How to File a Boat Accident Claim

Boating is often fun and thrilling, but it can quickly turn deadly if not careful. Like cars, boats must adhere to strict safety guidelines to avoid injuries.

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

1. Gather Evidence

When someone is involved in a boating accident the first step is to collect evidence and then contact an attorney. It is also important to seek medical attention as soon as possible for any injuries that may have occurred. To support a claim medical records and other evidence are needed. This includes future and current medical expenses as well as loss of earnings or earning potential, damage to property 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 a crucial element of evidence, as it can give valuable information about the cause of an accident that could otherwise be omitted. You could also rely on police reports and incident reports to create an outline of the timeframe.

A skilled lawyer can analyze the evidence and determine who could be responsible for victim's injuries and other losses. A successful negligence case for an accident on the water usually involves multiple liable parties which includes the boat's operator and the owner or manufacturer of the watercraft.

A reputable lawyer will manage all communication with insurance companies that will be involved in a victim's claim for compensation. An attorney can prevent victims from revealing information that could be used against them in court, and they can assist victims obtain fair settlement offers for their damages.

2. Report a crime

The first thing you should do following a boating accident is to ensure that everyone is safe. Then, you should contact the police in your area and file a formal report. Depending on the state laws and regulations you may only have 48 hours to make reports in the event of serious injury or death needing medical attention above first aid. You could also get 10 days to file if not able to locate the boat or if the incident results in more than $2,000 of damage.

You should also be at the site of the accident to help other boats or people if you can, without putting at risk your own safety or that of the victims. This will allow the police officer to record important information like the manner in which the collision occurred and who was onboard at the time of the crash and the cause.

Unfortunately, even highly trained and experienced boaters may be involved in accidents on the water due to the negligence of another. A knowledgeable attorney can determine the responsible party for your damages, and help you pursue compensation. Property damage, medical expenses and financial losses are all recoverable damages. Moreover, filing an action against the accountable party could result in financial compensation for your pain, suffering, as well as loss of quality of life and other emotional issues that come along with the crash.

3. Inspect the Damages

After medical experts have examined all the injuries sustained by everyone and determined that they are all in a safe spot It is imperative to take a careful review of the damage to the kentucky boat accident attorney. This is when you start looking at your insurance policy and what it will cover.

A surveyor will be assigned to your claim and will come out to inspect the damage caused by the accident. The surveyor will evaluate the information you initially provided with the damage and start figuring out 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 in the vessel itself it might be possible to make a claim for product liability against the company that produced the boat.

In these instances you require an attorney with experience boating claims. They can help you build an argument that can prove the manufacturer is accountable for the accident.

It is also important to keep in mind that different types of boats are governed differently by an insurance policy. Homeowners insurance, for example typically covers small boats with engines under 50 HP. This means that airboats, jet skis, and larger vessels won't be covered by homeowner's insurance.

4. Contact an attorney

Notify your insurance company when you feel secure and have visited a doctor for any injuries. Even if you don't have a police report, you will still have to inform your insurance company. It is important to be aware of your information as the insurance companies often try and determine who is responsible for the accident. This can reduce the amount of compensation you are granted. The NYC lawyers for boating accidents at Mirman Markovits & Landau work hard to challenge and limit these claims.

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

Boat accidents can be terrifying and cause serious injuries. They can cause significant medical bills along with lost wages and other damages. The responsible party should be held accountable for the harm they caused you. The at-fault parties and insurance companies will not offer you the compensation you deserve and Sioux City Boat Accident Lawsuit it is therefore essential to consult a seasoned New York injury attorney as soon as you can. This will help level the playing field and allow you to focus on getting well.