How to File a Boat Accident Claim

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

If you've suffered injuries in an accident while on the boat accident lawsuits, you could be eligible for compensation for medical expenses and property damage. Contact a New York boat accident lawyer to increase your chances of winning.

1. Gather Evidence

When someone is involved in an accident while boating, the most important step is to gather evidence and get in touch with an attorney. You should seek medical assistance immediately for any injuries. Medical records and other evidence are necessary to support the claim for damages like future and current medical costs, loss of income or earning potential, property damage, and other non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.

Videos and photos are useful in preserving physical evidence at the scene of an accident. Eyewitness testimony can be a valuable evidence piece as it provides details about the incident that could otherwise go unnoticed. Police and incident reports can also be used to establish a time line of what happened in the case.

A knowledgeable lawyer will review the evidence and determine which parties could be responsible for victim's injuries and related expenses. A successful negligence claim for a boating accident usually involves multiple parties that are liable, including the boat's operator as well as the manufacturer or owner of the watercraft.

A reputable attorney will manage all communications between insurance companies and victims involved in the victim's compensation claim. A lawyer can help victims to avoid saying anything that could be used against them in the court of law, and can assist victims in obtaining fair settlement offers for damages.

2. Report a crime

If a boating accident happens the first thing you should do is ensure that everyone is secure. The next step is to contact the local police department and submit a police report. According to the laws of the state and regulations, you could only have 48 hours to make reports in the event of death or serious injury that requires medical treatment beyond basic first aid. You may also have 10 days to file a report if you are unable to find the boat or if the incident results in more than $2,000 worth of damages.

If you are able, be at the scene to help other boats or individuals without risking your own safety or the safety of the victim in danger. This will allow the police officer to keep track of crucial details like how the accident happened, who was onboard at the time of the crash and the reason for it.

Even well-trained and experienced boaters may be involved in accidents on the water due to the negligence of another. A knowledgeable attorney can determine the negligent party responsible for Boat Accident Lawyer your injuries, and assist you pursue compensation. The types of damages that are recoverable include medical expenses, property damage and financial losses. Furthermore, filing an action against the accountable person could result in monetary compensation for your pain and suffering, loss of quality of life and other emotional issues that come along with the crash.

3. Inspect the Damages

After medical professionals have examined all injuries and ensured that everyone is in a safe area It is essential to look at the damage to the boat. Now is the time to start thinking about your insurance policy.

A surveyor will be assigned to your claim and will be sent out to inspect any damage incurred by the accident. The surveyor will then compare the damage to the one originally recorded by you. He or she will then begin figuring out the amount of damage that could be worth.

It is impossible to control every aspect that causes a boat accident. However, if there was a defect by the manufacturer on the boat itself it could be possible to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer of the boat.

In these situations it is vital to retain a lawyer that has experience in handling boating claims because they are able to create an air-tight case that proves that the manufacturer was responsible for the accident.

It is also important to keep in mind that various kinds of boats are covered differently by an insurance policy. For instance homeowners insurance will generally only cover smaller boats with an engine with less than 50 HP. This means that airboats, jet skis and larger vessels will not be covered by homeowner's insurance.

4. Contact an Attorney

Inform your insurance company immediately after you feel safe and have visited a doctor for any injuries. You'll likely have to do so even there is no police report filed. It is important to be aware of your information as the insurance companies often try and determine who is at fault for the accident. This can decrease the amount of compensation you receive. The NYC lawyer for boating accidents at Mirman Markovits & Landau work hard to debunk and limit these claims.

If you can, it is a good idea to gather information about the other boat operators or owners involved in the crash. Included in this information are their names, addresses and telephone number along with any insurance details. It is also helpful to have a copy the accident report filed.

Boat accidents can be frightening and may cause serious injury. They can be a source of significant medical expenses, lost wages and damages. The parties responsible for the injury must be held accountable for any harm that they cause. You won't be able to receive the amount you are due if you do not consult a seasoned New York injury lawyer as soon as possible. This can help level the playing field and allow you to concentrate on healing.