What Boat Accident Claim Experts Want You To Know
New York Boat Accident Law
A New York boating accident lawyer can help you obtain compensation for your pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of living and medical bills, scarring and future medical expenses. You may also be able to claim compensation for the loss of a loved one.
Fault may be determined using the proximate causes principle, such as the previsibility of an injury or loss. A skilled attorney will investigate the facts and identify potential liable parties.
Ferry Boat Accidents
Ferry boats carry people from one location to another across rivers, lakes, and other waterways. When they travel on navigable waters commercial vessels must adhere to the rules and regulations of the Coast Guard. This includes examining their equipment regularly for mechanical issues and ensuring there are adequate personal floatation devices for all passengers in the event of an accident. A ferry boat's captain is also accountable for steering the vessel in a safe way. If the captain engages in reckless or negligent conduct that could lead to grounds for a lawsuit against him or her.
Passengers and crew members can sustain injuries on board a ferry boat due to various reasons. Slip and fall accidents could happen on the steps leading onto and off of a ferry, as well as on other surfaces on board. These accidents can cause broken bones, concussions, or head injuries. It is also possible for people to fall overboard if the proper safety measures are not in place, or the boat is shaken by inclement weather.
If you're injured while on a boat, you may sue the company for violations of maritime and admiralty law and workers' compensation. Your lawyer will be able identify who is responsible for your injuries and ensure that you receive the full amount of compensation for all loss.
Personal Watercraft Accidents
Personal watercrafts such as Jet Skis and WaveRunners can range from minor cuts and bruises to serious injuries that result in traumatic brain injuries or even death. Direct impact with another vessel, or with a fixed object, is the most common cause of serious injuries.
PWC collisions are not uncommon in particular with other personal watercrafts as well as speeding boats. Unexperienced drivers are often incapable of assessing their speed or distances, which can lead to head-on collisions which can result in various injuries, including back and neck pain, traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injury, paralysis, and death.
Many personal watercraft accidents happen due to reckless or drunk operators, who speed and pilot their vessels carelessly. Some of these accidents can be caused by defective products. For instance, certain personal watercrafts are fitted with pumps-jet engines, which can take water up and blast it out at high levels.
Contact a seasoned personal injury lawyer as soon as possible if you or someone you care about was injured in a drowning accident. Taking photos of your wounds and bruises as well as completing an account of your journal with vital details about the incident, and obtaining the names of witnesses can all help to establish liability and evidence in your case. It is also vital to seek medical attention right before you suffer any injuries, as some like traumatic brain injury, may not be evident on an X-ray or other diagnostic tests until days or even weeks after the incident.
Boating Accidents on Navigable Waterways
A boating accident that occurs on navigable water can be covered under federal maritime law. It could be because the body of water is used for interstate or international trade or it is an area that could be used in the future.
However the state tort laws could be used in these situations. To determine the law that applies it is essential to speak to a personal-injury attorney who is familiar with these kinds of cases.
Whatever the cause of the accident, whether it occurred on a private or a public vessel, it is likely that someone was negligent. In many cases, it is the person operating the boat. Boats require specific capabilities to operate safely and are not a safe mode of transport if someone has not had the required skills or experience.
In other cases, a passenger's negligence may be at fault. This is especially the case if the passenger acted recklessly or in a criminal manner. A state agency could also be held accountable for their negligence in maintaining or operating the waterway on which the accident happened.
A boating accident could be devastating and often results in grave injuries, sometimes even death. If you have been injured in an accident on the water due to the negligence of another person you should speak with an experienced Buffalo lawyer for boat accidents right away.
Boating Accidents on Non-Navigable Waterways
When looking at the causes of boat accidents, there are many variables both within and out of the control of the individual. Certain boat accidents are caused by inattention of the boat's operator, such as when they speed up or operate his boat beyond his expertise level. However, other causes are out of a boater's control like the presence of debris in the water or weather conditions.
Depending on the location where your accident occurred, either federal maritime law or state tort laws may apply. To be able to be considered a case under federal maritime law, it must be in "nexus" with traditional maritime activities or a possible disruptive effect on maritime trade. Accidents involving recreational vessels do not meet this requirement. Your case could be subject to the state law.
When you're dealing with an accident on the water it is important to contact an experienced lawyer right away after the incident. An attorney can help determine if there were laws broken and pursue compensation for any damages. If you've suffered injuries in an accident while on a boat accident lawsuit, the Joye Law Firm will protect your rights and vigorously pursue the compensation you're entitled to. Contact us today to begin. Your first consultation is for free. We don't get paid unless you make a purchase. We provide flexible scheduling to suit your needs. Based in New York City, we represent clients across the United States. To make it easier for you, we have offices in Albany, Buffalo, and Poughkeepsie.