If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a boating accident caused by someone else in Andrew, Louisiana, you can pursue compensation. However, navigating the claims process can be difficult. An attorney with Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can review personal injury and maritime laws as they affect your case and work to get you the money you deserve.
We can prove how another party’s negligence resulted in your injuries and plan a course of legal action on your behalf. We can handle your case and provide free case reviews so that you can review your legal options.
Negligent Boaters Can Cause Serious Injuries
Careless boaters can cause accidents that result in severe injuries. When a boater chooses to operate a vessel while intoxicated or drive recklessly, for example, they endanger the lives of everyone around them. Proving the exact cause of an accident and recovering damages can be difficult, especially if the liable party does not have adequate insurance coverage.
Recoverable damages could include:
- Medical bills
- Future treatment and care needs
- Lost income
- Reduced ability to work
- Property damages
- Related expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death damages if the victim died from their injuries
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How Our Lawyer Serving Andrew Can Help in Your Boating Accident
Our lawyer will evaluate the evidence and facts of your case to determine your eligibility for pursuing a civil action. They can also explain what specific damages you may collect based on your expenses and losses.
Our lawyer will:
- Manage the paperwork and filing in your case
- Explain your legal options as they become available
- Itemize your accident-related losses
- Notify the liable party of your legal intentions
- Interview accident witnesses
- Consult with field experts to learn more about your boat, accident, and injuries
- Handle negotiations with the insurance company
- Prepare your case for trial, if needed
Your lawyer can also explain what bearing Louisiana’s statute of limitations may have on your case and ensure that you meet any applicable deadlines.
According to the American Boating Association (ABA), there were about 4,168 boating accidents in 2019. Each of these accidents caused one or more parties to suffer injuries, pay for repairs, or experience economic and intangible losses. If this happened to you, there is no reason why you have to seek financial recovery on your own. Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers is here to help.
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How Quickly Do I Need to Act to Protect My Right to File a Suit?
In general, the deadline in Louisiana for filing a boat accident lawsuit is one year from the date the incident occurred. This applies to personal injuries under CC Art. 3492 and wrongful deaths per CC Art. 2315.2.
However, other deadlines may apply that come sooner or supersede this statute of limitations. You should connect with our attorney as soon as possible so that you can ensure you meet all timelines in your case. Missing them could hurt your ability to sue and recover compensation.
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Examples of Boating Accidents
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) issued a study in 2019 that outlined some of the common causes of boating accidents. We can prove what led to your injuries, and the cause of your accident will give our attorney insight into who can be held financially accountable for your damages.
Some causes of your boating accident may include:
Colliding with Another Boat or Fixed Object
A boat may collide with another object if the vessel is moving too fast or the operator is not paying attention. Boat collisions can result in serious injuries, including burns, broken bones, and near-fatal drowning. An operator with little to no experience operating a boat may not have the skills to prevent an accident.
Explosions
Leaking fuel tanks and flammable gas can result in a boat exploding. This can cause severe burns that require immediate medical attention. If this happened in your situation, liability may rest with the boat’s manufacturer or mechanic.
Capsizing or Sinking
Boats can capsize or sink, depending on the nature of your accident. This happens when boats run into shallow waters or collide with another object. Liability, in this case, will depend on the circumstances of the accident.
For example, if there were no signs that alerted you to an unsafe area and that site was under the control of a government agency, you could have a case against the party responsible for maintaining the premises. If your accident directly stemmed from the actions of another boater, then you may be able to file an insurance claim or lawsuit to recover compensation.
Our lawyer can review your Andrew boating case and determine what options you have for recovering compensation. They can also make a preliminary determination about who is liable for your accident and gather evidence to support their allegation.
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What Not to Do After a Boating Accident
Many injured parties in boating accidents are unsure of what they should do following the incident. The actions you take in the days, weeks, and months following your accident will influence the outcome of your personal injury case.
Following a boating accident, you should avoid:
Admitting Fault for the Accident
Many people knowingly (or unknowingly) admit the accident was their fault. Any statements that the at-fault boater or their insurer interprets as an admission of guilt may hurt your case. It could also give the other party’s insurance company grounds for denying your claim. If the liable insurance company tries to speak to you directly or asks you to provide a recorded statement, refer them to your legal team.
Failing to Seek Medical Attention
You should go to the hospital or visit a doctor’s office after a boating accident. Not getting medical attention puts your health at risk because many injuries do not have symptoms initially despite being dangerous.
Additionally, speaking with a health care provider can connect your injuries to the event that caused them. Your medical bills, imaging scan results, and the dates of follow-up appointments will supplement your legal case against the liable party.
Failing to Report the Accident
According to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, you need to report your boating accident if the incident resulted in any injuries, deaths, or property damage exceeding $500. You need to include your name, address, and the identifying number of your vessel in writing. Again, this could work to tie your injuries and property damage to the accident.
Not Seeking Legal Support
After a boat accident, you can reach out to Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers. A member of our team can explain what actions can support your case for compensation. We offer complimentary case reviews for those injured in Andrew and nearby areas.
Start a Free Case Review with Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers
When you team up with an Andrew boating accident lawyer, they can employ various legal measures to recover compensation for your damages. Whether you were injured or lost a loved one due to a boating accident, we encourage you to reach out to our team today.
To get started with a free, no-risk case review, call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers at (337) 777-7777.
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