How to File a Boat Accident Claim

Boating can be fun and exciting, but it can quickly become deadly if not careful. Boats must also abide by strict safety guidelines to avoid injuries.

If you've been injured in a boating accident, you could be eligible for compensation for medical expenses and property damage. To increase your chances of success you should speak with a reputable New York boat accident attorney.

1. Gather Evidence

When someone is involved in an accident while on a boat the first step is to collect evidence and speak with an attorney. Also, seek medical treatment immediately for any injuries. In order to support a claim medical documents and other evidence are required. This includes both future and present medical expenses as well as loss of earnings or earning potential, damage to property and other non-economic damages, such as suffering and pain.

Photos and video footage can help preserve physical evidence from the scene of a boating incident. Eyewitness testimony is yet another important element of evidence, since it can provide crucial information about the cause of a collision that would otherwise be omitted. You can also utilize police and incident reports to create the timeline.

A lawyer with expertise can analyze the evidence to determine which parties may be accountable for the victim's injuries or losses. A lawsuit for negligence arising from a boating accident typically involves multiple parties including the boat's driver as well as the owner or manufacture of the watercraft.

An experienced attorney is able to manage all communications between insurance companies and victims involved in the victim's compensation claim. A lawyer can stop victims from saying anything that could be used against them in court. Additionally, they can also assist victims to get fair settlements for their losses.

2. Make a Report

The first thing you should do following a boating accident is to ensure everyone is secure. Then, you should call the local law enforcement agency and make a report of the incident. Based on the laws of your state and regulations, you might only have 48 hours to file a report in case of death or serious injury requiring medical treatment above basic first aid. You could also have ten days to file a claim in the event of more than $2,000 worth of damage or if the boat accident lawyers is destroyed.

It is also recommended that you remain at the scene of the accident to assist other boats or individuals when possible without endangering your safety or that of the victims. This will allow the police officer to keep track of crucial details like how the collision took place and who was aboard at the time of the crash and the cause.

Even experienced and well-trained boaters could be involved in an accident on the water because of someone else's negligence. An experienced lawyer can identify the person who was negligent in causing your injuries and help you seek compensation. The damages that are recoverable typically include medical expenses, property damage, and financial losses. A lawsuit against the responsible party could also result in monetary compensation for your pain and discomfort and loss of quality of life, and emotional trauma caused by the accident.

3. Examine the damage

After medical professionals have assessed everyone's injuries, and they are all in a safe area It is essential to take a careful look at the damage done to the boat. This is when you begin thinking about your insurance policy and what it will cover.

A surveyor will be assigned to your claim. They will come out to look at the damage caused by the accident. He or she will compare what you originally reported to the damage and then begin calculating the value of the damages.

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

In these instances, you need an attorney with experience boating claims. They can put together an argument that can prove the manufacturer was responsible for the accident.

It is important to keep in mind that different types of boats are covered by insurance policies in different ways. For example homeowners insurance will generally only cover smaller boats with engines with less than 50 HP. This means that airboats, jet skis and larger vessels won't be covered by homeowner's insurance.

4. Contact an attorney

Inform your insurance company immediately after you feel secure and have been to a doctor in case of any injuries. Even if there is no police report, you will have to notify your insurance company. Be cautious when you provide information to insurance companies, as they will often try to blame someone else for an accident. This could reduce the amount of compensation you receive. The NYC boating accident attorneys at Mirman, Markovits & Landau will be determined to prove these claims and limit the amount of fault that you are liable for.

It is recommended 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 are their name, address and telephone number and any insurance information. It is also beneficial to have a copy the accident report filed.

Boat accidents can be frightening and can result in serious injuries. They can cause substantial medical expenses loss of wages, and other damage. Those who are responsible have to be held accountable for the harm they caused you. The at-fault parties as well as insurance companies will not give you the compensation you deserve It is essential to speak with an experienced New York injury attorney as soon as you can. This allows you to concentrate on getting better and level the playing field.