When you spend time on the water, you must have the right safety equipment and be aware of any local laws. Perhaps most importantly, however, you need to have a personal injury attorney in case anything goes wrong. Boating accidents do happen more often than many people realize, and as a result, numerous boat accident lawyers specialize in this area of law.
If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, working with an experienced attorney is your best bet for recovering from any financial losses you suffer as a result of the accident. Keep reading to learn more about why it’s important to hire an attorney if you’re in a boating accident and how they can help.
Why You Should Hire a Lawyer After a Boating Accident
If you’re injured in a boating accident, the responsible parties will likely have insurance coverage to cover your medical bills and lost wages. However, you should always seek the advice of a lawyer before accepting an offer of compensation. This is because many times, the insurance companies may try to underpay you in an attempt to try to make the whole situation go away.
Even if you don’t think you have a case, it’s still important to hire a lawyer. Why? Boating accident cases are very complicated, and many factors go into calculating compensation.
For example, if you were to receive a settlement now but then get injured again in the future, the amount you receive from that future injury would be less than what you would have received if you had waited. Hiring a lawyer can help you maximize your settlement and make sure that you don’t leave any money on the table.
Negotiating Compensation for Your Injuries
Your lawyer will work with the insurance company to try to negotiate the best possible compensation for your injuries. If they are unable to reach an agreement, your lawyer may take the matter to court. When this happens, you will have the opportunity to testify in front of the judge and describe the extent of your injuries.
This testimony is extremely important, so you must be prepared. You should practice your testimony beforehand and make sure that you have all of your medical records and bills with you when you testify.
Defending Criminal Charges
If another boat owner is at fault for your accident and is charged with a criminal offense, your lawyer can help defend them in court. Depending on the circumstances of the accident and your injuries, this may be a relatively simple process.
This can help both parties involved in the accident, as it means that the matter can be settled out of court quickly and without your having to testify. If you do have to testify, you will likely be asked about your role in the accident. Be honest, but also make sure to defend the other boat owner to the best of your ability. This can help you avoid having any criminal charges filed against you.
Receiving Reparations for Your Boat and Equipment
If your boat or any of your equipment is damaged in an accident, you can claim reparations through your insurance company. Make sure that you have an itemized list of all of the property that was damaged and the cost of replacement. It is also a good idea to take photos of the damage as soon as possible, as this can assist with the claims process. If your boat is totaled, you may be able to claim a new boat.
Conclusion
If you find yourself in a boating accident, you must hire an attorney. Working with an attorney can help to increase the amount of compensation that you receive from the other party, defend you against criminal charges, and make a claim for reparations for your boat and equipment. It is important to hire a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident occurs so that they can help you navigate these complicated processes.
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