New York state boating laws require many boaters to have a boating safety certificate, or have someone present on board who completed this class. However, they also exempt all boaters born before May 1, 1996, from this requirement. This leaves many boaters on the water without any boater safety training. This lack of education can be especially dangerous when paired with alcohol consumption and high performance watercraft that reach high speeds.
If you suffered injuries in a Long Island boating accident a careless, reckless, or negligent boater caused, Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C., can help you recover compensation to pay for your medical care, lost wages, property damages, pain and suffering, and other losses. Call our office today at 631-600-0000 to schedule a free case review with a boating accident lawyer in Sayville, Long Island.
What Causes Sayville Boating Accidents?
The most common cause of boating accidents in Long Island and elsewhere in New York is operator error. Boaters make poor decisions and act carelessly, leading to accidents and injuries. This may occur for a number of reasons, but three of the most common are also the easiest to prevent:
- Distractions cause them to fail to see swimmers, other boats, and other obstacles in their path;
- They operate their boat at excessive speeds, especially close to swimmers or near sailboats and other slower vessels; and
- They are on the water while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
While boater negligence is a common cause of collisions, water accidents can have other causes as well. Defective parts, poor maintenance of the vessel, or improper repairs to the craft can all cause injury accidents. Depending on the facts of these individual situations, the owner or manufacturer of the boat in question might be liable for any injuries to the passengers of that boat or others injured in the accident.
Even minor boating accidents can lead to serious injuries. Passengers slam against the boat and may even fall overboard. Without life jackets, many drown. If you suffered injuries in a Sayville boating accident, call us today. We can help you recover compensation to pay for your damages.
Who Is Liable for My Injuries?
As a boat owner or operator, an individual accepts certain obligations to keep their passengers and others safe. They must act carefully and reasonably, including following all boating laws, properly maintaining their vessel, carrying life jackets for all passengers, following safety guidelines, and exercising due caution when in an area with swimmers and other boats.
If a boat operator fails to uphold any of these obligations, accidents and injuries may result. When this occurs, it is the operator who is most commonly liable for these injuries. If the operator is not also the owner of the craft, the owner may be partially liable as well. This often occurs with rental companies. Occasionally, a third party—such as the boat manufacturer—might also be liable.
Our knowledgeable lawyers will investigate your accident and help you identify all potentially liable parties based on the facts of your case. We can help you hold those who caused your accident responsible for the damages you suffered. We will work to recover the full value of compensation you deserve based on your medical bills, pain and suffering, and other losses.
How Can I Recover Compensation for My Injuries?
In many cases, boat owners carry liability insurance under their homeowner’s insurance policy. Many of these policies have size or use restrictions, but in general most owners can add fishing and general recreation boats to their policy. This allows anyone injured in a negligence-related accident to file a claim based on the boat owner’s liability coverage. Through this type of claim, we can often negotiate a fair settlement and recover compensation for your medical bills and other losses.
If they do not carry liability insurance on their boat, we can file a personal injury lawsuit against the boat owner. This is often a last-resort option, however, unless there is reason to believe they have the assets to pay for your damages out-of-pocket.
In the event an uninsured or underinsured boat crashes into your vessel, it is a good idea to carry uninsured boaters protection. This type of insurance policy pays out to cover your injuries and the damage to your boat if the negligent boat operator does not have adequate coverage.
Depending on the facts of your case, we may have one or more options to recover the compensation you need. The best way to understand how to get the money you deserve is to discuss your accident with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney who is familiar with Long Island boating crashes.
What Type of Damages Can I Recover in a Boating Accident Case?
If we file a third-party liability claim or a personal injury lawsuit to recover the damages you sustained in a boating accident, we request compensation to cover a wide range of losses. This includes both economic and non-economic damages.
Some of the most common economic losses we can recover include:
- Medical bills;
- Rehabilitation;
- Prescription medication;
- Future or ongoing care costs;
- Lost wages;
- Lost income, if you are unable to return to work;
- Other related expenses;
- Out-of-pocket costs; and
- Property damage.
The most common non-economic loss we recover is pain and suffering damages. While there are no bills or receipts to back up the value of this type of expense, we can put a monetary value on it depending on the severity of your injuries and the physical and emotional pain you endured. Often, these losses can be several times the total of your actual losses.
How Can I Reach a Boating Accident Lawyer in Sayville, Long Island?
If you suffered injuries in a Sayville, Long Island, boating accident, you need the legal team from Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C., on your side. We can help you identify your options for compensation and pursue a claim or lawsuit on your behalf. Having a seasoned lawyer is the best way to ensure you get the compensation you deserve after a boating accident injury. Call our office today at 631-600-0000 to schedule your free case evaluation.
