If you or someone close to you has been injured in a boating accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your losses. That is why working with an experienced boat accident lawyer who understands all legal nuances of such cases is so critical; they will ensure that you receive all damages that are due.
The initial step in filing a boating accident claim is to notify the appropriate authorities. This includes notifying either the Coast Guard or local law enforcement agency about what occurred, taking pictures of any injuries sustained during the crash, noting details about other boats involved, and gathering names of any witnesses who saw it happen.
Gathering all relevant documents before consulting an attorney will allow them to accurately assess the situation and establish whether there was any negligence on another party’s part. Furthermore, having all pertinent info at their disposal allows them to file a claim for any damages suffered as a result of the accident.
Negligence is often responsible for boating accidents, making it essential to establish who was at fault in your crash. Unfortunately, without the guidance of an experienced Mesa personal injury attorney, this task may prove challenging.
In order to prove negligence, you must demonstrate the other party’s actions were careless or reckless. This could include anything from speeding to failing to adequately secure cargo or safety equipment.
It can also involve the failure of a vessel to meet regulations and standards. Different states and federal agencies have guidelines for safe boating, such as speed limits in poor weather conditions, passenger capacity on board, and proper flotation devices.
If someone is at fault for a boating accident, they are held financially liable for all expenses and damages suffered by the victim. This may include medical bills, lost wages, property damage and emotional trauma.
The severity of an individual’s injury can have a significant effect on their eligibility for compensation. A spinal cord injury, for instance, could result in paralysis which will permanently alter their lifestyle and ability to earn an income.
Many victims experience severe injuries that necessitate taking time off work to recuperate. This can have an immediate impact on a family’s income and lifestyle, likely necessitating large sums of money to cover medical bills.
After conducting an exhaustive investigation, your attorney will review all evidence to determine how strong a case you have for boating accident damages and what compensation is due. Once this assessment has been made, they can start negotiations with both parties’ insurance companies and attorneys on your behalf.
If the case does not settle, your boating accident lawyer will represent you at trial and build a strong case for you. Doing this ensures that the other party’s insurer pays an equitable and reasonable amount for your injuries.
If you had a boating accident in Mesa, AZ or the Phoenix, AZ metro area at one of the lakes contact Tobler Law for help.