Proving Liability in Long Island Boat Accident Claims

When an accident occurs on the water, establishing liability can prove challenging. You may have little evidence of exactly how the accident occurred: no traffic camera footage, few witnesses, and physical evidence lost beneath the surface. Proving liability in Long Island boat accident claims, however, can make a big difference in the injured parties’ ability to recover compensation. Working with a dedicated boat accident attorney could help you navigate your case and pursue the compensation you deserve, including compensation for your medical bills, lost income, economic losses, and suffering.

Potential Liable Parties in a Boat Accident Claim

After a boat accident, a lawyer will start with a careful look at all parties that might bear liability for the accident. Often, the operator of the boat will bear liability for dangerous decisions out on the water. However, many boat accidents have other contributing factors. Liable parties may include:

• The manufacturer: If a boat accident occurs because of a dangerous design or part, the manufacturer may bear liability for the accident.
• The owner: Individuals who rent out boats bear a high duty of care in ensuring that their boats remain in good repair and do not pose a danger to renters.
• Property owners: When the owner of property that includes water used by others fails to issue warnings about hazards or maintain the property properly, they may be held liable for an accident.
• Passengers on the boat: Following some boating accidents, evidence may emerge indicating that the passengers’ behavior was reckless, contributing to the accident.

Establishing negligence in a Long Island boat crash often proves key in identifying the liable party after an accident and helping injured individuals get fair compensation for their losses.

Establishing Liability After a Boat Accident

Sometimes, the person liable for a boat accident will admit their negligence and accept liability for the incident. In many cases, that claim will go through their insurance policy. However, not all boat accident claims will go that smoothly. The individuals involved in the incident may not admit liability, or the liability may not be immediately apparent.

Proving liability in Long Island marine accident claims can turn complicated. A lawyer could review all evidence related to the case, including:

• Witness statements
• Boat operator statements
• The area where the accident took place
• Maintenance and inspection records for the boat
• The damage to the boat and the injuries suffered by the passengers
• A review of the weather and water conditions at the time of the accident
• Any photo or video footage of the incident, including cell phone footage
• Coast Guard reports, in cases where the Coast Guard responds to the incident

In addition, many lawyers will bring in expert witnesses for help in proving liability in a boat accident. Experts can often reconstruct the accident, offering a closer look at what likely led to the accident.

Reach Out for Help Establishing Liability in Long Island Boat Accident Claims

Proving liability in Long Island boat accident claims often requires a careful investigation into the details of the accident, including many factors that may have led up to the accident. Having a lawyer on your side can make it easier to access that essential evidence and shape your case. At Goldstein & Bashner, we strive to help our clients receive justice for their losses. Contact us today for your free consultation.