Question 1

Who is liable in a boating accident?

Accepted Answer

The individual that causes the collision is personally liable for a boating accident.  This is more often than not the person driving or operating the boat at the time.  However, in some scenarios there may be more than one liable person, such as when someone allows someone else to operate their boat.  If there is a different driver and owner, perhaps both parties share some blame.  The facts of the case are the determining factor, so it is vital you speak to a lawyer as soon as the boating accident occurs so that the attorney can assess the case and determine who is liable for the incident.

Question 2

How long do you have to sue after a boat accident?

Accepted Answer

The statute of limitations for a boating accident is two years from the date of the collision for all adult victims.  Similarly, the statute of limitations for children’s medical bills is the same.  However, the statute of limitations for minor plaintiffs’ non-economic damages, like pain and suffering and mental anguish, is two years from the date of their eighteenth birthday.

Question 3

Is it worth getting a lawyer for a minor boat accident?

Accepted Answer

Many prospective clients always ask themselves, do I really need a lawyer for this?  If you are seriously injured, the answer is  yes.  You will always fair better with a lawyer than without one.  A lawyer puts you on equal footing with the insurance company.  The insurance company adjuster handling your claim likely has years of experience.  You need a lawyer equal to the task.  Think of it like this, if you needed surgery, would you operate on yourself.... Or seek out an experienced surgeon?  Likewise in your legal case, do you want to go it alone?  Or do you want an experienced and reliable attorney fighting for your case?  Kind of a no brainer when you think about it.

Question 4

What should I do if I was injured on a boat?

Accepted Answer

If you have been injured on a boat, you will likely need medical treatment.  While this sounds obvious, it may be more difficult than you think to get the treatment you need.  If you do not have health insurance, the medical costs may be too high to afford on your own.  If you do have insurance, the doctor you need may not be in your network, which could delay your treatment or care for a lengthy period of time and leave you in agony.  That delay in treatment will also negatively affect your case.  An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you find medical care you need.  A lawyer can also speak to the insurance companies involved and keep them off your back so that you can focus on healing, and ultimately obtaining fair compensation for your injury.

Question 5

What type of injuries usually happen in a boat accident?

Accepted Answer

They type of injuries you sustain in a boat accident, or a collision of any sort, whether it be a car accident or anything else will vary greatly.  Every person is different and no two collisions are the same.  Two people involved in the same boat accident will likely have two different injuries.  Injury severity will also vary greatly from person to person and may include anything from sore muscles, sprains and strains, to broken bones or fractures requiring surgery.  A person's pre-existing medical issues can also affect both their injuries and the values of the their case.  If you have been injured in a boating accident, contact a personal injury lawyer with Funk and Associates today to discuss your case.

Question 6

Should I work directly with the insurance companies after a boat accident?

Accepted Answer

The insurance company is never on your side.  If you have been injured by someone else’s negligence, whether you were on a boat, in a car, on a plane or anywhere else, you should NEVER speak to the insurance company on your own.  These insurance companies handle thousands of claims every year, you are at a distinct disadvantage by taking them on alone.  There are traps and pitfalls at every turn.  You need an experienced personal injury lawyer to handle your case and deal directly with the insurance company on your behalf.  Funk and associates has 20 years of experience dealing with insurance companies, call us now and let us do the hard work for you.

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