How to File a Boat Accident Claim

Boating can be thrilling and enjoyable, however when you're not careful it can quickly become deadly. Just like cars, boats must adhere to strict safety rules to avoid injuries.

If you have been injured in a boating accident you could be entitled to 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

The most important thing to do after an accident with a boat is to collect evidence and get in touch with a lawyer. You should seek medical attention as soon as you notice any injuries. Medical records and other evidence are needed to support a claim for damages such as current and future medical costs as well as loss of income or earning potential, property damage, and non-economic damages like suffering and pain.

Photos and video footage are helpful in preserving physical evidence at the scene of an accident. Eyewitness testimony can be a valuable evidence source since it provides details about the collision that would otherwise be overlooked. Police and incident reports can also be used to establish a timeline of events that occurred in the case.

A lawyer who is experienced can review the evidence to determine who is accountable for the victim's injuries or losses. A boating accident negligence case typically involves multiple parties including the boat driver and the owner or manufacture of the watercraft.

An experienced lawyer can manage all communications between insurance providers and victims involved in the victim's compensation claim. A lawyer can assist victims avoid saying anything that can be used against them in the court of law, and can also aid victims in obtaining fair settlements for damages.

2. Report a crime

The first thing you should do after a boating incident is to ensure everyone is secure. Then, you should contact local law enforcement officials and make a report of the incident. In accordance with the state laws and regulations, you may have 48 hours to file an account in the event of death or serious injury needing medical attention above first aid. In addition, you could have 10 days to file a report in the event of more than $2,000 worth of damage or the boat accident lawyer is lost.

If possible, you should stay at the site of the accident to help other boats or persons without putting your safety or that of the victims in danger. This will help the law enforcement officer to note important details, like how the accident happened and who was in the boat at the time of crash and what caused it.

Even well-trained and experienced boaters could be involved in accidents on the water because of someone else's negligence. A skilled attorney can identify the responsible party for your injuries, and assist you pursue compensation. Recoverable damages typically include your medical expenses, property damage, and financial losses. Furthermore, filing an action against the responsible person could result in monetary compensation for your pain, suffering, as well as loss of quality of life and other emotional issues that come along with the crash.

3. Examine the damage

After medical professionals have assessed everyone's injuries, and they are all in a safe location It is crucial to take a closer look at the damage done to the boat. Now is the time to start thinking about your insurance policy.

A surveyor will be assigned to your claim and will visit to assess any damage caused by the accident. The surveyor will evaluate the initial report with the damage and begin to determine the value of the damage.

Most boat accidents are the result of a mix of factors, and it is impossible to control all of them. If there was a flaw in the boat, you may be in a position to file a claim for product liability against the manufacturer who manufactured the boat.

In these situations, it is essential to have a lawyer who has experience in handling boating claims since they can construct an airtight case that proves that the manufacturer is responsible for the accident.

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

4. Contact an Attorney

Notify your insurance company as soon as you feel safe and have visited a doctor for any injuries. Even if there's no police report, you will still have to inform your insurance company. Be careful when providing information to insurance companies, because they are likely to attempt to determine who is at fault for an accident. This can reduce the amount of compensation you are granted. The NYC lawyers who handle boating accidents at Mirman, Markovits & Landau will work hard to disprove these claims and reduce the amount of fault that you are liable for.

It is beneficial to collect as many details as you can on the other boat owners or operators that were involved in the incident. Included in this information is their names, addresses and telephone number, as well as any insurance details. It is also helpful to have a copy the boating accident report that is filed.

Boat accidents can be scary and cause serious injuries. They can cause significant medical bills loss of wages, and other damages. The parties responsible for the injury must be accountable for any harm they may have caused. The at-fault parties as well as insurance companies will not offer you the compensation you deserve willingly, so it is important to speak with an experienced New York injury attorney as early as you can. This will help to level the playing field and allow you to concentrate on healing.