Your ability to obtain compensation and closure following a traumatic boating accident will be determined by the lawyer you select. It is essential to choose an experienced admiralty attorney specializing in boat accidents. Schedule consultations with potential candidates to ask about their experience, reputation, fees, and availability. It is also important to discuss payment structures so that everything runs smoothly down the road.
Communication
You want to choose a lawyer with whom you can communicate effectively and honestly. Ask potential lawyers about their communication practices and how they handle cases. If they do not answer your questions satisfactorily, move on to another candidate. A reputable Lulich & Attorneys boat accident law firm will walk you through the legal process, thoroughly investigate your case, and help you determine who is liable and the appropriate compensation amounts. They will also advise you on how to deal with the negligent parties and their insurance companies. Boat accidents often leave victims with severe injuries and long-term damages. You deserve to receive compensation to pay for medical bills, lost income, and other costs. A competent lawyer can file claims for economic and non-economic damages, ensuring you deserve the settlement.
Reputation
Hiring an attorney with a poor reputation could put your case at risk. While a slick website or flashy advertising may seem attractive, it’s best to find attorneys with a good track record of success who are highly knowledgeable about maritime law and personal injury. A good lawyer will be skilled at handling the complexities of your case and will achieve fair settlements for their clients. You can obtain financial damages, such as lost wages, medical bills, hospital stays, and therapy costs, from a trustworthy boat accident attorney and receive compensation for your losses and injuries. They are also able to make non-economic damage claims. An experienced boating accident attorney knows how to negotiate with insurance companies and can prevent them from using dirty tactics to delay or refuse your claim. The right lawyer can maximize the money you receive from an insurance settlement.
Experience
Like car drivers, boaters must follow specific laws to ensure the safety of those on and around waterways. Boat owners and operators who fail to follow these laws may be liable for accidents that cause severe injuries. You should engage with a lawyer with experience handling similar cases to yours to increase your chances of compensation for your losses. A trustworthy attorney will assist you with the court proceedings, conduct a comprehensive investigation into your case, refute any dubious evidence, and identify any parties who might be jointly liable. They will also assist you in negotiating with insurance providers to get a just compensation that pays for lost wages, medical costs, and other damages. They will also handle any litigation necessary to protect your rights. Be sure to discuss their fee structure with them upfront, including contingency fees, so that you know how they will be compensated for their services.
Fees
While the costs of an attorney may seem like a significant consideration, it’s essential not to choose a lawyer solely based on price. Hiring a cheap, inexperienced boat accident lawyer can end up costing you in the long run by jeopardizing your case. A knowledgeable attorney will manage the intricacies of your case, fight for your rights, and bargain with insurance companies to get a just settlement. They will also be prepared to take your case to trial if necessary. After a boat accident, physical evidence can sink or wash away, and memories of witnesses fade. An attorney can investigate the scene to collect substantial evidence before it’s lost. Together with medical expenses and non-economic damages like pain and suffering, they can assist you in getting paid for your injuries. In addition, a reasonable boating injury attorney will ensure that the at-fault party is held accountable. It will send a clear message to the insurer that you’re serious about getting what you deserve.