Hamburg, NY Boat Accident Lawyer
Boating accidents occur on commercial and recreational vessels every year, and for victims, an accident is a frightful and painful experience. Following an accident, a Hamburg boat accident lawyer can help you recover compensation for your injuries and manage the legal process.
New York’s many lakes, rivers and waterways are natural havens for boaters. In fact, New York is one of the top states in the U.S. for boating. Nearly 600,000 recreational boats are registered, along with countless cruise, ferry and charter boat operators.
Unfortunately, boating accidents are a common occurrence in New York, with hundreds of injury-causing and fatal accidents happening each year. Following an accident, many victims do not know what to do or where to seek help. That’s how a personal injury attorney can help. An experienced Hamburg boat accident lawyer at Chiacchia & Fleming understands the confusion and pain you’re feeling. Our legal team will fight rigorously to defend your rights and recover the compensation you and your family deserve, so you can focus on recovering from your injuries. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
Causes Of Recreational And Commercial Boat Accidents in Hamburg
There are inherent risks in boating, and that’s why boat operators must adhere to numerous safety regulations. Unfortunately, these regulations don’t protect against reckless or careless behavior, operator inexperience, or mechanical malfunctions – some of the most common causes of boating accidents. Operator negligence is often the cause of many boating accidents, which might include:
- Collisions with boats, water skiers, watercraft
- Collision with fixed objects, e.g., decks, dams, buoys
- Flooding/swamping or mechanical malfunction
- Grounding
- Falls overboard, slips/falls onboard
Regardless of the cause of an accident, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you protect your rights and fight for compensation if you’ve sustained injuries.
Who Is Liable In A Hamburg Boat Accident
Boat operators and commercial cruise or ferry operators have a responsibility to protect their passengers and other boaters on the water. Therefore, if a boating operator acts in a negligent manner, that operator may be liable for the accident. An operator can be deemed negligent for many different reasons. Some of the most common include:
- Operators that do not adhere to safety precautions, e.g., excessive speed or insufficient onboard safety devices
- Operating a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Creating a wake that causes another boat to capsize or become damaged
- Operating a boat in unsafe weather conditions
- Operating a vessel that hasn’t been properly maintained
These are just a few examples of operator negligence. There are many more. It’s your attorney’s responsibility to investigate and determine the liable party in the accident. Typically, that includes a thorough investigation of the accident and the steps that led up to it. Your attorney may also contact witnesses, collect reports from investigators and first responders, and/or work with experts to reconstruct the accident.
Hire An Experienced Hamburg Boat Accident Lawyer
Boat owners and operators are required to carry insurance for their vessels. In the event of an accident, the insurance provider of the negligent party often fights against settlements with victims or offers low-ball and under-valued settlements. As a victim, you do not have to and should not talk with insurance companies of the negligent party.
These companies will try to aggressively undercut your case and may threaten or bully you. Your attorney is responsible for responding to insurers and lawyers for the negligent party. Your lawyer will manage the entire legal process, including filing claims on your behalf, aggressively defending you against undervalued settlements, and actively defending your rights. After an accident, your prime focus should be on recovering and getting better – not fighting with insurance companies or legal departments.
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Types Of Compensation For Your Injuries
No matter what types of injuries you have sustained, you are entitled to compensation for out-of-pocket expenses and emotional, financial and physical distress. An experienced Hamburg boat accident lawyer can help you by fighting for full compensation for your injuries. There are many types of compensation available for victims that help to offset the costs of injuries and recovery.
Compensatory damages cover all out-of-pocket expenses, as well as costs related to physical, financial and emotional suffering. This type of compensation can cover:
- Past and future medical bills
- Loss of future earnings
- Loss of wages
- Medical costs, rehabilitation costs, and diagnostic testing
- Pain and suffering
- Property loss
- Loss of normal life
Punitive Damages. In cases of gross negligence or malice, victims may be entitled to punitive damages. This type of compensation is a financial punishment for the operator’s negligence, and it is awarded by the jury if your case goes to trial. Your attorney can help you determine if punitive damages are appropriate in your case.
Request A Free Case Evaluation
If you’ve been injured in a boating accident, don’t hesitate to call Chiacchia & Fleming today. We provide 100% free, no-obligation case evaluations for victims and their families. Talk with an experienced Hamburg boat accident lawyer today about your case; learn what next steps to take and how we can help you.