How to File a Boat Accident Claim

Boating can be thrilling and enjoyable, but when you're not careful it can quickly become deadly. Boats must adhere to strict safety regulations to prevent injuries.

If you've been injured as a result of an accident on the water, then you could be eligible for compensation for medical expenses as well as property damage. To increase your chances of winning get in touch with a professional New York boat accident attorney.

1. Gather Evidence

The most important thing to do following a boating accident is to gather evidence and contact an attorney. It is also important to seek medical attention immediately in the event of any injuries that could have occurred. To support a claim medical records and other evidence is required. This includes both future and present medical expenses as well as loss of earnings or earning potential, property damage, and non-economic damages like suffering and pain.

Photos and video footage are valuable in preserving physical evidence at the scene of an accident. Eyewitness testimony is another vital element of evidence, as it can provide important information about the reason for a collision that might otherwise be omitted. Police and incident reports can be used to determine the time line of what happened in the incident.

A skilled lawyer can analyze the evidence and determine who might be accountable for victim's injuries and related losses. A boating accident negligence claim typically involves multiple parties including the boat driver and the owner or manufacture of the watercraft.

A reputable attorney can manage all communications between the insurance company and the victim involved in the claim for compensation of the victim. A lawyer can assist 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

When a boating accident occurs the first thing you must do is ensure that everyone involved is safe. The next step is to contact the local police and boat accident attorney make a report. In accordance with the state laws and regulations, you may have 48 hours to make an official report in the event of death or serious injury that requires medical treatment beyond basic first aid. You could also be granted ten days if you are unable to find the boat or if the incident results in more than $2,000 worth of damage.

It is also recommended that you remain at the site of the accident to help other boats or individuals when possible without endangering your own safety or that of the victims. This will enable the law enforcement officer to record crucial details, including how the accident happened and who was on the boat at the time of crash and the cause of the crash.

Even well-trained and experienced boaters could be involved in an accident on the water because of someone else's negligence. A knowledgeable attorney can determine the negligent party accountable for your injuries and help you pursue compensation. Recoverable damages typically include your medical expenses, property damage and financial losses. In addition, an action against the accountable party could lead to monetary compensation for your pain, suffering, loss of quality of life, and other emotional pains that can be associated with the crash.

3. Check for damage

After medical professionals have examined the injuries of everyone and are in a safe location it is crucial to look at the damage to the boat. This is when you start thinking about your insurance policy and what it covers.

A surveyor will be assigned to your claim and will visit to assess any damage caused by the accident. The surveyor will then compare the information you initially provided to the damage and begin to determine the value of the damages.

Most boat accidents are caused by a combination of factors and it's not always possible to control all of them. If there was a defect on the boat, you could be eligible to file a claim for product responsibility against the company that manufactured the boat.

In these situations it is vital to find a lawyer who has experience handling boating cases as they can create an air-tight case that proves that the manufacturer was accountable for the accident.

It is important to remember that various types of boats are covered in different ways by insurance policies. For instance, homeowners insurance will typically only cover smaller boats with an engine with less than 50 HP. This means that jet skis, airboats as well as larger vessels will not be covered by homeowner's insurance.

4. Contact an attorney

As soon as you are secured and have seen a medical professional regarding injuries, be sure to inform your insurance company. Even if there is no police report, you will have to notify your insurance company. It is important to be aware of your information since insurance companies will often try and determine who is at fault for the accident. This can reduce the amount of compensation you receive. The NYC lawyer for boating accidents at Mirman, Markovits & Landau will fight hard to debunk these claims and reduce the amount of fault given to you.

If you're able, it is a good idea to collect information about the other boat owners or operators that were involved in the crash. Included in this information is their name, address and phone number and any insurance details. It is also beneficial to keep a copy of the accident report filed.

Boat accidents can be terrifying and may cause serious injuries. They can cause substantial medical bills as well as lost wages and other damage. The parties responsible must be held accountable for any harm they caused. The at-fault parties and insurance companies won't offer you the compensation you deserve willingly Therefore, it is crucial to seek out an experienced New York injury attorney as early as you can. This allows you to concentrate on getting better and level the playing fields.