How to File a Boat Accident Claim

Boating can be enjoyable and exciting, but it can quickly become dangerous if not careful. Just like cars, boats need to adhere to strict safety rules to avoid injuries.

If you've suffered injury in an accident on the water, you may be eligible for compensation for medical expenses and property damage. To increase your chances of success you should speak with a reputable New York boat accident attorney.

1. Gather Evidence

The most important thing to do following an accident on the water is to collect evidence and then contact a lawyer. 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 needed to support a claim for damages such as future and present medical expenses as well as loss of income or earning potential, boat accident attorney 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 can be an invaluable evidence source since it provides details about the collision that otherwise would be overlooked. You can also utilize police and incident reports to establish a timeline.

A seasoned lawyer can scrutinize the evidence and determine who might be accountable for victim's injuries or losses. A claim for negligence in a boating accident usually involves multiple parties, including the boat's operator and the manufacturer or owner of the watercraft.

A reputable attorney will handle all communication between victims and insurance providers involved in the victim's compensation claim. A lawyer can assist victims not to say anything that could be used against them in the court of law, and can also help victims obtain fair settlement offers for damages.

2. Report a crime

The first thing you should do after a boating incident is to ensure everyone is secure. Then, you should contact local law enforcement and fill out a report about the incident. Depending on the state laws and regulations, you could only be given 48 hours to file an account in the event of death or serious injury requiring medical treatment above basic first aid. You could also have ten days to file a claim in the event that the accident causes more than $2,000 worth of damage or the boat accident lawsuits is lost.

It is also recommended that you remain at the site of the accident to assist other boats or people if feasible without risking your own safety or the safety of the victims. This will permit the law enforcement officer to record important information like the manner in which the collision took place and who was onboard at the time of the collision and the reason for it.

Even well-trained and experienced boaters can be involved in accidents on the water due to someone else's negligence. A skilled attorney will assist you in identifying the negligent party who caused your damages and pursue compensation. Medical expenses, property damage and financial losses are all recoverable damages. Additionally, bringing an action against the accountable party could result in financial reimbursement for your pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, and boat accident attorney other emotional distresses associated with the crash.

3. Examine the damage

After medical experts have examined everyone's injuries, and they are all in a safe place It is crucial to take a closer look at the damage done to the boat. This is when you begin considering your insurance policy and what it will cover.

A surveyor will be assigned your claim and will visit to inspect any damage caused by the accident. The surveyor will then compare what you originally reported to the damage and begin to calculate the value of the damages.

It is impossible to control every factor that can cause a boat crash. If there was a manufacturing defect in the vessel itself, it may be possible to make a claim for product liability against the company who manufactured the boat.

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

It is also important to note that various kinds of boats are protected differently by an insurance policy. For instance, homeowner's insurance, which covers home owners, will usually only cover small boats with engines below 50 HP. Insurance for homeowners does not cover jet skis, larger vessels or airboats.

4. Contact an attorney

As soon as you are secured and have seen a medical professional regarding injuries, make sure to notify your insurance company. Even if there's no police report, you'll be required to notify your insurance company. It is essential to be careful with your information as the insurance companies frequently attempt to determine who is responsible for the accident. This could reduce the amount of compensation awarded. The NYC lawyers who handle boating accidents at Mirman Markovits & Landau work hard to debunk and limit these claims.

If you're able to, it's a good idea to gather information about the other boat operators or owners who were involved in the crash. This includes their address, name along with their phone number and insurance details. It is also useful to keep a copy of the accident report that has been filed.

Boat accidents can be scary and cause serious injury. They can cause significant medical bills loss of wages, and other damage. The parties responsible for the injury must be accountable for any harm they have caused. You will not get the compensation you deserve if you do not consult a seasoned New York injury lawyer as soon as you can. This will allow you to focus on getting better and level the playing fields.