As a Columbia, MO, resident, chances are you enjoy water-based activities like kayaking, canoeing, swimming, or fishing in the Missouri River, Stephens Lakes, Finger Lakes, Phillips Lakes, or any of the many water bodies around the Ozarks in CoMo. However, all that fun can quickly become disastrous if there is a boat accident. People can get hurt, and boats can get wrecked or damaged. If this happens, injured victims may want to file claims to get compensation for their injuries.
A vital part of recovering compensation is getting eyewitnesses to either corroborate injured victims’ statements or provide unbiased information about the circumstances that led to the boat accident. If you are hurt, you may not be able to do that without the help of an experienced boating accident lawyer. To learn more about the role of witnesses in Columbia, MO boating accident claims, reach out to our team today.
The role of witnesses in a Columbia boating accident injury claim is undisputed. In fact, apart from solid legal representation, eyewitness statements and the accompanying evidence they provide can turn a case in your favor and substantially increase the settlement a victim receives.
There are two types of witnesses: eyewitnesses and expert witnesses. The former probably saw the incident unfolding and watched everything happen. Where possible, they can provide oral or written statements, attest to a party’s character, and assist with video footage, photos, or additional evidence that ultimately paints a picture of what caused the accident.
Expert witnesses, on the other hand, may not have been present at the time of the accident. Still, their subject matter expertise can provide insightful perspectives and information that can influence the outcome of a case. They can, through their testimonies and answers, paint a more accurate picture of the cause of the accident or help clarify a complex detail or information.
In Missouri, a watercraft crash victim can receive compensation for their injuries or losses, provided they are eligible. Some common factors that determine how much you will get as monetary payment include:
Please note that due to Missouri’s pure comparative fault doctrine, even if a victim is 99 percent responsible for the accident through their actions or negligence, they can still recover some compensation. However, their final receivable may be influenced by the extent of liability. For instance, if the court awards the victim $100,000 in damages, but also determines that they were 70 percent responsible, the victim will only receive $30,000.
As a result, it is common for Missouri insurance companies to try to push as much liability as they can on the victim. This way, they can pay less if they succeed. However, with an experienced Columbia boating accident lawyer from AW Smith Law fighting for you and communicating with witnesses, you could recover a significantly higher settlement.
A boating accident in is a very traumatic event. If you sustained catastrophic injuries from the accident, you need money to get proper treatment and provide for your family.
At AW Smith Law, our boating accident lawyers could help you recover compensation that will cover all your losses, even if you are partly liable. And because we work with you on a contingency basis – we only get paid when you do – we will fight extra hard to get you the money you need.
Call us now for a free consultation to discuss the role of witnesses in Columbia, MO boating accident claims.
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