How to File a Boat Accident Claim

Boating can be exciting and enjoyable, however should you not be careful, it can quickly become dangerous. Boats must adhere to strict safety regulations to avoid injuries.

If you've suffered injury in a boating accident, you could be eligible for compensation for medical expenses as well as property damage. To increase your chances of winning, contact a qualified New York boat accident attorney.

1. Gather Evidence

When someone is involved in an accident on the water the first step is to gather evidence and lawsuit contact an attorney. Also, seek medical attention immediately for any injuries. Medical records and other proof are required to prove an action for damages like future and current medical expenses in addition to loss of income earning potential, property damage and other non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.

Photos and video footage can help preserve evidence from the scene of a boating accident. Eyewitness testimony can be a valuable evidence source since it gives details regarding the collision that would otherwise be ignored. You can also utilize police and incident reports to establish a timeline.

A lawyer who is experienced can scrutinize the evidence to determine which parties could be liable for the victim's injuries or losses. A lawsuit for negligence arising from a boating accident typically involves multiple parties including the driver of the boat and the manufacturer or owner of the watercraft.

An experienced lawyer can handle all communication between victims and insurance providers involved in the claim for compensation of the victim. A lawyer can assist victims not to say anything that could be used against them in a court of law, and can aid victims in obtaining fair settlement offers for damages.

2. File a Report

The first thing to do after a boating incident is to ensure that everyone is secure. You should then contact the local police department and file a report. In accordance with the state laws and regulations, you might only be given 48 hours to file an official report in the event of serious injury or death that requires medical treatment beyond basic first aid. You may also be able to file a report within 10 days to file a report if you are unable to find the boat or if the accident causes more than $2,000 of damage.

If you are able, stay at the site of the accident to assist other boats or people without putting your safety or that of the victims in danger. This will permit the law enforcement officer to record important information like how the accident occurred and who was on board at the time of the crash and what caused it.

However, even the most well-trained and experienced boaters can be involved in water-related accidents because of someone else's negligence. A knowledgeable lawyer can help you identify the responsible party responsible for your injuries and seek compensation. Medical expenses, property damage and financial losses are all recoverable damages. Moreover, filing a lawsuit against the responsible party could result in financial compensation for your pain, suffering, loss of quality of life and other emotional traumas that are associated with the crash.

3. Inspect the Damages

After medical professionals have evaluated everyone's injuries and they are in a safe location it is crucial to look at the damage to the boat accident law firm. This is when you begin looking at your insurance policy and what it will cover.

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

It is impossible to control every aspect that could cause a boat accident lawyer accident. If there was a flaw in the boat, you might be legally able to file a lawsuit for product responsibility against the company that manufactured the boat.

In these cases, you need an attorney with experience in boating claims. They can build an argument that can prove the manufacturer is accountable for the accident.

It is also important to remember that different types of boats are governed differently by an insurance policy. For example homeowners insurance will usually only cover smaller boats that have an engine that is less than 50 HP. This means that airboats, jet skis and larger vessels will not be covered by homeowner's insurance.

4. Contact an attorney

As soon as you are secure and have been examined by an expert medical professional for injuries, make sure to notify your insurance company. It is likely that you will need to do so even in the absence of a police report filed. You should be careful when you provide information to insurance companies, because they are likely to try to blame someone else for an accident. This can reduce the amount of compensation you receive. The NYC lawyers who handle boating accidents at Mirman, Markovits & Landau will work hard to disprove these claims and limit the amount of blame that you are liable for.

If you are able to, it's a good idea to collect information about the other boat owners or operators involved in the accident. Included in this list are their address, name, and telephone number and any insurance information. It is also helpful to have a copy the accident report filed.

Boat accidents can be frightening and can cause serious injuries. They can cause significant medical expenses, lost wages and other damage. The responsible parties must be accountable for any harm they caused. You will not get the amount you are due if you don't seek out an experienced New York injury lawyer as soon as you can. This will allow you to focus on improving and lawsuit leveling the playing fields.