How to File a Boat Accident Claim

Boating can be exciting and enjoyable, however when you're not careful it can quickly become dangerous. Like cars, boats must adhere to strict safety guidelines to avoid injuries.

If you have been injured in a boating incident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses and property damage. Contact a New York boat accident law firms accident lawyer to increase your chances of winning.

1. Gather Evidence

The most important thing to do following an accident on a boat is to gather evidence and speak with a lawyer. It is also important to seek medical treatment immediately for any injuries that may have occurred. To support a claim, medical records and other evidence is needed. This includes both future and present medical expenses in addition to loss of earnings or earning potential, property damage, and non-economic damages such as suffering and pain.

Photos and video footage can be useful in preserving physical evidence at the scene of an accident. Eyewitness testimony is an additional important element of evidence, since it can give valuable information regarding the cause of the collision that may be omitted. You can also utilize police and incident reports to establish an outline of the timeframe.

A knowledgeable lawyer can review the evidence and determine who are responsible for victim's injuries or losses. A successful negligence claim in a boating accident usually involves multiple parties liable, including the boat operator and the owner or manufacturer of the watercraft.

An experienced attorney is able to handle all communication between the insurance company and the victim involved in the claim for compensation of the victim. A lawyer can assist victims avoid saying anything that can be used against them in the court of law, and also assist victims in obtaining fair settlement offers for damages.

2. File a Report

When a boating incident occurs, the first thing you should do is ensure that everyone involved is secure. After that, you need to contact the local law enforcement agency and make a report of the incident. Depending on the state laws and regulations, you might only be given 48 hours to file an account in the event of death or serious injury needing medical attention above first aid. You could also be granted 10 days to file if incapable of finding the boat or if the accident causes more than $2,000 in damage.

It is also recommended that you remain at the scene of the accident to assist other boats or individuals when you can, without putting at risk your own safety or that of the victims. This will enable the law enforcement officer to note crucial details, including the circumstances of the accident, who was aboard at the time of the crash, and what it caused.

Unfortunately, even highly trained and experienced boaters can get involved in accidents on the water because of someone else's negligence. A skilled attorney can identify the negligent party accountable for your damages, and help you pursue compensation. The damages that are recoverable typically include medical expenses, property damage, and financial losses. Furthermore, filing an action against the responsible person could result in monetary compensation for your pain, suffering, loss of quality of life and other emotional issues that come along with the crash.

3. Examine the damages

Once medical professionals have checked everyone's injuries and they are in a safe place, it is important to take a good look at the damage to the boat accident lawyers. This is when you begin thinking about your insurance policy and what it will cover.

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

Most boat accidents result from a combination of factors that are impossible to control all of them. However, if there was a manufacturer defect on the boat itself it might be possible to pursue a product liability claim against the company who manufactured the boat.

In these instances, it is essential to have a lawyer who has experience handling boating cases as they can create an air-tight defense that proves that the manufacturer is responsible for the accident.

It is also important to remember that various types of boats are covered differently by insurance policies. For instance, homeowners insurance will typically only cover smaller boats that have an engine that is less than 50 HP. This means that airboats, jet skis, and larger vessels won't be covered by homeowner's insurance.

4. Contact an Attorney

When you are secured and have seen a medical professional for injuries, ensure that you inform your insurance company. You will likely need to do so even there is no police report filed. Be cautious when supplying information to insurance companies, because they are likely to try to blame someone else for an accident. This could decrease the amount of compensation you receive. The NYC boating accident attorneys at Mirman, Markovits & Landau will be determined to prove these claims and limit the amount of blame that you are liable for.

If you're able to, it is a good idea to get information from the other boat operators or owners involved in the accident. Included in this information are their names, addresses and phone number as well as any insurance information. It is also beneficial to have a copy the report of a boating accident which is filed.

Boat accidents can be scary and can cause serious injuries. They can cause significant medical expenses loss of wages, and other damages. The parties responsible for the injury must be held accountable for any harm they caused. The at-fault parties and insurance companies won't provide you with the compensation you're entitled to It is essential to consult an experienced New York injury attorney as early as you can. This will allow you to focus on gaining more and level the playing fields.