Should I Hire a Boat/Jet Ski Accident Lawyer for a Minor Accident?

You might wonder if you need legal help after a boat or jet ski accident. Many injured clients have this question, and it’s understandable. People are wary about hiring a lawyer because of the cost.

Thankfully, accident lawyers do not charge you unless they win your case. Plus, it’s usually worth getting a lawyer even for minor accidents. There are a few reasons for this, including that:

• Your injuries might be more severe than you think.
• Your accident costs may be higher than you realize.
• The insurance company will still try to offer less than you deserve.

At the very least, it’s good to talk to a boat/jet ski accident lawyer. Schedule a consultation to discuss the details of your case and ask essential questions. From there, you can decide if you want to hire a lawyer for help.

At John Foy & Associates, we offer a FREE, no-risk consultation. We also do not collect a fee unless we win your case. To schedule your FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.

Do You Need a Boat/Jet Ski Accident Lawyer for Minor Damages?

Most of the time, you do still need a lawyer — even if your injuries seem minor. A boat or jet ski accident can be traumatic to your body and mind. We find that the aftermath has more of an impact than people realize.

Let’s consider a common situation:

• You and some friends take a party boat out on the lake for a celebration.
• The boat’s operator makes some careless mistakes and causes a collision.
• You fall overboard during the accident and hit your head on the side of the boat.

Right after the accident, you’re focused on handling the situation. The police arrive and take down your information. With adrenaline surging through your body, you hardly feel any pain.

You leave the scene with minor pain in the head and neck, but it doesn’t seem like a big deal. Then, several hours later, the pain intensifies. You can barely move your neck, and you feel dizzy. When you finally go to the doctor, you find out you have whiplash and a concussion.

Dealing with the Insurance Company

You can file a personal injury claim for compensation after the accident. However, since you waited to get medical attention, the insurance company isn’t taking you seriously.

The insurance adjuster offers you an incredibly low settlement. They tell you that you won’t get more compensation than what they’re offering. Without knowledge of injury law, you don’t know how to fight for more compensation. You’re tempted to just take whatever you can to cover your costs.

The above is a minor example, but the injuries are still significant. They can affect your daily life and ability to work. Plus, medical costs are often substantial even for “minor” injuries. Without a layer, you could leave money on the table — or not get a settlement at all.

How Soon Should You Talk to a Boat/Jet Ski Accident Lawyer?

There is a statute of limitations for personal injury cases. In Georgia, you have two years to file your claim (Georgia Code Section 9-3-33). But it’s best to start as soon as possible.

If you miss the deadline, you won’t be able to recover any compensation. Keep in mind that building a case takes time. Your lawyer will need to:

• Investigate your boat or jet ski accident.
• Gather evidence from the accident.
• Determine the full worth of your damages.
• Build a strong injury claim before filing.

Plus, you can lose vital evidence quickly. For example, you might need pictures from the scene or witness testimony. Memories can fade quickly, and someone can easily clean up an accident scene.

Your lawyer will also need time to investigate the situation thoroughly. Don’t wait. Schedule a consultation with an experienced lawyer immediately.

What Else Should You Do After a Boating or Jet Ski Accident?

Besides contacting a lawyer, see a doctor as soon as possible. If you wait too long, it will hurt your case. A doctor can determine your injuries and treatment needs.

Here are some other steps to take after your accident:

• Call 911 to report the collision.
• Check yourself for any injuries.
• Check on everyone else involved in the accident. Call for any needed emergency medical treatment.
• Get contact information from the boat or jet ski operator(s).
• If you have your phone on you, take pictures of the scene and your injuries.
• Ask any witnesses for their names and contact information.
• Ask the police if they are making a report and how you can get a copy.

Overall, it’s best to hire a boat/jet ski accident lawyer, even if your damages are minor. If you’re still unsure, at least schedule a consultation to learn more.

Accident lawyers generally do not charge you unless they win you a settlement. When you hire them, there is no upfront cost to you. Plus, you don’t pay out-of-pocket at any time. Their fee is simply a percentage of whatever they win you.

Talk to a Boat/Jet Ski Accident Lawyer for Free Today

John Foy & Associates is one of the largest and more respected injury firms in Georgia. We have 20-plus years of experience helping injured individuals. Our number one goal is to get you the compensation you deserve.

We do not collect a fee unless we win your case. Plus, the consultation is always FREE. To schedule your FREE consultation today, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.