How to File a Boat Accident Claim

Boating can be enjoyable and thrilling, but it can quickly become deadly if not cautious. Just like automobiles, boats must abide by strict safety guidelines to avoid injuries.

If you've been injured in an accident on the water, you may be eligible for compensation for medical expenses and property damage. To increase your chances of success, contact a qualified New York boat accident attorney.

1. Gather Evidence

When someone experiences a boating accident, the most important step is to collect evidence and then contact an attorney. Also, seek medical assistance immediately for any injuries. Medical records and other evidence are necessary to support a claim for damages such as future and present medical costs as well as loss of income or earning potential, property damage, and other non-economic damages such as suffering and pain.

Videos and photos can help preserve evidence from the scene of a boating accident. Eyewitness testimony is another vital evidence source, as it can provide valuable details about the reason for the collision that may be overlooked. You could also rely on police reports and incident reports to create a timeline.

A lawyer with experience can review the evidence to determine which parties could be responsible for the victim's injury or losses. A lawsuit for negligence arising from a boating accident typically involves multiple parties including the boat accident law firm driver and the manufacturer or owner of the watercraft.

A reputable lawyer will manage all communications with insurance companies that are involved in a person's claim for compensation. An attorney can deter victims from saying anything that could be used against them in court. Additionally, they can assist victims obtain fair settlement offers for their damages.

2. Report a problem

The first thing to do following a boating accident is to ensure that everyone is safe. Then, you should call local law enforcement officials and make a report of the incident. In accordance with state laws and regulations, you might have 48 hours to file an official report if the incident results in death or injury that requires medical attention above basic first aid. In addition, you could have 10 days to file a report in the event of more than $2,000 in damage or the boat is damaged.

You should also be at the site of the accident to assist other boats or individuals when feasible without risking your safety or that of the victims. This will enable the police officer to note important details like how the collision occurred and who was on board at the time of the crash and what caused it.

Even experienced and well-trained boaters could be involved in an accident on the water due to someone else's negligence. An experienced attorney can pinpoint the negligent party responsible for your injuries, and assist you pursue compensation. Property damage, medical expenses and financial losses are all recoverable damages. Additionally, bringing an action against the responsible party could result in financial compensation for your pain, suffering, loss of quality of life, and other emotional distresses associated with the crash.

3. Check for damage

After medical professionals have assessed all the injuries sustained by everyone and determined that they are all in a safe location, it is important that you take a close look at the damage that has been done to the boat. You should now start thinking about your insurance policy.

A surveyor will be assigned to your claim and will visit to examine any damage that was caused by the accident. The surveyor will assess the damage to what was originally reported by you and will then start figuring out how much the damages might be worth.

Most boat accidents are caused by a combination of causes, and it is impossible to control all of them. If there was a manufacturing defect in the vessel itself it could be possible to bring a claim of product liability against the company that manufactured the boat.

In these cases it is imperative to find a lawyer who has experience handling boating cases as they can create an air-tight case that proves that the manufacturer was accountable for the accident.

It is important to remember that different kinds of boats are protected differently by an insurance policy. Homeowners insurance, for example typically covers small boats with engines below 50 HP. Homeowner's insurance will not cover jet skis, larger vessels, or airboats.

4. Contact an attorney

As soon as you are secure and have been examined by an expert medical professional for injuries, make sure to notify your insurance company. You will likely need to do so even when no police report has been filed. It is crucial to be aware of your information since insurance companies often try and determine who is responsible for the accident. This can limit the amount of compensation granted. The NYC boating accident attorneys at Mirman, Markovits & Landau will fight hard to debunk these claims and reduce the amount of fault attributable to you.

It is recommended to gather as the information you can about the other boat accident lawsuits owners or operators who were involved in the incident. This includes their name, address as well as their phone number and insurance information. It is also helpful to have a copy the report of a boating accident which is filed.

Boat accidents can be a nightmare and cause serious injuries. They can lead to significant medical bills loss of wages, and other damage. The responsible parties must be accountable for any harm they have caused. The at-fault parties and insurance companies won't provide the compensation you're entitled to and it is therefore essential to consult an experienced New York injury attorney as in the earliest possible time. This allows you to concentrate on improving your situation and level the playing field.