How to File a Boat Accident Claim

Boating can be thrilling and fun, but If you're not careful, it can quickly turn deadly. Just like cars, boats must adhere to strict safety rules to prevent injuries.

If you have been injured in a boating incident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills and property damage. To increase your chances of winning you should speak with a reputable New York boat accident lawsuit accident attorney.

1. Gather Evidence

The most important thing you can do following a boating accident is to collect evidence and then contact an attorney. You should also seek medical assistance immediately for any injuries. Medical records and other evidence are needed to prove claims for damages, including future and current medical costs in addition to loss of income earning potential, property damage and other non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.

Photos and video footage are useful in preserving physical evidence at the scene of an accident. Eyewitness testimony is a crucial element of evidence, as it can give valuable information about the cause of a collision that would otherwise be omitted. You could also rely on police reports and incident reports to create the timeline.

A skilled lawyer can analyze the evidence and determine which parties might be accountable for victim's injuries or expenses. A successful negligence claim for an accident on the water usually involves multiple parties liable, which includes the boat's operator and the owner or manufacturer of the watercraft.

A trusted lawyer can manage all communication with insurance companies who will be involved in a claim of a victim for compensation. An attorney can prevent victims from revealing information that could be used against them in court. In addition, they can assist victims get fair settlements for their losses.

2. File a report

When a boating incident occurs the first thing you should do is make sure that everyone involved is secure. Then, you should call the local law enforcement agency and fill out a report about the incident. According to state laws and regulations, you might have up to 48 hours in which to file an official report if the incident resulted in injury or death that requires medical attention above 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 causes more than $2,000 in damage.

If you are able, remain at the scene of the accident to assist other boats or individuals without risking your own safety or the safety of the victims at risk. This will enable the law enforcement officer note important information, such as the circumstances of the accident, who was aboard at the time of crash and the cause of the crash.

Even experienced and well-trained boaters can be involved in accidents on the water because of negligence of another. A knowledgeable attorney can assist you in identifying the responsible party responsible for the damage and seek compensation. Damages that can be recovered 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 distress due to the incident.

3. Examine the damages

Once medical professionals have checked everyone's injuries and they are in a safe location, it is important to look at the damage to the boat. This is the time to start thinking about your insurance policy and what it covers.

A surveyor will be assigned to your claim and come out to inspect any damage caused by the accident. The surveyor will then compare the initial report to the damage and begin calculating the value of the damages.

It is impossible to control every element that could cause a boat accident. However, if there was a manufacturing defect in the vessel it is possible to make a claim for product liability against the company that manufactured the boat.

In these instances, you need an attorney with experience in boating claims. They can help you build an argument that is strong and proves the manufacturer is accountable for the accident.

It is important to remember that different types are covered by different insurance policies. For instance homeowners insurance will generally only cover smaller boats with an engine with less than 50 HP. This means that airboats, jet skis as well as larger vessels will not be covered by homeowner's insurance.

4. Contact an attorney

Inform your insurance company when you feel safe and have visited an emergency room for any injuries. You'll likely need to notify them even if no police report is filed. It is important to be aware of your information because insurance companies frequently try and assign blame for the incident. This could reduce the amount of compensation you are awarded. The NYC lawyers for boating accidents at Mirman, Markovits & Landau will fight hard to debunk these claims and limit the amount of fault that you are liable for.

If you are able then it's a great idea to collect information about the other Boat accident law firm operators or owners involved in the crash. Included in this list are their address, name, and phone number as well as any insurance details. It is also beneficial to have a copy of the report of a boating accident which is filed.

Boat accidents can be a nightmare and may cause serious injuries. They can be a source of significant medical costs, lost wages, and damage. The parties responsible for the injury must be held accountable for any harm they may have caused. The at-fault parties as well as insurance companies will not provide you with the amount you are due It is essential to speak with an experienced New York injury attorney as in the earliest possible time. This will help even the playing field and allow you to focus on getting well.