How to File a Boat Accident Claim

Boating can be exciting and fun, but should you not be careful, it could turn dangerous. Boats must also abide by strict safety rules to avoid injuries.

If you've been injured in a boating incident you could be entitled to compensation for medical bills and property damage. To increase your chances of success seek out a skilled New York boat accident attorney.

1. Gather Evidence

If someone is involved in an accident while boating the first step is to collect evidence and contact an attorney. It is also important to seek medical attention right away in the event of any injuries that could have occurred. Medical documents and other evidence are required to prove claims for damages, such as future and present medical costs, loss of income or earning potential, property damage, and non-economic damages like suffering and pain.

Video and photos are useful in preserving physical evidence at the scene of an accident. Eyewitness testimony is a crucial element of evidence, since it can give valuable information regarding the cause of the collision that may be missed. You can also use police reports and incident reports to create a timeline.

A lawyer who is experienced is able to review the evidence and determine which parties could be responsible for the victim's injuries or losses. A successful negligence claim in an accident involving a boat usually involves multiple liable parties, including the boat operator and the owner or manufacturer of the watercraft.

A reputable lawyer can handle all communication with insurance providers who are involved in a victim's claim to compensation. An attorney can impede victims from revealing information that could be used against them in court, and they can assist victims receive fair settlement offers for their damages.

2. File a Report

The first thing you should do following a boating accident is to ensure everyone is safe. Then, you should call local law enforcement and make a report of the incident. Depending on state laws and regulations, you might have 48 hours to file an official report if the incident results in injury or death that requires medical attention above basic first aid. Additionally, you may be given 10 days to file a report if the accident causes more than $2,000 worth of damage or if the boat gets lost.

It is also recommended that you remain at the scene of the accident to help other boats or people if feasible without risking your own safety or that of the victims. This will help the law enforcement officer note important details, such as how the accident happened and who was on board at the time of crash and the cause of the crash.

However, even the most well-trained and experienced boaters could be involved in accidents on the water because of someone else's negligence. An experienced lawyer can identify the negligent party accountable for your injuries and help you seek compensation. Medical expenses, property damage and financial losses are all recoverable damages. Moreover, filing a lawsuit against the responsible party could result in monetary reimbursement for your pain and suffering, loss of quality of life and other emotional distresses associated with the crash.

3. Examine the damages

After medical professionals have assessed all injuries and are all in a safe location It is essential that you take a thorough look at the damage that has been done to the boat. This is when you start considering your insurance policy and what it covers.

A surveyor will be assigned to your claim and will go out to inspect the damage caused by the accident. The surveyor will evaluate what you originally reported to the damage and start figuring out the value of the damage.

Most boat accidents are the result of a mix of causes which means it's impossible to control all of them. If there was a defect in the boat, you may be able to file a claim for product liability against the company who produced the boat.

In these instances it is imperative to retain a lawyer that is familiar with handling boating claims since they can construct an airtight case to prove that the manufacturer was accountable for the accident.

It is also important to keep in mind that different kinds of boats are covered differently by an insurance policy. For example homeowners insurance will usually only cover smaller boats with engines with less than 50 HP. This means that airboats, jet skis and larger vessels won't be covered by homeowner's insurance.

4. Contact an Attorney

Inform your insurance company when you feel secure and have visited an emergency room for any injuries. You'll likely need to notify them even in the absence of a police report filed. You should be careful when supplying information to insurance companies, because they are likely to attempt to determine who is at fault for an accident. This can reduce the amount of compensation that you receive. The NYC boating accident lawyers at Mirman Markovits & Landau work hard to debunk and limit these claims.

It is recommended to gather as all information you can on the other boat accident lawyer owners or operators involved in the incident. Included in this information is their name, address and phone number, as well as any insurance details. It is also beneficial to have a copy the boating accident report that has been filed.

Boat accidents can be scary and can result in serious injuries. They can result in significant medical expenses as well as lost wages and other damage. The parties responsible are accountable for the harm they caused you. You won't receive the compensation you deserve if don't consult an experienced New York injury lawyer as quickly as is possible. This will allow you to concentrate on improving and leveling the playing field.