How to File a Boat Accident Claim

Boating can be exciting and fun, but should you not be careful, it could quickly turn deadly. Boats must adhere to strict safety rules to avoid injuries.

If you have been injured in a boating incident you could be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses as well as for property damage. To increase your chances of winning, contact a qualified New York boat accident attorney.

1. Gather Evidence

The most important thing you can do following an accident on the water is to collect evidence and then contact an attorney. It is also essential to seek medical treatment immediately in the event of any injuries that could have occurred. To support a claim, medical records and other evidence is needed. This includes future and current medical expenses in addition to loss of earnings or earning potential, property damage as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

Videos and photos can help preserve evidence from the scene of a boating accident. Eyewitness testimony is yet another important element of evidence, as it can provide crucial information about the cause of an accident that could otherwise be missed. You could also rely on police reports and incident reports to create an outline of the timeframe.

A lawyer with experience is able to review the evidence and determine which parties may be responsible for the victim's injuries or losses. A boating accident negligence case usually involves multiple parties, including the boat driver and the owner or manufacture of the watercraft.

An experienced attorney is able to manage all communications between the insurance company and the victim involved in the claim for compensation of the victim. An attorney can prevent victims from revealing information that could be used against them in court. Additionally, they can assist victims receive fair settlement offers for their losses.

2. Make a Report

The first thing to do following a boating accident is to ensure that everyone is secure. Then, you should call local law enforcement and complete a report on the incident. Based on the laws of your state and regulations you may only be given 48 hours to file an official report in the event of serious injury or death needing medical attention above first aid. Additionally, you may be given 10 days to file a claim in the event of more than $2,000 worth of damage or the boat is lost.

It is also recommended that you remain at the scene of the accident and assist other boats or people if you can, without putting at risk your own safety or that of the victims. This will allow police officers to take note of crucial details, boat accident attorney including what caused the accident, who was aboard at the time of crash and what caused it.

Unfortunately, even highly trained and experienced boaters can be involved in accidents on the water due to the negligence of another. An experienced attorney can pinpoint the negligent party accountable for the damages you suffered, and assist you seek compensation. The types of damages that are recoverable include medical expenses, property damage, and financial losses. In addition, an action against the accountable party could lead to monetary compensation for your pain, suffering, as well as loss of quality of life, and other emotional distresses associated with the crash.

3. Inspect the Damages

After medical professionals have examined all the injuries sustained by everyone and determined that they are all in a safe place, it is important that you take a close look at the damage done to the boat. It is now time to think about your insurance policy.

A surveyor will be assigned to your claim and will be sent out to inspect the damage caused by the accident. He or she will compare the initial report to the damage and then begin to determine the value of the damage.

It is impossible to control every factor that could cause a boat accident. However, if there was a defect by the manufacturer in the vessel, it may be possible to pursue a product liability claim against the company that manufactured the boat.

In these instances it is crucial to hire a lawyer who has experience handling boating cases because they are able to create an airtight case that proves that the manufacturer is responsible for the accident.

It is important to remember that different types of boats are insured by different policies. Insurance for homeowners, for instance typically covers small boats that have engines less than 50 HP. This means that jet skis, airboats and larger vessels will not be covered by homeowner's insurance.

4. Contact an attorney

When you are secured and have seen an medical professional for injuries, ensure that you inform your insurance company. Even if there is no police report, you will still need to notify your insurance company. It is important to be careful with your information because insurance companies are often trying to attempt to determine who is at fault for the accident. This could decrease the amount of compensation you receive. The NYC lawyer for boating accidents at Mirman Markovits & Landau work hard to disprove and limit these claims.

If you can you, it's a good idea to gather information about the other boat operators or owners that were involved in the crash. Included in this information are their name, address and telephone number along with any insurance information. It is also useful to have a copy the accident report filed.

Boat accidents can be frightening and can cause serious injuries. They can result in significant medical expenses loss of wages, boat accident attorney and other damage. The responsible party are accountable for the harm they have caused you. You won't get the compensation you deserve if you don't seek out an experienced New York injury lawyer as soon as possible. This will allow you to concentrate on gaining more and level the playing field.