How to File a Boat Accident Claim

Boating can be enjoyable and thrilling, but it can quickly turn deadly if you're not cautious. Like cars, boats must adhere to strict safety rules to avoid injuries.

If you've been injured in an accident on the water, you may be eligible for compensation for medical expenses and property damage. To increase your chances of success, contact a qualified New York brookfield boat accident lawyer accident attorney.

1. Gather Evidence

If someone is involved in a boating accident the first step is to gather evidence and speak with an attorney. It is also important to seek medical treatment immediately for any injuries. Medical documents and other evidence are needed to prove the claim for damages such as current and future medical costs, loss of income or earning potential, property damage and other non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.

Photos and video footage are useful in preserving physical evidence at the scene of an accident. Eyewitness testimony is yet another important element of evidence, since it can provide crucial information regarding the cause of an accident that could otherwise be missed. You can also use police and incident reports to create a time line.

A lawyer with expertise can review the evidence to identify the parties that could be responsible for the victim's injuries or losses. A lawsuit for negligence arising from a boating accident typically involves multiple parties including the boat's driver as well as the owner or manufacture of the watercraft.

A reputable attorney can manage all communications between the insurance company and the victim involved in the victim's compensation claim. An attorney can impede victims from revealing information that could be used against them in court, and they can also assist victims get fair settlements for their damages.

2. File a Report

The first thing to do following a boating accident is to make sure everyone is secure. The next step is to contact the police at the scene and file a formal report. Depending on state laws and regulations, you may have up to 48 hours in which to file an official report if the incident results in injury or death that requires medical attention beyond basic first aid. You could also have 10 days to file a claim in the event that the accident causes more than $2,000 of damage or if the boat is destroyed.

If you can, stay at the site of the accident to help other boats or persons without putting your safety or that of the victims in jeopardy. This will enable the law enforcement officer to record important details, like the circumstances of the accident, who was aboard at the time of crash and the reason for the crash.

Even well-trained and experienced boaters can be involved in accidents on the water because of negligence of another. An experienced lawyer can identify the negligent party responsible for your damages, and help you seek compensation. Property damage, medical expenses and financial losses are all recoverable damages. In addition, an action against the accountable person could result in monetary reimbursement for your pain and suffering, as well as loss of quality of life, and other emotional traumas that are associated with the crash.

3. Check for damage

After medical experts have examined all the injuries sustained by everyone and determined that they are all in a safe spot It is essential that you take a thorough look at the damage that has been done to the boat. Now is the time to start thinking about your insurance policy.

A surveyor will be assigned to your claim and will visit to examine any damage that was caused by the accident. He or she will compare what you initially reported to the damage and then begin to calculate the value of the damage.

Most Wildwood Boat Accident Attorney accidents result from a combination of factors which means it's impossible to control all of them. If there was a defect by the manufacturer in the vessel itself it is possible to bring a claim of product liability against the company that manufactured the boat.

In these situations, you need a lawyer with experience in boating claims. They can create a strong case that proves the manufacturer is accountable for the accident.

It is important to remember that different types of boats are covered differently by insurance policies. Homeowners insurance, for example typically covers small boats with engines less than 50 HP. The homeowner's insurance policy does not cover jet skis, larger vessels or airboats.

4. Contact an Attorney

As soon as you are safe and have seen an medical professional for injuries, be sure to notify your insurance company. You will likely need to notify them even when no police report has been filed. It is important to be careful with your information because insurance companies frequently try and assign blame for the incident. This could reduce the amount of compensation you are granted. The NYC lawyers who handle boating accidents at Mirman, Markovits & Landau will do their best to disprove these claims and reduce the amount of fault assigned to you.

If you're able then it's a great idea to get information from the other boat operators or owners involved in the accident. This includes their name, address telephone number, and insurance details. It is also useful to have a copy the accident report filed.

Boat accidents can be frightening and can cause serious injuries. They can lead to significant medical costs, lost earnings and damages. Those who are responsible have to be held accountable for the harm they caused you. The at-fault parties and insurance companies are not likely to provide the compensation you're entitled to Therefore, it is crucial to speak with an experienced New York injury attorney as soon as you can. This can help level the playing field and allow you to focus on getting well.