How to File a Boat Accident Claim

Boating can be thrilling and fun, but should you not be careful, it can quickly turn deadly. Like cars, boats must adhere to strict safety rules to prevent injuries.

If you have been injured in a boating incident you could be entitled to compensation for medical bills and property damage. Contact a New York boat accident lawyer to increase your chances of winning.

1. Gather Evidence

The most important thing to do after an accident on a boat is to gather evidence and speak with an attorney. You should seek medical attention as soon as you notice any injuries. Medical records and other evidence are necessary to support an action for damages including future and current medical costs as well as loss of income or earning potential, property damage and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

Photos and video footage are valuable in preserving evidence from the scene of an accident. Eyewitness testimony is another vital element of evidence, since it can provide important information about the reason for a collision that would otherwise be missed. You can also use police and incident reports to create a time line.

A lawyer with expertise can analyze the evidence to determine who is accountable for the victim's injuries or losses. A successful negligence claim for an accident involving a boat accident law firms usually involves multiple parties that are liable, including the boat operator and the owner or manufacturer of the watercraft.

An experienced attorney is able to handle all communication between the insurance company and the victim involved in the claim for compensation of the victim. A lawyer can help victims not say anything that could be used against them in the courts, and can also help victims obtain fair settlement offers for damages.

2. Report a crime

In the event of a boating crash, the first thing to do is ensure that everyone involved is safe. Then, you should call local law enforcement and submit a formal report of the incident. Depending on the state laws and regulations, you could only have 48 hours to make reports in the event of serious injury or death needing medical attention above first aid. You could also have ten days to file a report in the event of more than $2,000 worth of damage or if the boat gets lost.

You should also be at the scene of the accident to help other boats or individuals if possible without endangering your safety or that of the victims. This will permit the law enforcement officer to keep track of crucial details such as how the accident occurred, who was onboard at the time of the crash and the reason for it.

Unfortunately, even well-trained and experienced boaters can get involved in water-related accidents due to someone else's negligence. An experienced lawyer can identify the negligent party accountable for your injuries and help you pursue compensation. Recoverable damages typically include your medical expenses, property damage and financial losses. Moreover, filing a lawsuit against the responsible party could result in financial compensation for your pain, suffering, loss of quality of life and other emotional issues that come along with the crash.

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 accident law firm. This is when you start looking at your insurance policy and what it covers.

A surveyor will be assigned your claim and will visit to assess any damage caused by the accident. He or she will compare the damage to the one originally reported by you and will then begin to figure out what the damages could be worth.

Most boat accidents result from a combination of causes that are not always possible to control all of them. If there was a defect in the boat, you may be in a position to file a claim for product liability against the company that created the boat.

In these instances it is vital to hire a lawyer who has experience in handling boating claims since they can construct an air-tight case that proves that the manufacturer was accountable for the accident.

It is also important to remember that various types of boats are protected differently by an insurance policy. For example homeowners insurance is typically only cover smaller boats that have an engine that is below 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 when you feel safe and have seen a doctor in case of any injuries. Even if there's no police report, you'll have to notify your insurance company. Be careful when you give details to insurance companies, as they may attempt to determine who is responsible for an accident. This could decrease the amount of compensation you receive. The NYC boating accident attorneys at Mirman, Markovits & Landau will do their best to disprove these claims and reduce the amount of fault attributable to you.

If you can, it is a good idea to gather information on the other boat accident attorney operators or owners involved in the accident. Included in this information is their address, name, and phone number, as well as any insurance information. It is also useful to keep a copy of the accident report filed.

Boat accidents can be terrifying and can result in serious injuries. They can be a source of significant medical expenses, lost earnings and damages. The parties responsible for the injury must be held accountable for any harm they caused. You won't get the compensation you deserve if you don't seek out an experienced New York injury lawyer as quickly as is possible. This will help to level the playing field and allow you to concentrate on healing.