How to File a Boat Accident Claim

Boating can be enjoyable and thrilling, but it can quickly become dangerous if not cautious. Just like automobiles, boats must abide by strict safety rules to avoid injuries.

If you've been injured as a result of an accident on the water, then you could be eligible for compensation for medical expenses and property damage. To increase your chances of winning, contact a qualified New York boat accident attorney.

1. Gather Evidence

If someone is involved in an accident while on a boat the first step is to collect evidence and get in touch with an attorney. It is also essential to seek medical attention immediately for any injuries that might have occurred. To support a claim medical documents and other evidence are needed. This includes future and current medical expenses as well as loss of earnings or earning potential, damage to property and other non-economic damages, such as suffering and pain.

Videos and photos are valuable in preserving evidence from the scene of an accident. Eyewitness testimony is yet another important evidence source, as it can give valuable information about the reason for an accident that could otherwise be overlooked. Police and incident reports can also be used to establish a timeline of events that occurred during the investigation.

A knowledgeable lawyer will review the evidence and determine which parties might be accountable for victim's injuries as well as the associated expenses. A successful negligence claim for a boating accident typically involves multiple parties liable, including the boat accident law firm's owner and the manufacturer or owner of the watercraft.

A reputable lawyer will manage all communications with insurance companies who are involved in a claim of a victim for compensation. A lawyer can help victims to avoid saying anything that could be used against them in a court of law, and also aid victims in obtaining fair settlements for damages.

2. Report a problem

When a boating incident occurs, the first thing to do is make sure that everyone involved is safe. Then, you must contact the local law enforcement agency and make a report of the incident. Based on the state's laws and regulations, you could have up to 48 hours to file a report if the accident causes injury or death that requires medical treatment beyond basic first aid. Additionally, you may be given 10 days to file a report in the event of more than $2,000 in damage or the boat is lost.

You should also stay at the site of the accident to assist other boats or attorneys people if possible without endangering your safety or that of the victims. This will help the law enforcement officer to record important details, such as how the accident happened, who was aboard at the time of crash and the cause of the crash.

Even well-trained and experienced boaters could be involved in accidents on the water due to the negligence of another. A knowledgeable lawyer can assist you in identifying the responsible party responsible for your damages and pursue compensation. Damages that can be recovered typically include medical expenses, property damage and financial losses. A lawsuit against the responsible party could also result into monetary compensation for your pain and discomfort or loss of quality life, and emotional distress that is caused by the accident.

3. Check for damage

After medical professionals have examined all injuries and are all in a safe spot, it is important to take a closer examine the damage to the boat accident lawyer. It is now time to think about your insurance policy.

A surveyor will be assigned to your claim and will be sent out to inspect any damage incurred by the accident. He or she will evaluate the damage to the one originally recorded by you. He or she will then begin to figure out how much the damages might be worth.

Most boat accidents result from a combination of factors that are impossible to control all of them. However, if there was a defect by the manufacturer in the vessel it is possible to pursue a product liability claim against the company that produced the boat.

In these instances it is vital to hire a lawyer who has experience handling boating cases because they are able to create an air-tight case that proves that the manufacturer was responsible for the accident.

It is also important to keep in mind that various types of boats are covered differently by insurance policies. For example homeowners insurance will generally only cover smaller boats with an engine that is below 50 HP. The homeowner's insurance policy does not cover jet skis, larger vessels, or airboats.

4. Contact an Attorney

Inform your insurance company immediately after you feel secure and have been to a doctor in case of any injuries. It is likely that you will need to do so even there is no police report filed. It is crucial to be cautious with your personal information because insurance companies frequently try and assign blame for the incident. This can reduce the amount of compensation granted. The NYC lawyers for boating accidents at Mirman, Markovits & Landau will work hard to disprove these claims and limit the amount of fault attributable to you.

It is a good thing to gather as the information you can about the other boat owners or boat accident lawyers operators that were involved in the incident. This includes their name, address along with their phone number and insurance information. It is also useful to keep a copy of the accident report that has been filed.

Boat accidents can be frightening and can cause serious injuries. They can be a source of significant medical expenses, lost wages, and even damages. Anyone responsible for the injury have to be held accountable for the harm they caused you. You will not get the compensation you deserve if you don't seek out an experienced New York injury lawyer as early as you can. This will help even the playing field and allow you to concentrate on getting well.