What to Do If You Have Been Involved in a Boating Accident
If you or someone close to you is injured in a boating accident it is imperative to seek legal counsel now. This will assist you to ensure that your rights are protected and you are compensated for the damages you are entitled to.
A New York boating accident lawyer who is well-versed can help you determine the person responsible for your injuries. They can assist you in the process of filing a claim lawsuit and obtaining financial compensation.
Report the Accident
It is important to know how to proceed in the event that you, or someone you love has been injured in an accident on the water. A lawyer who has experience in boating accidents can assist you in obtaining the justice you deserve for any losses or damages.
If you're injured due to accidents on the water, you could be entitled compensation for medical expenses as well as lost wages and future earnings. A personal injury lawsuit can assist you in recovering damages caused by others' negligence.
Boat accidents can result from many factors such as drunken driving, speeding, and recklessness. Additionally, injuries can be exacerbated by the failure of a boat operator or owner to have the proper safety equipment aboard.
There are a myriad of types of boats that could be involved in a boating accident from jet skis to sailboats. The severity of injuries can range from mild to severe and require extensive recovery time and treatment.
If you're a victim of a boating incident or if negligence by someone else caused the crash, an experienced California lawyer who specializes in boating accidents can assist you in determining your legal rights and pursue monetary relief. Contact us now to learn about your options.
Although boating is often viewed as an enjoyable leisure activity but the reality is that it can be a risk and even deadly. The injuries can range from minor cuts to head trauma and spinal cord injuries which can cause paralysis and death.
It is a good idea to be prepared for any type of watercraft accident, and the first step to take when you are involved in an accident is to report it as soon as you can. This will help reduce deaths and injuries, while also protecting your legal rights.
After reporting the accident, you should get all the information necessary from the other vessels as well as any witnesses. This includes their names, addresses and contact details. It's also a good idea to capture photos of the scene of an accident and any injuries that may have occurred.
Seek Medical Treatment
If you're involved in an accident on the water it is imperative to seek medical treatment promptly. Waiting too long to seek medical treatment could make it more difficult to claim compensation later. This is because insurance companies will make use of any gaps in your care as evidence that you didn't suffer serious injuries in the accident.
Whatever the severity of the accident was, you must seek medical care as soon as is possible after the event. Internal injuries can take longer to show symptoms, so it's important to have them treated as soon as you can.
You can treat some injuries yourself, if you've got an emergency kit in your home while waiting for medical assistance. If you're unsure what to do, call an emergency medical facility in your area to seek advice.
Injuries that seem minor at first can quickly become more serious if they are not treated. This is especially the case for internal injuries such as fractured bones or brain injuries, punctured lungs and other damage to internal organs.
The next step after an accident is to get medical help for yourself and any passengers that were injured. This can be accomplished by calling for emergency medical assistance or visiting a hospital or clinic or requesting an appointment with a doctor.
Document your injuries after you have received treatment. These photographs can be used to help in any compensation claims you may make.
You should also contact the Coast Guard and report the accident. Let them know where the accident took place and the extent of your injuries. They can organize the assistance you require and ensure you are saved.
It is also a great idea to collect any statements from witnesses or information about other parties involved in an accident. boating accident attorneys will prove invaluable when it comes to proving the responsibility. You should be able to ask for the full names and contact information of everyone involved, as this will help with any future claims you may need to make.
Take photos
When it comes to capturing an accident on the water it is impossible to beat a well taken photograph. Take a picture of the entire scene including the boats involved and the area surrounding. Include a close-up of any damage to both boats, as well as any injuries. The capture of photos of the mentioned items is a must because it could help prove your case should a lawsuit become necessary. It is also essential to get the names of all those involved in the incident. When you're making an insurance claim with your company or settling outside of court, obtaining the right names is crucial. It is recommended that you contact your insurer as soon as possible. If you prefer, you could contact the local police department to report the incident and let them handle the situation for you. Keep the emergency number in your phone at all times. This will assist you navigate around the scene in the event that you need help.
Consult a Lawyer
It is important to consult an attorney when you are involved in a maritime accident. This will ensure that you get the amount of compensation you are entitled to.
Boating accidents are usually traumatic and can result in severe injury or death. Boating accidents can result from a variety of different factors such as collisions with fixed objects or other boats, capsizing or overturning, and running over swimmers.
In a majority of cases, these accidents are caused by negligence of others. A malfunctioning piece of equipment on a boat, an unmaintained deck, or a reckless or drunk driver could all cause serious injuries or even death.
A reckless captain or owner of a boat is also liable for injuries resulting from an accident on the water and so are all other individuals who were responsible for the crash. Whether the boating accident occurred due to an inexperienced motorist or drunk driver or a distracted passenger, you can make a claim for damages against the insurance companies and them.
You should seek legal counsel as soon as you can after an incident with a boat because New York law limits your time to file a personal injury lawsuit. In most cases the statute of limitation for a claim related to a boating accident is three years from the date of the incident.
If you choose to hire a personal injury lawyer they will begin examining your case as soon as possible. This will allow them to collect evidence to prove the cause of your accident and your injuries.
If the case is taken to court, they will prepare for the trial and be your advocate throughout the trial. They will interview witnesses, confer with jurors and present your case to the judge.
You should not speak directly with the insurance company following an accident on the water without an attorney present. This could give the insurance company the advantage and lower the value of your claims.
Lawyers can also document all that happens after the accident. This will be very important in making the claim and determining the liability. They will also provide you with an estimate of the compensation you may receive to help you make informed decisions regarding your future.