The Trinity area draws people from all over to enjoy boating and other aspects of a fun outdoor lifestyle. Unfortunately, boating can result in serious injuries in the event of an accident.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a boat accident, consider calling a knowledgeable Trinity boat accident lawyer for assistance. You may be entitled to compensation to cover medical bills and offset effects such as pain and suffering. A personal injury attorney could help you hold the at-fault parties responsible for your losses.
Negligence in Boat Accidents
Injured individuals are not automatically entitled to receive compensation after an accident. In most cases, accident victims must demonstrate that another person’s wrongdoing or negligence caused the injuries.
Someone may be considered negligent when they owe a duty to another person, they fail to fulfill that duty, and that failure leads to harm. A Trinity boat accident attorney could collect and preserve evidence to demonstrate liability.
Many boat accidents are caused by irresponsible boat operation after a driver has been drinking. Consumption of alcohol is just as dangerous on the water as on the roads, and state law punishes individuals who operate watercraft under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If a drunk boat operator causes an accident, a lawyer could argue that the reckless behavior justifies the imposition of punitive damages as well as actual damages.
Compensation Available for a Boat Accident
When someone suffers injuries in a boat accident caused by the negligence or recklessness of another, the victim may be entitled to receive damages to make up for a number of different effects. The goal of the civil legal system is to restore the victim as much as possible to their pre-accident state. Since there is no way to undo physical harm, the only remedy available through the courts is monetary compensation to offset effects and provide for future needs.
An injured individual could receive compensation for intangible effects such as suffering, emotional anguish, and pain. In addition, they may also be entitled to compensation for damaged equipment, medical bills, lost income, and future expenses. A boat accident attorney in Trinity could calculate reasonable amounts for each factor to determine a fair award. This amount could be used to evaluate the adequacy of any settlement offers.
Statute of Limitations
A boat accident victim must file a claim within the period allotted under the state statute of limitations. In most boat accident cases, a claim must be filed within four years or the right to seek compensation is lost. If a government entity is involved, the limit may be much shorter, so it is wise to contact a Trinity boat accident lawyer before too much time passes.
In addition to compliance with the statute of limitations, an attorney could also advocate on behalf of the victim in negotiations and answer questions from investigators. Insurance companies may try to trick an accident victim into saying something that could be used against them later, but representation by an attorney could help prevent missteps.
Contact a Trinity Boat Accident Attorney
Working with an experienced Trinity boat accident lawyer early in the process enables an attorney to begin collecting and preserving evidence while witnesses’ recollections are still fresh. Evidence will be needed to demonstrate negligent or reckless conduct and thereby establish liability.
Compensation received from a boat accident does not provide a means to profit from a tragedy. Instead, it helps accident victims and their families move forward after the incident. To learn how an experienced attorney could help in your situation, call now for a free consultation and case evaluation.