When in Need of a Child Support LawyerWhen in Need of a Child Support Lawyer

About Me

When in Need of a Child Support Lawyer

Welcome to my blog. I’m Lorna Elliot. My husband and I divorced three years ago. We had been married for ten years and had two children together. Our divorce was fine at first, but then he stopped paying child support. What do you do when the father of your children stops paying child support? Or, you find out that your ex-husband who never paid child support now has a full-time job? It would be nice if, as the parents of the same children, you could come together and make adjustments to your original child support agreement. But this doesn’t usually happen and when it doesn’t, finding a lawyer is the way to proceed. This is what I’ve had to do, and I want to share my experience with you.

Maritime Lawyer: Injured By A Drunk Boater

9 January 2023
 Categories: Law, Blog

The high seas have one thing in common with the roads, one intoxicated individual behind the wheel can ruin your day. If you've been injured by a drunk boater, a maritime lawyer can maximize the value of your case to restore both your property and health.

Here are some steps to take when working with a maritime lawyer after sustaining injuries from a drunk boater.

Get Law Enforcement Involved

Many boating accidents are tougher to litigate because law enforcement is sometimes not involved the same way they would be if the accident happened on the roads. It's important to remember that most states have similar penalties and laws for drunk boating and drunk driving.

  • Sheriff: most maritime accidents are in the jurisdiction of the sheriff. The moment the accident happens, call 911. The operator will connect you to first responders to treat your injuries and report the incident to law enforcement. To make sure that your assailant doesn't escape before help arrives, snap pictures of their boat with your phone and/or have someone record the scene with their phone. When your maritime lawyer begins to litigate your case, they will need the boat's registration number and accurate information about who was driving the boat(s) involved in the accident.
  • Get a Report: even if the assailant flees the scene before law enforcement arrives, request a report for the incident. Having the report will allow your maritime lawyer to reference your case with law enforcement and begin building your case.
  • Breathalyzer Test: if you are the driver of the boat struck by a drunk boater, you should also request a breathalyzer test. This will prove that you were not intoxicated, which is often the defense the perpetrators use when they build their defense.

Claims, Damages, and Settlements

Once your maritime lawyer begins working on your case, follow these steps.

  • Claim: a maritime lawyer can help you file a claim against the drunk boater and their insurance company. This can help you get the compensation you need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
  • Expenses: make sure to keep track of all expenses related to your injury, including medical bills, lost wages, and any other out-of-pocket costs. This will be important when it comes time to pursue compensation.
  • Settlements: although tempting, don't accept any settlement offers without consulting a lawyer. The insurance company may try to offer you a settlement to resolve the matter quickly. It's important to speak with a maritime lawyer before accepting any settlement offers, as they may not fully compensate you for your injuries and damages. 

For more information, contact a local maritime lawyer.