How to File a Boat Accident Claim

Boating is often fun and exciting, but it can quickly become dangerous if not cautious. Just like cars, boats must follow strict safety guidelines to avoid injuries.

If you've been injured in a boating accident, you may be entitled to 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 is involved in an accident while on a boat the first step is to gather evidence and contact an attorney. You should seek medical attention as soon as you notice any injuries. Medical documents and other evidence are needed to prove an action for damages including future and current medical expenses as well as loss of income or earning potential, property damage and other non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.

Video and photographs can be used to preserve physical evidence from the scene of a boating accident. Eyewitness testimony can be an invaluable evidence source since it gives details regarding the collision that otherwise would go unnoticed. You could also rely on police reports and incident reports to establish a time line.

A seasoned lawyer can scrutinize the evidence and determine who might be liable for a victim's injuries or expenses. A claim for negligence in a boating accident usually involves multiple parties, including the boat's driver as well as the manufacturer or owner of the watercraft.

A trusted lawyer can manage all communication with insurance companies that will be involved in a victim's claim to compensation. A lawyer can stop victims from saying anything that could be used against them in court, and they can also assist victims to obtain fair settlement offers for their losses.

2. Report a crime

When a boating incident occurs the first thing you should do is make sure that everyone is secure. You should then call the local police and make a report. According to state laws and regulations, you could have up to 48 hours to file a report if the accident resulted in injury or death which requires medical treatment above basic first aid. Alternatively, you may have ten days to file a claim in the event that the accident causes more than $2,000 in damages or if the boat gets lost.

You should also remain at the site of the accident to assist other boats or people if possible, without putting your own safety or the safety of the victims. This will allow the law enforcement officer note important details, like how the accident happened, who was aboard at the time of the crash, and what it caused.

Even well-trained and experienced boaters could be involved in an accident on the water because of negligence of another. An experienced attorney can help you identify the negligent party responsible for the damage and seek compensation. Medical expenses, property damage and financial losses are all recoverable damages. Moreover, filing an action against the responsible person could result in monetary compensation for your pain, suffering, as well as loss of quality of life, and other emotional distresses associated with the crash.

3. Check for damage

After medical professionals have examined everyone's injuries and they are in a safe location, it is important to look at the damage to the boat. This is when you begin thinking about your insurance policy and what it covers.

A surveyor will be assigned your claim and come out to inspect any damage caused by the accident. They will compare what you initially reported to the damage, and then begin to calculate the value of the damage.

Most boat accidents result from a combination of causes that are impossible to control all of them. If there was a flaw in the boat, you may be eligible to file a claim for product liability against the company that produced the boat.

In these cases it is imperative to hire a lawyer who has experience handling boating claims because they can build an airtight case to prove that the manufacturer was accountable for the accident.

It is also important to remember that different kinds of boats are covered in different ways by an insurance policy. For instance homeowners insurance will generally only cover smaller boats with engines with less than 50 HP. This means that jet skis, airboats and larger vessels won't be covered by homeowner's insurance.

4. Contact an Attorney

Inform your insurance company whenever you feel safe and have visited a doctor for any injuries. You will likely need to do so even when no police report has been filed. Be careful when you give information to insurance companies, as they will often try to determine who is responsible for an accident. This can reduce the amount of compensation you receive. The NYC boating accident lawyers at Mirman Markovits & Landau work to prove and limit these claims.

It is a good thing to gather as all information you can about the other boat owners or operators who were involved in the accident. Included in this data are their address, name, and phone number, as well as any insurance information. It is also beneficial to have a copy the accident report filed.

Boat accidents can be scary and cause serious injuries. They can be a source of significant medical expenses, lost wages, and even damages. The responsible parties must be accountable for any harm they may have caused. You will not get the compensation you deserve if don't consult an experienced New York injury lawyer as soon as you can. This allows you to concentrate on gaining more and level the playing field.