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How to File a Boat Accident Lawsuit

Severe boating accidents can cost an enormous amount. A personal injury lawyer can help you determine who is responsible and the best way to claim.

In general, just like in motor accidents in vehicles, it is important to establish that the negligent party violated their duty of care, and that was the reason behind your injuries. There are a number of important pieces of evidence your lawyer must gather for your case.

Damages

The most commonly incurred damages from boating accidents are medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering. The severity of your injuries will determine the amount you will receive in a settlement or jury verdict. Traumatic brain injuries such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, or permanent disfigurement typically result in more money in settlements or verdicts.

Medical expenses can include hospital bills, ambulance costs doctor’s visits, therapy medications, and other costs. Your attorney will prove all of your past and future medical expenses. In some states, you can be awarded compensation for future losses related to your injuries. This could include expenses for the services of a home health aid or additional physical therapy appointments, and loss of future earning capability.

Liability is easier to establish when the owner of the boat or operator did not maintain their vessel or had an inadequate amount of safety equipment on board. For example, if the boat was not equipped for life jackets flares, fire extinguishers, flares or whistles it is likely that this was a factor in the accident.

A personal injury lawyer can assist you to satisfy your burden of proof by assembling evidence, including photos or videos of the scene, witness statements, and medical records of your injuries. Your attorney can also challenge allegations that you were partially responsible for the accident.

Expert Witnesses

For any personal injury case, the best method to back your claim for compensation is to establish a network of experts who can provide evidence. Expert witnesses are highly trained professionals who have specialized qualifications in their area of expertise. They can provide evidence that an accident took place. They are typically paid to express their opinions and could add a lot of weight to any case.

A marine engineering expert witness, for example, can recreate the technical events that caused a boating crash by studying evidence such as speed calculations and collisions caused by visibility. They can also testify about the way safety regulations were adhered to or if they were not followed.

Another important expert witness is an expert in medicine who can provide evidence of the severity of your injuries and their long-term effects. They can also discuss the effects of your injuries your life, which may impact the amount of damages you claim.

Expert witnesses in admiralty and maritime can investigate the causes of accidents involving recreational boats, personal watercrafts and commercial vessels. They can also provide analysis and evidence on maritime laws, such as those that govern classification of ships surveying, classification, and design.

Shared Fault

In the same manner that drivers who are inattention or reckless may cause an accident in a car, a drunk boat driver can put themselves and their passengers at risk of serious injuries. In the event of a boat accident it is essential that injured parties seek out compensation from all parties accountable.

After any goldsboro boat accident attorney crash, it’s important to ensure everyone is safe and receives prompt medical attention, if needed. As soon as possible, you should gather information about the incident including contact information from witnesses, photos of the scene, as well as the names and contact numbers of any other boaters or suamico boat accident lawsuit owners who were involved in the collision. It’s essential to report the incident to law enforcement.

Insurance companies for liable parties often require victims of boat accidents to give recorded statements. A lawyer can help avoid giving information to insurance companies, which could be used by them to limit or even throw your claim.

An experienced York County boat accident attorney can gather evidence including eyewitness testimony, police reports, and photos of the scene of the accident to make a solid case on your behalf. Most personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within four years after the incident. The earlier you talk to an attorney, the quicker they will be able to begin collecting information and constructing your case.

Insurance Companies

As with car accident lawsuits, any successful personal injury claim requires evidence of negligence. This involves proving that the person who caused your injuries has violated the law and that this breach was the sole cause of your injuries. Our lawyers can review the evidence to determine who is responsible for your boating accident and pursue compensation on behalf of you.

It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a boating accident. Going to the doctor will assist you in determining the severity of your injuries, and directly connect them to the incident. It is also important to take pictures of your wounds and bruises as well as keep a log of your experiences. In organizing these documents, you can speed up the claims process and help your attorney create a strong case for you.

Sometimes, the party responsible for your injuries does not have to be present to be liable. For instance, you could claim against the company that manufactured your boat if there was a manufacturing defect or failure to warn you of potential dangers. Our team can review your case to determine if you have a valid claim.

If you have an appropriate claim against the responsible party, our attorneys will file a complaint with the court, stating all the pertinent details regarding your accident and the damages you are seeking. The discovery process is initiated, where the parties exchange pertinent information, including interrogatories or sworn depositions. In the end, a settlement can be reached or the case goes to trial.