How to File a Boat Accident Claim

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

If you've suffered injury in a boating accident, you may be eligible for compensation for medical expenses and property damage. To increase your chances of winning you should speak with a reputable New York boat accident attorney.

1. Gather Evidence

When someone experiences an accident while on a boat the first step is to gather evidence and contact an attorney. It is also essential to seek medical attention right away for any injuries that may have occurred. Medical records and other proof are required to prove a claim for damages such as current and future medical expenses in addition to loss of income earning potential, property damage, and boat Accident other non-economic damages such as suffering and pain.

Video and photographs can be used to preserve physical evidence from the scene of a boating accident. Eyewitness testimony can be an invaluable evidence piece as it can provide details about the collision that would otherwise remain unnoticed. Police and incident reports can be used to determine the time line of what happened during the investigation.

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

An experienced attorney is able to handle all communication between the insurance company and the victim involved in the victim's compensation claim. A lawyer can help victims to avoid saying anything that could be used against them in the courts, and can also help victims obtain fair settlements for damages.

2. File a report

The first thing to do following a boating accident is to ensure everyone is safe. The next step is to contact the local police and submit a police report. Depending on the state laws and regulations, you could only have 48 hours to submit an account in the event of serious injury or death needing medical attention above first aid. You could also be granted 10 days to file a report if you are incapable of finding the boat or if the accident results in more than $2,000 worth of damages.

If possible, you should be at the scene to help other boats or people, without risking your own safety or the safety of the victims in jeopardy. This will enable the law enforcement officer to note important details, such as the circumstances of the accident and who was in the boat at the time of crash, and what it caused.

Unfortunately, even well-trained and experienced boaters can get involved in accidents on the water because of the negligence of someone else. A knowledgeable lawyer can help you identify the negligent party who caused your damages and pursue compensation. Property damage, medical expenses and financial losses are all recoverable damages. A lawsuit against the party responsible could also result in monetary compensation for your pain and discomfort or loss of quality life, and emotional trauma associated with the incident.

3. Check for damage

After medical professionals have evaluated everyone's injuries and they are secured It is essential to take a good look at the damage to the boat. This is when you start contemplating your insurance policy and what it will cover.

A surveyor will be assigned your claim and will be sent out to inspect any damage caused by the accident. The surveyor will assess the damage to the one originally reported by you and will then begin to figure out how much the damage could be worth.

Most boat accidents are caused by a combination of factors which means it's impossible to control all of them. However, if there was a manufacturer defect on the boat accident lawyers itself it could be possible to pursue a product liability claim against the company who manufactured the boat.

In these instances, you need an attorney who has experience in boating claims. They can build a strong case to prove that the manufacturer is responsible for the accident.

It is also important to note that different types of boats are covered differently by an insurance policy. For instance, homeowner's insurance, which covers home owners typically only covers small boats with engines less than 50 HP. Insurance for homeowners does not cover jet skis, larger vessels, or airboats.

4. Contact an attorney

Notify your insurance company immediately after you feel safe and have visited a doctor for any injuries. You'll likely need to notify them even when no police report has been filed. You should be careful when you give information to insurance companies, as they may attempt to determine who is responsible for an accident. This can limit the amount of compensation you are given. The NYC lawyer for boating accidents at Mirman Markovits & Landau work hard to debunk and limit these claims.

It is a good thing to collect as many details as you can about the other boat owners or operators involved in the incident. This includes their name, address as well as their phone number and insurance details. It is also useful to keep a copy of the accident report filed.

Boat accidents can be scary and may cause serious injuries. They can lead to massive medical expenses, loss of wages, and even damages. The responsible parties must be accountable for any harm they have caused. You will not get the amount you are due if you do not consult a seasoned New York injury lawyer as soon as possible. This will help even the playing field and allow you to focus on healing.