost wages, suffering and other damages. The amount of compensation you receive will be contingent upon the severity of the injury and how long it takes for you to recover. In many instances the owner or operator of a ferry will be held accountable for the incident and the injuries that resulted from it in the event that they did not fulfill their obligation to use reasonable care and expertise when operating the boat. However any negligence claim that is successful will need to be supported by specific evidence of the circumstances of the accident and demonstrate that a reasonable, prudent ferry boat operator would not have caused the incident had they acted in a prudent manner. The Jones Act, for example, may allow crew members on a ferry boat to sue the federal government. This law protects anyone US seaman injured while working on the US commercial ship. Boating Accidents Resulted from Inattention of Operators Boat operators, just like motor vehicle drivers, need to be extra cautious and alert when operating their boats. If they do not take care, serious boating accidents can occur. These accidents can result in serious injuries like drowning, traumatizing brain injuries resulting from an accident with a swimmer, or fire injuries. Personal injury claims may compensate victims for their medical costs as well as property damage, pain and discomfort. No matter how long an individual has been a boat operator and how long they've been in the business, it's not impossible for them to be distracted or unfocused on the water. This is a leading cause of boating accidents. It could lead to collisions with other vessels, stationary objects, or swimmers. It is also possible for passengers to fall overboard or run into a sandy bar. A knowledgeable New York boat accident lawyer can assist a victim to establish that a vessel owner or operator failed to meet their obligation of reasonable care, and that this breach was the reason for their injuries. Additionally, a skilled lawyer can determine whether mechanical or some other type of defect contributed in the accident and pursue claims against the manufacturer of the boat or its components. A successful claim could result in a large settlement for the victim. Contact Joye Law Firm to learn more about the process or request a no-cost analysis of your case. Boating accidents caused by defective watercraft Like all vehicles accidents, boating accidents are typically caused by mechanical failure. These accidents can be caused by a variety of factors which include poor design as well as manufacturing. If it's a tiny, open vessel or a large commercial ferry boat a flawedly designed or constructed piece of equipment could result in serious injuries. In these cases, the injured victim may seek compensation from the manufacturer. In most boat accident lawsuits, an injured victim seeks the financial compensation they need for medical expenses, loss in income, and pain and suffering. In some cases, victims also seek punitive damages. In most instances, the party responsible has insurance coverage to pay for these costs and the damage. A New York boating accident lawyer could assist you in filing an injury claim for damages following a crash. This process typically requires a thorough investigation and review of all the details that surround your case. A lawyer can provide details regarding your legal rights and options, assisting you to decide what steps to take next. If you have been hurt in an accident with a boat it is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible after the incident. You should also gather details about the location of the accident and call any witnesses, including other boat operators. It is also critical to report the incident to law enforcement as soon as you can. Intoxication can be a factor in boating accidents Although it is tempting to think of bodies of water that resemble the Wild West, they are actually highly controlled. Boating accidents are often subject to federal and state law and may even involve maritime law. Boating accidents are often caused by the same causes that cause car crashes. This includes speeding too much and driving while drunk. Drinking alcohol can be particularly hazardous on the water because it can affect a person's balance and coordination as well as increase fatigue and reduce judgment. These issues can result in life-altering injuries. It is illegal to operate a boat when under the influence. In fact, this is among the main causes of boating accidents and deaths. Persons who are found to be in violation of this law could be subject to the same penalties when they were found driving while impaired. Boating accidents can cause serious injuries such as neck and back burns, brain injuries and broken bones. These injuries can have long-lasting effects on the ability of the victim to work and the quality of life. These injuries can be extremely costly to treat and could require ongoing care. A successful boating injury claim can result in cash awards which pay for victims' financial losses. The damages can include the cost of repair or replacement of a vessel and hospital bills as well as future medical expenses including loss of wages and bonuses as well as pain and suffering. In the event that the defendants' actions were especially egregious it is also possible to recover damages for punitive intent.