How to Get a Fair Boat Accident Settlement
Find a reputable personal injury attorney as soon as you can if someone close to your heart was injured in a boat accident. An experienced lawyer can reveal critical evidence and insurance coverage that could result in a full boat accident lawyers accident settlement.
Many states have altered their laws regarding contributory negligence, which may reduce your compensation if you were a part of the cause of an accident. A personal injury lawyer will fight these claims to obtain you the maximum compensation.
Medical Treatment
When a boating accident results in severe injuries, the medical bills can quickly become overwhelming. Most of these costs are covered by the insurance company of the victim. The victim could be left with high coinsurance, deductibles, costs and lost wages because of absence from work. In addition, non-economic damages could be applicable, such as suffering and pain or loss of enjoyment life.
An experienced lawyer can assist victims receive the financial compensation they need and deserve. They will analyze the facts and determine who is responsible for the accident. This may involve subpoenaing witnesses and evidence to investigate the root of the accident.
Patients who have suffered injuries should seek medical attention as quickly as they can following an incident with a boat. By doing this, you can ensure that any serious injuries are treated and documented correctly. Medical records can also be used to support an insurance claim.
It is also essential for injured victims to report the incident to their insurance company. This is especially true when the victim owned or operated the boat that was involved in the incident. Insurance companies will request details such as names, contact information and registration or identification numbers of all boat operators as well as witnesses. The attorney may also require documentation including photos and visible damage.
Documentation
It’s important to note that, just like in a car accident, you can seek compensation for medical bills and other losses that result from an accident on the water. The amount you can receive may be used to cover a range of expenses that include doctors’ visits, X-rays, prescriptions and physical therapy and also the loss of income resulting from being unable to work.
It’s a great idea to capture images of the accident scene and any visible injuries. It’s also an excellent idea to record the contact information of any witnesses and any other people on board the vessel involved in the accident. Doing this will help build your case should you decide to start a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party for their negligent actions.
In a personal injury lawsuit, there are four elements you must prove: that the defendant was bound by the duty of care to you, that they violated this obligation, that their failure resulted in your injury and damages, and that your injuries and damages resulted from the incident. In a case involving boating you may be able to identify several defendants responsible for the boating accident depending on the level of negligence they showed and their involvement in the incident.
It is not advisable to apologize or admit responsibility for an accident. This could impede the investigation and also your claim for a boating injury.
Insurance Coverage
With easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and numerous lakes, it is common for New Yorkers to enjoy water sports such as boating, fishing and more. However, this type of activity brings with it unique risks that need to be addressed. If you’ve been injured as a result of an accident while boating, consult an attorney who specializes in personal injury.
An attorney can assist you determine what insurance coverage is available to your situation. The majority of boat accident lawyer owners and operators have liability insurance that covers any damage caused by them. If the other party does not have insurance or is underinsured you may be entitled to additional compensation.
It is also essential to verify your insurance policies for boating to ensure they are current and include coverage for your specific boat. The policies typically pay for medical expenses, including hospital bills, first aid treatment and other related expenses if you or anyone else on board is injured while on your boat. They also usually include a towing coverage that provides for on-site labor and towing expenses up to your chosen limits in the event that your boat is damaged on the water.
Based on the policy and the policy, physical damage insurance can include an agreed value loss settlement which reimburses you for the full amount of the policy in total loss situations or actual cash value coverage that pays for the current market value of your boat, minus depreciation. Some policies offer pollution (spill) liability, pet coverage and wreck removal insurance as well.
Legal Advice
You may be facing significant damages after a boating accident. These include severe injuries, property damage and loss of income. While you aren’t able to undo what was done, the law will attempt to compensate you with financial compensation. You’ll need a knowledgeable Fort Lauderdale attorney to make sure you receive a fair settlement.
It takes time to resolve the case of a boating accident. Our team will examine the scene of the accident to determine whether alcohol was the cause, what safety rules were violated, how long the safety regulations were in place and who was responsible for enforcement of the rules. If there were multiple boat operators responsible, it will be necessary to determine each operator’s percentage of fault and allocate the settlement.
Mechanical failures can be the reason behind an accident. This covers everything from engine failure and electrical system failures to propellers and rudders. Our lawyers can help you determine if product liability claims are appropriate if a mechanical failure is the reason for your settlement.
Financial concerns can arise due to serious injuries suffered in a boating accident, especially if they require medical attention or physical therapy. Common injuries include back and boat accident neck injuries, broken bones, brain injuries, internal damage as well as paralysis, burns, and other conditions that have a profound impact on your daily life.