How to File a Boat Accident Claim

Boating can be thrilling and enjoyable, however if you are not careful it can quickly turn dangerous. Just like cars, boats need to adhere to strict safety rules to prevent injuries.

If you've suffered injury in an accident on the water, you may be eligible for compensation for medical expenses as well as property damage. Contact a New York boat accident lawyer to increase your odds of winning.

1. Gather Evidence

The most important thing you can do following a boating accident is to gather evidence and contact a lawyer. It is also essential to seek medical treatment immediately for any injuries that may have occurred. To prove a claim, medical records and other evidence is required. This includes both future and present medical expenses as well as loss of earnings or earning potential, damage to property, 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 can be a valuable piece of evidence as it provides details about the collision that would otherwise be overlooked. Police and incident reports can be used to establish a timeline of events that occurred in the incident.

A lawyer with expertise can review the evidence to identify the parties that could be liable for the victim's injuries or losses. A successful negligence case for an accident on the water usually involves multiple liable parties, including the boat's owner and the owner or manufacturer of the watercraft.

A reputable lawyer is able to manage all communication with insurance companies that will be involved in a victim's claim for compensation. An attorney can deter victims from saying anything that could be used against them in court. In addition, they can assist victims get fair settlements for their damages.

2. File a Report

The first thing to do following a boating accident is to make sure everyone is secure. Then, you should call the local law enforcement agency and make a report of the incident. In accordance with the state laws and regulations, you may have 48 hours to file a report in case of death or serious injury that requires medical attention beyond basic first aid. You may also be able to file a report within ten days if you are incapable of finding the boat or if the incident results in more than $2,000 worth of damage.

If possible, you should remain at the scene of the accident to assist other boats or individuals without risking your safety or the safety of the victim in danger. This will let the law enforcement officer note crucial details, including the circumstances of the accident and who was on the boat at the time of crash and what caused it.

Unfortunately, even well-trained and experienced boaters could be involved in water-related accidents due to the negligence of another. A skilled attorney will assist you in identifying the responsible party responsible for the damage and seek compensation. Damage to property, medical expenses and financial losses are all recoverable damages. In addition, an action against the accountable person could result in monetary compensation for your pain and suffering, loss of quality of life and other emotional issues that come along with the crash.

3. Examine the damage

After medical professionals have examined everyone's injuries, and they are all in a safe place It is imperative to take a careful look at the damage that has been done to the Boat accident law firms. You should now start thinking about your insurance policy.

A surveyor will be assigned your claim and come out to examine any damage that was caused by the accident. They will compare what you originally reported to the damage and start figuring out the value of the damages.

Most boat accidents are caused by a combination of causes, and it is not always possible to control all of them. However, if there was a manufacturer defect in the vessel, it may be possible to pursue a product liability claim against the company that produced the boat.

In these situations, you need an attorney who has experience in boating claims. They can build a strong case that proves the manufacturer was responsible for the accident.

It is important to remember that different types of boats are governed differently by an insurance policy. Homeowners insurance, for instance generally only covers small boats with engines below 50 HP. The homeowner's insurance policy does not cover jet skis, larger vessels or airboats.

4. Contact an attorney

When you are safe and have seen an medical professional for injuries, be sure to notify your insurance company. Even if you don't have a police report, you'll be required to notify your insurance company. You should be careful when supplying details to insurance companies, as they will often try to assign blame for an accident. This can limit the amount of compensation you are given. The NYC lawyers who handle boating accidents at Mirman Markovits & Landau work hard to debunk and limit these claims.

If you're able you, it's a good idea to get information from the other boat operators or owners that were involved in the crash. Included in this information are their names, addresses and phone number and any insurance details. It is also helpful to keep a copy of the accident report filed.

Boat accidents can be terrifying and cause serious injuries. They can cause massive medical expenses, loss of wages, and even damages. Those who are responsible should be held accountable for the harm they caused you. The at-fault parties and insurance companies won't offer you the compensation you deserve It is essential to speak with an experienced New York injury attorney as early as you can. This will help level the playing field and allow you to focus on getting well.