White Plains is quite close to the waters, and there are many opportunities for recreational boating, from kayaking, paddle boating and canoeing to sailboats. However, these activities come at the cost of you getting injured.
Nearly 28% of boating accidents in Westchester occur in White Plains, with several accidents occurring in the Hudson River. About 30% of airboat accidents in this city occurs among people within the age limits of 20 to 29. Nearly 50% of the sailboat accidents involve the age group of 60 to 69. If you have been in a boating accident, then an experienced personal injury lawyer in White Plains can represent you to win the maximum compensation for your damages.
Common Causes of Boating Accidents in White Plains
The common causes of boating accidents in the city are adverse weather conditions, unexpected waves, driving while intoxicated, and mechanical failures and fires.
Over 70% of boating accidents in White Plains involved operators who drove at the wrong speed and lacked safety training. In 76% of cases, the cause of death is drowning, with about 80% of victims not wearing life jackets.
The Boating Law
In White Plains, children as young as 12 years old are eligible to operate personal watercraft and other boats. All mechanically propelled vessels should have valid registration.
Boat operators in White Plains have to attend a safety course before being granted a license.
An Attorney to Help you After a Boating Accident
A boating accident can cause you physical pain and emotional distress. Those responsible for your misery have to be held accountable for the suffering they’ve created.
An experienced personal injury lawyer in White Plains can help you out:
White Plains adheres to the New York State Law. As per the law, your attorney will first gather records related to your claim, including medical records, bills, and insurance policy details. Accordingly, they build your case for compensation.
They conduct a thorough investigation of your accident, to gather the necessary evidence. The state law in White Plains allows dashcam footage, security camera footage, and police records as valid proofs.
Finally, the attorney will try to negotiate with the defense, outside of the courtroom, to get your compensation. If that fails, then your attorney prepares to present your case in the strongest possible way.
Timeline for Filing a Boating Accident Lawsuit in White Plains
In White Plains, the state law allows you to file a personal injury lawsuit within three years of a boating accident. If the time limit expires before you file a claim, you will probably lose out on the compensation.
The crucial elements of your case take shape during the early investigation. You can utilize the time for interviews and discussing the facts about your incident with your attorney.
Handling Sailing and Pleasure Boat Accidents
In the case of pleasure boats, about 8% of all boating accidents involving fatalities occurred with vessels, which were smaller than 26 feet.
In White Plains, anyone responsible for the accident can be liable for resulting harm to you. It could be the boat operator, co-passengers, ferry companies, to name a few.
As per the New York state law, in such cases, defaulters share financial responsibilities. They may blame you for your injuries, to avoid compensation. It is advisable to hire a lawyer.
Compensation You Can Claim
Following a boating accident in White Plains, you can claim compensation for medical bills, disability, and property damage.
The White Plains attorneys are competent enough to win you your compensation due to pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Last year, the state governor signed Brianna’s Law, making safety courses and a one-time test mandatory for boaters in White Plain. If involved in a boating accident, hire an efficient attorney who can win you your entitled compensation.