How to File a Boat Accident Claim

Boating can be thrilling and enjoyable, but if you are not careful it can quickly become deadly. Boats must also adhere to strict safety guidelines to avoid injuries.

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

1. Gather Evidence

When someone is involved in an accident while on a boat the first step is to gather evidence and get in touch with an attorney. It is also crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible in the event of any injuries that could have occurred. Medical records and other evidence are necessary to support a claim for damages including future and current medical expenses in addition to loss of income earning potential, property damage and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

Photos and video footage can help preserve evidence from the scene of a boating accident. Eyewitness testimony is a crucial element of evidence, since it can give valuable information about the cause of a collision that would otherwise be overlooked. You can also use police reports and incident reports to establish the timeline.

A seasoned lawyer can scrutinize the evidence and determine who could be responsible for victim's injuries as well as the associated expenses. A boating accident negligence case usually involves multiple parties, including the boat driver and the manufacturer or owner of the watercraft.

A reputable attorney will manage all communications between the insurance company and the victim involved in the victim's compensation claim. A lawyer can assist victims not to say anything that could be used against them in the courts, and can assist victims in obtaining fair settlement offers for damages.

2. File a report

When a boating incident occurs, the first thing you must do is make sure that everyone is secure. The next step is to contact the police in your area and file a formal report. Depending on state laws and regulations, you may have 48 hours to file reports if the accident results in death or injury that requires medical attention above basic first aid. Alternatively, you may have 10 days to file a report in the event that the accident causes more than $2,000 of damage or the boat is lost.

You should also stay at the scene of the accident to help other boats or individuals if possible without endangering your own safety or that of the victims. This will enable the law enforcement officer to note crucial details, including the circumstances of the accident and who was on board at the time of crash, and what it caused.

Even well-trained and experienced boaters can be involved in accidents on the water due to negligence of another. An experienced lawyer can identify the negligent party accountable for the damages you suffered, and assist you pursue compensation. Property damage, medical expenses and financial losses are all recoverable damages. A lawsuit against the responsible party may also result in monetary compensation for your pain and discomfort and loss of quality of life, and emotional distress associated with the incident.

3. Inspect the Damages

After medical professionals have examined everyone's injuries, and they are all in a safe area, it is important to take a careful review of the damage to the boat. This is the time to start contemplating your insurance policy and what it will cover.

A surveyor will be assigned to your claim. They will come out to assess the damage caused by the accident. The surveyor will evaluate what you originally reported to the damage and begin calculating the value of the damages.

It is impossible to control every aspect that could cause a boat accident. If there was a defect on the Greensburg Boat Accident Attorney, you may be eligible to file a claim for product liability against the company that manufactured the boat.

In these situations it is imperative to retain a lawyer that has experience handling boating cases because they can build an air-tight defense that proves that the manufacturer is responsible for the accident.

It is also important to keep in mind that different types of boats are covered in different ways by an insurance policy. For example homeowners insurance is typically only cover smaller boats with an engine that is 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

Notify your insurance company immediately after you feel secure and have visited an emergency room for any injuries. Even if you don't have a police report, you'll still have to inform your insurance company. Be cautious when you give information to insurance companies as they will often try to assign blame for an accident. This can limit the amount of compensation paid. The NYC lawyers who handle boating accidents at Mirman, Markovits & Landau will fight hard to debunk these claims and reduce the amount of fault attributable to you.

If you are able, it is a good idea to collect information about the other boat owners or operators that were involved in the crash. This includes their address, name along with their phone number and insurance information. It is also beneficial to have a copy the boating accident report that is filed.

pocola boat accident law firm accidents can be scary and cause serious injuries. They can lead to substantial medical expenses, lost wages, and even damages. The responsible parties should be held accountable for any harm they caused. 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 help to level the playing field and allow you to focus on getting well.