How to File a Boat Accident Claim

Boating can be thrilling and enjoyable, however should you not be careful, it could turn dangerous. Like automobiles, boats must abide by 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

If you are involved in a boating accident, the most important step is to gather evidence and get in touch with an attorney. It is also important to seek medical treatment immediately in the event of any injuries that could have occurred. In order to support a claim medical records and other evidence is required. This includes both future and boat accident present medical expenses, loss of earnings or earning potential, property damage and non-economic losses like suffering and pain.

Video and photos can be useful in preserving physical evidence at the scene of an accident. Eyewitness testimony can be an invaluable piece of evidence as it provides details about the incident that could otherwise go unnoticed. You could also rely on police reports and incident reports to establish the timeline.

A lawyer with experience can scrutinize the evidence to determine which parties could be liable for the victim's injuries or losses. A claim for negligence in a boating accident typically involves multiple parties including the driver of the boat and the manufacturer or owner of the watercraft.

A reputable lawyer is able to manage all communications with insurance providers who are involved in a victim's claim to compensation. An attorney can deter victims from saying anything that could be used against their case in court. they can also assist victims receive fair settlement offers for their damages.

2. Report a crime

If a boating accident happens, the first thing you need to do is ensure that everyone involved is secure. After that, you need to contact local law enforcement officials and make a report of the incident. According to state laws and regulations, you may be given 48 hours to submit reports if the accident resulted in injury or death that requires medical attention beyond basic first aid. You may also have 10 days to file if in a position to not locate the boat or if the incident causes more than $2,000 worth of damage.

It is also recommended that you remain at the scene of the accident to assist other boats or people if feasible without risking your own safety or that of the victims. This will enable the police officer to take note of important details such as how the accident occurred and who was on board at the time of the collision and the cause.

Even well-trained and experienced boaters could be involved in accidents on the water due to the negligence of another. An experienced attorney can assist you in identifying the responsible party responsible for the damage and seek compensation. Medical expenses, property damage and boat accident financial losses are all recoverable damages. A lawsuit against the party responsible could also result in monetary compensation for your pain and discomfort or loss of quality life, and emotional trauma that is caused by the accident.

3. Check for damage

After medical professionals have evaluated the injuries of everyone, and they are all in a safe location, it is important to take a careful look at the damage that has been done to the boat. This is the time to start thinking about your insurance policy and what it will cover.

A surveyor will be assigned your claim and will visit to inspect any damage incurred by the accident. The surveyor will then compare the damage with the ones originally described by you. They will then determine how much the damage could be worth.

It is impossible to control every factor that can cause a boat accident law firm crash. If there was a manufacturer defect within the vessel itself it is possible to bring a claim of product liability against the manufacturer of the boat.

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

It is important to remember that different types of boats are covered by different insurance policies. For instance homeowners insurance is typically only cover smaller boats that have an engine with less than 50 HP. Homeowner's insurance does not cover jet skis, larger vessels or airboats.

4. Contact an Attorney

Inform your insurance company when you feel safe and have been to an emergency room for any injuries. It is likely that you will need to notify them even if no police report is filed. It is essential to be aware of your information because insurance companies will often attempt to determine who is responsible for the accident. This could decrease the amount of compensation that you receive. The NYC lawyers who handle boating accidents at Mirman Markovits & Landau work hard to challenge and limit these claims.

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

Boat accidents can be a nightmare and may cause serious injury. They can cause significant medical expenses, lost wages, and even damages. Those who are responsible must be held accountable for the harm they caused you. You won't receive the amount you are due if you don't speak with an experienced New York injury lawyer as soon as you can. This will allow you to focus on getting better and level the playing field.