Role of Witnesses in Long Island Boating Accident Claims

Boating accidents aren’t uncommon in the east of New York City’s busy waters, especially in popular recreation areas like Great South Bay. When it happens, the role of witnesses in Long Island boating accident claims could provide firsthand details.

An experienced boat accident attorney could gather witness statements and, when necessary, select expert witnesses to substantiate injuries.

The Power of Witness Testimony After a Boat Crash

Witness statements provide an unbiased view of an accident. Their perspective can establish what happened and who was at fault. They may notice details that those involved in the accident may not. Details can clarify the sequence of events leading to an accident.

When multiple witnesses provide consistent accounts, the legitimacy of a claim increases, improving the chances of a favorable outcome. Their statements can add significant weight to a claim. They can aid insurance companies and legal professionals in understanding an accident victim’s claim.

Without witnesses in a Long Island boat accident, the claim is based on the testimony of the involved parties and the findings of the investigating authorities.

How Expert Witnesses Could Support a Claim

An expert witness’s role in a Long Island boating accident is to lend credibility to a client’s claims. These individuals may be medical, watercraft, or financial experts. Lawyers often look at relevant academic degrees, professional licenses, and work history. 

They want to find experts who can explain complex concepts to judges and juries. They may want people who have successfully testified to ensure a well-received testimony.

The Statute of Limitations 

The role of witnesses in Long Island boating crash claims is especially important in the early stages of a case. Those injured in an accident have three years from the date of the incident to file a claim for compensation, but acting promptly helps preserve critical evidence. Witnesses may relocate or become difficult to reach, and their recollection of events can fade over time. Essential details may be forgotten or misremembered. It also takes time to reconstruct an accurate account of what happened and gather supporting evidence. A year or two after the accident, the scene may no longer reflect the original conditions—new no-wake signs may be installed, or marina layouts may change—making it more difficult for juries to fully understand how the incident occurred.

It also takes time to construct an accurate picture of an accident and gather the evidence to support it. A year or two after an accident, the scene may have changed. No wake signs could appear or the entrance or exit from a marina could be altered. These changes can make it more challenging for juries to visualize an accident.

Boating Incident Compensation 

Injured parties in boating accidents may pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages refer to measurable losses such as medical expenses, property damage, and lost income. Non-economic damages address physical pain, emotional distress, and psychological harm resulting from the accident. Evaluating these effects often involves input from medical and financial experts.

The state applies a pure comparative negligence model, which permits multiple parties to share fault for an accident. Under this system, each party may recover damages in proportion to their degree of responsibility. For example, if one party is 85% at fault and the other bears 15% of the blame, a $100,000 award would result in an $85,000 recovery for the less-responsible party, while the remaining $15,000 accounts for their share of fault.

Consult a Boat Accident Lawyer About the Role Your Witnesses Will Play in Your Case

Boating accidents fall under state and federal jurisdiction. If the accident occurs on open water, the U.S. Coast Guard may apply federal regulations when determining who is at fault. The State has strict regulations regarding vessel maintenance and safety equipment. Consulting a law firm with experienced maritime lawyers can help clients work through the claims process.

Seasoned lawyers understand the essential role witnesses in Long Island boating accident claims play in building a strong case. Without their testimony, investigators must rely on testimony from those involved, making it difficult to establish a consistent view of the accident. 

If you were involved in a boating accident, contact us today to discuss your case during a free consultation.