How to File a Boat Accident Claim

Boating can be exciting and enjoyable, but If you're not careful, it can quickly turn deadly. Just like cars, boats must adhere to strict safety rules to prevent injuries.

If you've been injured in a boating incident you could be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses as well as for property damage. Contact a New York boat accident lawyer to increase your odds of winning.

1. Gather Evidence

When someone is involved in an accident while boating the first step is to collect evidence and speak with an attorney. It is also important to seek medical treatment immediately for any injuries that might have occurred. Medical records and other evidence are necessary to support claims for damages, such as current and future medical costs and loss of income or earning potential, property damage and other non-economic damages such as suffering and pain.

Videos and photos can be used to preserve physical evidence from the scene of a boating accident. Eyewitness testimony is another vital element of evidence, Spring Lake Boat Accident Law Firm since it can provide valuable details about the reason for a collision that would otherwise be overlooked. Police and incident reports can also be used to determine the chronology of what transpired in the particular case.

A knowledgeable lawyer will review the evidence and determine who could be responsible for victim's injuries as well as the associated losses. A boating accident negligence case typically involves multiple parties including the menasha boat accident law firm's driver as well as the owner or manufacture of the watercraft.

A reputable lawyer will handle all communication with insurance companies who are involved in a victim's claim to compensation. A lawyer can assist victims to avoid saying anything that could be used against them in a court of law, and can assist victims in obtaining fair settlements for damages.

2. Report a crime

When a boating incident occurs the first thing to do is make sure that everyone is safe. Then, you should contact the local law enforcement agency and fill out a report about the incident. In accordance with the state laws and regulations you may only have 48 hours to file a report in case of death or serious injury that requires medical attention beyond basic first aid. You may also be able to file a report within 10 days to file if not able to locate the boat or if the incident causes more than $2,000 in damage.

If you can, remain at the scene of the accident to assist other boats or people, without risking your safety or the safety of the victims in danger. This will permit the law enforcement officer to keep track of crucial details like how the collision occurred and who was aboard at the time of the crash, and what caused it.

Unfortunately, even well-trained and experienced boaters could be involved in accidents on the water because of the negligence of someone else. An experienced attorney can pinpoint the negligent party responsible for your injuries, and assist you seek compensation. The damages that are recoverable typically include medical expenses, property damage, and financial losses. Additionally, bringing an action against the accountable person could result in monetary recovery for your pain and suffering, loss of quality of life and other emotional traumas that are associated with the crash.

3. Inspect the Damages

After medical professionals have assessed all injuries and are all in a safe spot, it is important to take a closer review of the damage to the Fairview Boat Accident Attorney. It is now time to think about your insurance policy.

A surveyor will be assigned to your claim and will visit to assess any damage caused by the accident. They will compare the information you initially provided to the damage, and then begin to determine the value of the damage.

It is impossible to control every factor that can lead to a boating accident. If there was a defect by the manufacturer within the vessel itself, it may be possible to bring a claim of product liability against the company that manufactured the boat.

In these cases you require an attorney with experience boating claims. They can put together an argument that can prove the manufacturer was responsible for the accident.

It is also important to keep in mind that various types of boats are governed differently by insurance policies. For instance, homeowners insurance will typically only cover smaller boats that have an engine which is less than 50 HP. This means that airboats, jet skis as well as larger vessels will not be covered by homeowner's insurance.

4. Contact an attorney

Inform your insurance company immediately after you feel safe and have seen an emergency room for any injuries. You'll likely have to do so even there is no police report filed. You should be careful when supplying details to insurance companies, because they are likely to try to determine who is responsible for an accident. This can reduce the amount of compensation that you receive. The NYC lawyers for boating accidents at Mirman Markovits & Landau work hard to debunk and limit these claims.

It is beneficial to gather as the information you can on the other boat owners or operators involved in the accident. This includes their name, address telephone number, and insurance details. It is also beneficial to have a copy the accident report filed.

Boat accidents can be scary and can result in serious injuries. They can be a source of massive medical expenses, loss of wages, and damage. The responsible parties must be held accountable for any harm they caused. You won't receive the compensation you deserve if do not consult a seasoned New York injury lawyer as soon as you can. This can help level the playing field and allow you to concentrate on healing.