How a Boat Accident Lawyer Can Help You

Boat accident lawyer can help you: Did you survive a boating accident and wonder if a boating accident lawyer can help you win your damages claim? This article will answer all your questions about contacting a lawyer for your boating accident case. 

Indeed, boat accidents are not as rampant as many other traffic accidents today. But then, the accident can be pretty ugly and devastating when it happens. Perhaps, you have ever been in such a situation. In that case, you will agree that the moments that follow the accident can also be pretty confusing. 

The good news, though, is that a good boating accident lawyer can help clarify such situations. They will do this by guiding you on all the proper steps and actions to take after the accident. 

This article will discuss some of the top reasons you should contact a boating accident lawyer for your case. Please ensure to read to the end for more educating information. 

What is a Boating Accident Lawyer? Boat Accident Lawyer Can Help You 

Boating accident lawyers are professional attorneys specially trained to handle boating accident cases. These people often know what to do in boat accident situations. They also know how to navigate your case to get your deserved settlement. 

You should know that insurance companies are always reluctant to pay your deserved settlement. So, they will often look for legal windows to explore so they don’t make this payment. However, boat accident lawyers are experienced in handling such cases and know how to navigate the situation and get your complete settlement. 

What Top Signs Show You Need a Boating Accident Lawyer in Tampa? 

The state of Florida can only best be described as boating heaven. This is because there are various water sites in the state, and you can bet that Tampa is one of those places with a larger water concentration. This means you will also witness a larger concentration of boats in Tampa than in most other American cities. 

According to recent reports from the FWC, Florida is among the top states with the most registered vehicles in America today. Sadly, this also means you are more likely to get into an accident in this state. So, what do you do if you get into a boating accident in Tampa, and how do you know when to contact your Tampa boating accident lawyer? Well, here are some signs you should watch out for: 

When the Boat Owner isn’t Properly Insured 

Boat owner’s insurance is designed to protect owners of boats and boating companies in cases of accidents and damages to their vehicles. This means that the insurance company is supposed to take responsibility for the cost of repairs when an insured boat gets damaged. The company is also liable for injuries and damage claims that might come up if the boat gets into an accident. 

Of course, this insurance is highly recommended for boats in Tampa, but it is not compulsory. So, a boat owner can decide not to get it. But then, when this is the case, no insurance company will take responsibility for your accident claim if you sue them after an accident. This means that the case can be even trickier for you. But then, hiring a boating accident lawyer in such situations will make things easier. 

If the Company’s Proposed Insurance Settlement isn’t Enough 

Most insurance companies do not want to pay your due damage settlement after an accident. So, they often look for legal windows that will allow them to pay less. Most cases, these companies will hurriedly prepare a settlement proposal for you. But then, you have to be careful about accepting this initial proposal. This is because it often does not reflect the actual value of your damages from the accident. 

You should know that your injuries and damages from an accident can come in various forms. These damages include hospital bills, emotional damages, property damages, missed wages, opportunities, etc. If you are not careful while dealing with insurance companies, you might miss out on some of them in calculating your settlement. This is another reason you should hire a personal injury lawyer to help calculate your damages and come up with an adequate settlement amount. 

If the Accident was Because the Boat was not Properly Maintained 

Boat owners in Tampa are taxed with the responsibility of routinely checking up and maintaining their boats. This ensures that the vehicle is always fit for any journey on the water. In addition, a boat owner is supposed to regularly invite professionals and maintenance experts to come and examine their boat for its safety. These experts are to check out the boat’s hull, engine, electrical systems, HVAC system, plumbing, upholstery, etc. 

An accident is likely if the owner fails to properly check and maintain a boat before leaving for a journey. When this is the case, they are liable for any resulting damages. So, if you can prove that the accident was because of mechanical faults in the boat, you are more likely to win your claim. 

Of course, a Tampa boating accident lawyer can help you to make the most out of this case and win your claim. You definitely should hire one! 

If the Boat Operator was Negligent 

In some cases, boating accidents can happen because the operator was negligent or was not doing their job well. You should know that the boat driver is responsible for conveying you safely to your destination. They should always be optimally focused and careful while carrying out this responsibility. However, some drivers can get distracted on the job, while others can be full-out irresponsible. When this is the case, an accident is most likely. 

The good news is that you can file for settlement if you notice that the accident resulted from the boat operator’s negligence or irresponsibility. For instance, if you can prove that the driver was drinking and driving, they were distracted by their phone, or they were moving at an unsafe speed before the accident. In these cases, they are liable for your damages from the accident. 

Surely, you want to hire an experienced attorney to properly assess the situation and decide the best way to carry on with your claim. 

If Your Injuries are Severe 

Most boat accidents lead to injuries for the people who were involved. However, some of these injuries might be minor, including bruises, bumps, and other light injuries. When this is the case, you often only require temporary medical care, and you are good. 

On the other hand, though, some injuries can be more severe. They include injuries like broken, fractured, or dislocated bones. Injuries to the spine, head, or neck can also be dangerous. You will require more than just temporary medical attention when this is the case. Instead, you might be subjected to regular medical care for a prolonged period. 

These injuries can also cause considerable changes in your life and affect your ability to carry on with routine tasks. For instance, it will be pretty difficult for a sportsperson with a spine injury from an accident to continue their career in the sports industry. If this is your situation, your accident claim is bound to be more complicated than the person who only had minor injuries. Indeed, you want to hire a personal injury lawyer to guide you. 

When is the Best Time to Contact a Boating Accident Lawyer? 

People are often confused about the best time to contact a boating accident lawyer. Is it the best time to call them when the accident happens? How about after filing the claim? 

Well, the truth is that the best time to contact a boating accident lawyer is now. It doesn’t matter what stage of your accident claim you are in. A boating accident lawyer can join in at any stage of your accident claim to help maximize what is left of the claim. So, it is never too early or late to contact them.  

Perhaps, you are yet to get in a boat accident. Well, in that case, you can still get the lawyer’s contact and have it on your speed dial. 

Conclusion 

It is no longer news that boating accidents can be devastating, and the following moments can be confusing. Thankfully, the Coleman Law Group can help in such situations.