How to File a Boat Accident Claim

Boating can be thrilling and enjoyable, but if you are not careful it can quickly turn dangerous. Boats must also abide by strict safety rules to avoid injuries.

If you've suffered injury in an accident on the water, then you could be eligible for compensation for medical expenses and property damage. Contact a New York boat accident lawyer to increase your chances of winning.

1. Gather Evidence

When someone experiences an accident while on a boat, the most important step is to gather evidence and speak with an attorney. You should also seek medical attention immediately for any injuries. To prove a claim, medical records and other evidence are required. This includes both future and present medical expenses, loss of earnings or earning potential, property damage and non-economic losses such as suffering and pain.

Video and photographs are valuable in preserving physical evidence at the scene of an accident. Eyewitness testimony can be an invaluable evidence source since it gives details regarding the collision that otherwise would remain unnoticed. Police and incident reports can be used to establish a chronology of what transpired during the investigation.

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

A reputable lawyer is able to manage all communications with insurance companies that will be involved in a victim's claim to compensation. A lawyer can help victims avoid saying anything that can be used against them in a court of law and can also help victims obtain fair settlements for damages.

2. Make a Report

When a boating incident occurs, the first thing you should do is ensure that everyone involved is safe. Then, you should contact local law enforcement and submit a formal report of the incident. Depending on the state laws and regulations you may only have 48 hours to submit an account in the event of death or serious injury that requires medical attention beyond basic first aid. You could also be granted 10 days to file a claim if you're in a position to not locate the boat or if the accident results in more than $2,000 worth of damage.

If you are able, stay at the accident site to assist other boats or people without risking your safety or the safety of the victim in danger. This will allow the law enforcement officer to keep track of crucial details like the manner in which the collision occurred and who was aboard at the time of the crash and the cause.

Even well-trained and experienced boaters could be involved in water-related accidents due to the negligence of another. A knowledgeable attorney can assist you in identifying the negligent party who caused your damages and pursue compensation. Medical expenses, property damage and financial losses are all recoverable damages. Moreover, filing a lawsuit against the responsible party could result in financial compensation for your pain, suffering, as well as loss of quality of life and other emotional traumas that are associated with the crash.

3. Examine the damage

After medical professionals have examined all injuries and are all in a safe area It is crucial to take a careful review of the damage to the boat accident law firms. This is the time to start contemplating your insurance policy and what it will cover.

A surveyor will be assigned your claim and will come out to inspect any damage incurred by the accident. The surveyor will assess the damage to what was originally recorded by you. He or she will then begin to figure out how much the damage could be worth.

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 accident lawyers, you may be legally able to file a lawsuit for product liability against the company that manufactured the boat.

In these cases, it is essential to retain a lawyer that has experience handling boating cases since they can construct an air-tight case that proves that 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 example homeowners insurance will usually only cover smaller boats with 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 whenever you feel secure and have been to a doctor for any injuries. You will likely need to do so even if no police report is filed. Be cautious when you give details to insurance companies, because they are likely to try to determine who is at fault for an accident. This can decrease the amount of compensation you receive. The NYC boating accident lawyers at Mirman Markovits & Landau work to prove and limit these claims.

If you can, it is a good idea to collect information about the other boat owners or operators involved in the crash. This includes their name, address along with their phone number and insurance details. It is also beneficial to have a copy the report of a boating accident that is filed.

Boat accidents can be frightening and can cause serious injuries. They can lead to significant medical expenses along with lost wages and other damage. Anyone responsible for the injury must be held accountable for the harm they caused you. The at-fault parties and insurance companies won't provide the amount you are due It is essential to seek out 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 getting well.