12. Remedies.—
The most usual remedy employed in cases of collision is that afforded by the Limited Liability Law.[22] This gives the shipowner the right to call all damage claimants into one court and dispose of everything in a single proceeding, thus eliminating a multiplicity of suits in different jurisdictions. The question of fault may be litigated in this proceeding and it may be commenced either before or after the commencement of other actions. Injured parties, if they choose, may sue at common law as in other cases of negligence. The more effective remedies, however, are in admiralty. They may there proceed directly against the ship, or the ship and master together, or against the master or the owner alone, personally. The master of the injured ship may bring the suit in his own name on behalf of all concerned, including the cargo. Underwriters who have paid for losses caused by collision become subrogated to the rights of their assured and may sue accordingly.