How to File a Boat Accident Claim

Boating can be enjoyable and exciting, but it can quickly become deadly if not cautious. Just like cars, boats need to adhere to strict safety guidelines to avoid injuries.

If you have been injured in a boating accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills and property damage. Contact a New York boat accident attorney accident lawyer to increase your odds of winning.

1. Gather Evidence

The most important thing to do following an accident on the water is to gather evidence and contact an attorney. Also, seek medical assistance immediately for any injuries. Medical records and other evidence are needed to prove the claim for damages including future and current medical costs in addition to loss of income earning potential, property damage and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

Videos and photos can be useful in preserving physical evidence at the scene of an accident. Eyewitness testimony can be an invaluable piece of evidence since it can provide details about the accident that might otherwise remain unnoticed. Police and incident reports can also be used to establish a timeline of what happened in the incident.

A knowledgeable lawyer will review the evidence and determine who might be accountable for victim's injuries or expenses. A claim for negligence in a boating accident typically involves multiple parties including the boat's driver as well as the owner or manufacture of the watercraft.

An experienced attorney is able to handle all communication between insurance providers and victims involved in the claim for compensation of the victim. An attorney can deter victims from saying anything that could be used against them in court, and they can also assist victims receive fair settlement offers for their losses.

2. Report a crime

The first step after a boating incident is to ensure everyone is secure. You should then call the local police and make a report. Based on the state's laws and regulations, you could have up to 48 hours in which to file a report if the accident causes injury or death which requires medical treatment above basic first aid. Alternatively, you may have 10 days to file a claim when the accident causes more than $2,000 in damage or if the boat is destroyed.

If you can, stay at the accident site to assist other boats or people without risking your safety or the safety of the victims at risk. This will let the law enforcement officer to record crucial details, including how the accident occurred and who was in the boat accident Law Firm at the time of crash, and what it caused.

Unfortunately, even highly trained and experienced boaters could be involved in accidents on the water due to the negligence of another. An experienced attorney can pinpoint the responsible party for your injuries and help you pursue compensation. Damages that can be recovered typically include medical expenses, property damage and financial losses. Moreover, filing an action against the responsible party could result in monetary compensation for your pain, suffering, as well as loss of quality of life and other emotional traumas that are associated with the crash.

3. Inspect the Damages

After medical professionals have evaluated all the injuries sustained by everyone and determined that they are all in a safe spot It is crucial to take a closer review of the damage to the boat accident lawsuit. This is the time to start considering your insurance policy and what it will cover.

A surveyor will be assigned to your claim and will be sent out to examine the damage caused by the accident. He or she will compare what you initially reported to the damage, and then begin calculating the value of the damages.

It is impossible to control every factor that can cause a boat crash. If there was a manufacturer defect in the vessel it might be possible to make a claim for product liability against the company that manufactured the boat.

In these instances it is vital to find a lawyer who has experience in handling boating claims because they are able to create an airtight case to prove that the manufacturer was accountable for the accident.

It is important to remember that various types of boats are covered differently by an insurance policy. Homeowners insurance, for example typically only covers small boats that have engines less than 50 HP. Insurance for homeowners does not cover jet skis, larger vessels or airboats.

4. Contact an attorney

When you are secure and have visited a medical professional for injuries, ensure that you notify your insurance company. You'll likely have to do so even when no police report has been filed. You should be careful when you provide information to insurance companies, as they will often try to determine who is responsible for an accident. This could limit the amount of compensation awarded. The NYC boating accident attorneys at Mirman, Markovits & Landau will be determined to prove these claims and reduce the amount of fault that you are liable for.

If you are able then it's a great idea to get information from the other boat operators or owners involved in the crash. This includes their address, name, phone number and insurance details. It is also beneficial to keep a copy of the accident report that has been filed.

Boat accidents can be scary and can cause serious injuries. They can result in significant medical bills, lost wages and other damages. The responsible party have to be held accountable for the harm they have caused you. You will not get the amount you are due if you don't speak with an experienced New York injury lawyer as soon as you can. This will allow you to focus on getting better and level the playing fields.