How to File a Boat Accident Claim

Boating can be exciting and enjoyable, but If you're not careful, it could turn deadly. Boats must also adhere to strict safety guidelines to avoid injuries.

If you've suffered injuries in an accident while on the boat accidents, you could be eligible for compensation for medical expenses and property damage. To increase your chances of winning seek out a skilled New York boat accident attorney.

1. Gather Evidence

When someone experiences a boating accident the first step is to collect evidence and then contact an attorney. You should seek medical treatment immediately for any injuries. To prove a claim, medical records and other evidence is required. This includes current and future medical expenses, loss of earnings or earning potential, damage to property as well as non-economic damages such as suffering and pain.

Videos and photos are helpful in preserving physical evidence at the scene of an accident. Eyewitness testimony is yet another important evidence source, as it can provide crucial information regarding the cause of the collision that may be missed. You can also use police reports and incident reports to establish an outline of the timeframe.

A lawyer with expertise can review the evidence to determine who is accountable for the victim's injuries or losses. A successful negligence claim in a boating accident typically involves multiple parties that are liable, including the boat's operator as well as the manufacturer or owner of the watercraft.

A reputable lawyer will handle all communication with insurance companies that will be involved in a victim's claim for compensation. A lawyer can assist victims avoid saying anything that can be used against them in the court of law, and also help victims obtain fair settlement offers for damages.

2. Report a problem

When a boating accident occurs the first thing you must do is make sure that everyone involved is safe. Then, you should call the local law enforcement agency and submit a formal report of the incident. According to state laws and regulations, you may have 48 hours to file an incident report if the accident results in death or injury that requires medical treatment beyond basic first aid. You could also be granted 10 days to file a claim if you're not able to locate the boat or if the accident results in more than $2,000 worth of damage.

It is also recommended that you remain at the site of the accident and assist other boats or people if possible, without putting your own safety or the safety of the victims. This will help the law enforcement officer to record important details, such as how the accident happened and who was on board at the time of the crash, and what it caused.

Even well-trained and experienced boaters may be involved in accidents on the water due to someone else's negligence. An experienced attorney can pinpoint the negligent party responsible for the damages you suffered, and assist you seek compensation. Property damage, medical expenses and financial losses are all recoverable damages. A lawsuit against the party responsible could also result into monetary compensation for your discomfort and pain or loss of quality life, and emotional trauma associated with the incident.

3. Check for damage

Once medical professionals have checked the injuries of everyone and are secured It is essential to look at the damage to the boat. This is the time to start considering your insurance policy and what it covers.

A surveyor will be assigned to your claim and will be sent out to inspect any damage caused by the accident. He or she will evaluate the damage to the original recorded by you. He or she will then determine how much the damages might be worth.

It is impossible to control every element that causes a boat accident lawyer accident. If there was a manufacturing defect in the vessel itself it could be possible to bring a claim of product liability against the company who manufactured the boat.

In these instances you require an attorney who has experience in boating claims. They can create a strong case that proves the manufacturer is responsible for the accident.

It is important to keep in mind that different types of boats are covered by insurance policies differently. For instance homeowners insurance is typically only cover smaller boats that have an engine which is less than 50 HP. Insurance for homeowners does not cover jet skis, larger vessels, or airboats.

4. Contact an attorney

Inform your insurance company when you feel secure and have been to the doctor for any injuries. You will likely need to notify them even if no police report is filed. Be careful when you provide information to insurance companies because they are likely to try to blame someone else for an accident. This can limit the amount of compensation you are granted. The NYC lawyers who handle boating accidents at Mirman, Markovits & Landau will fight hard to debunk these claims and limit the amount of fault given to you.

If you can you, it's a good idea to gather information on the other boat owners or operators that were involved in the crash. Included in this data are their name, address and telephone number along with any insurance details. It is also useful to keep a copy of the accident report that has been filed.

Boat accidents can be terrifying and can cause serious injuries. They can cause substantial medical expenses as well as lost wages and other damages. The parties responsible must be held accountable for any harm they have caused. The at-fault parties and boat accidents insurance companies are not likely to provide the compensation you're entitled to and it is therefore essential to speak with an experienced New York injury attorney as early as possible. This will help even the playing field and allow you to concentrate on getting well.