Boat Accident Law
Boats can collide with submerged objects, jetties and the coastline, particularly in storms that cause visibility issues. The boat’s operator and/or owner could be held accountable based on the circumstances surrounding the collision.
A skilled New York boat accident lawyer will help you get compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. This includes paying for your medical bills and lost wages.
Ferry Boat Accidents
Ferry boats can be large commuter vessels, which can carry lots of passengers. They can also be quite swift, which means that injuries caused by a ferryboat accident can be very serious. These accidents could result in collisions with docks, other boats or objects, and could result in injuries due to impact such as broken bones or concussions. They can also cause slips and falling, especially on walkways or stairs that are poorly lit or uneven, or being bounced around the cabin of the vessel when it moves through the water.
In most cases, those who suffer injuries in a boating accident may receive significant damages. This can include medical bills loss of wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. The amount you receive will be contingent upon the severity of the injury and the length of time it takes to recover.
In many cases, the owner or operator of a ferry will be held responsible for the accident and injuries that result from it in the event they violated their obligation to use reasonable care and competence when operating the boat. However the case for a successful negligence claim will need to be determined by evidence specific to the circumstances of the accident and show that a reasonable, responsible ferry boat accident lawsuits operator could not have caused the accident were they to have acted appropriately.
Additionally, crew members who are employed on a ferry vessel can be entitled to sue under federal maritime and admiralty laws, including The Jones Act. This law protects any seaman who is hurt when working aboard a commercial US ship.
Accidents on boats that are caused by inattention operators
Similar to motor vehicle driver, boat operators must exercise the same level of care and concentration while operating their vessels. When they fail to do so serious boating accidents might occur. These could result in drowning injuries, traumatic brain injury caused by a collision between a boat and a swimmer, fire injuries and other serious injuries. Fortunately, victims of these accidents are able to seek compensation for medical expenses as well as property damage and suffering through personal injury claims.
Regardless of how long an individual has been operating boats for and how long they’ve been in the business, it’s not impossible to get distracted or inattentive on the water. This is a major cause of boating accidents. It can lead to collisions with other vessels, stationary objects or swimmers. It could also cause passengers to slip overboard or get aground.
A New York boat accident attorney will assist the victim to establish the breach of duty of care caused by the owner or operator of the vessel and also the cause of their injuries. A knowledgeable attorney can determine if a mechanical defect or another type of defect contributed to the accident and pursue claims against manufacturers of the vessel or its components. A successful claim could result in a substantial settlement for the victim. Contact Joye Law Firm to learn more about your rights or request a free analysis of your case.
Boating accidents caused by defective watercraft
Like all vehicles boating accident, boating incidents are often caused by mechanical malfunction. These accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor design and manufacturing. A poorly designed or constructed equipment could cause serious injuries, whether it’s a small, open-boat or a huge, commercial ferry. In these cases, the injured victim may seek damages from the manufacturer.
In most boat accident lawsuits where the victim is injured, they seek the financial compensation they need for medical costs, loss of income, as well as suffering and pain. In some cases, victims also seek punitive damages. In the majority of cases, the liable party has insurance coverage to cover these costs and the damage.
A New York boating accident lawyer can help you file an injury claim for damages following an accident. The process usually involves a thorough investigation as well as examination of all the facts regarding your case. A lawyer can provide details about your rights and options, assisting you to determine what steps to take next.
It is essential to seek medical attention as soon as you can when injured in a boating incident. You should also gather details regarding the scene of the accident and contact any witnesses including other vessel operators. It is also critical to report the incident to law enforcement as quickly as you can.
Boating Accidents Resulting from Intoxication
Although it could be tempting to view bodies of water as wild west, the truth is that they are highly regulated. Boating accidents usually involve many federal and state laws and could also be in conflict with maritime law.
Boating accidents are usually caused by the same factors that cause car crashes. These include excessive speeding and drinking and driving. Drinking is particularly dangerous on the water as it can affect the balance and coordination of a person in addition to causing fatigue and reduce judgment. These issues can lead to life-altering injuries.
It is against the law to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. This is one of the most common causes of boating accidents and death. Persons who are found to be in violation of this law could be penalized the same way as when they were found driving while impaired.
Serious injuries suffered in boating accidents include neck and back injuries as well as brain injuries, fractured bones, and burns. These injuries can have a lasting impact on a victim’s overall quality of life and ability to work. They can also be costly to treat and could require lifelong medical care.
The financial awards resulting from a successful boating accident claim could help victims to recover the financial losses they’ve suffered. These damages can include the cost of fixing or replacing a vessel, hospital bills and future medical expenses, the loss of bonuses and wages as well as pain and suffering. If the defendants’ actions were especially injurious, it is also possible to recover damages for punitive harm.
