How to File a Boat Accident Claim

Boating is often fun and exciting, but it can quickly turn deadly if you're not cautious. Like automobiles, boats must abide by strict safety rules to avoid injuries.

If you've been injured in a boating accident, you could 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

If someone is involved in an accident while boating the first step is to collect evidence and contact an attorney. You should seek medical attention as soon as you notice any injuries. Medical documents and other evidence are necessary to support an action for damages like future and current medical costs as well as loss of income or earning potential, property damage and non-economic damages like suffering and pain.

Video and photographs can be useful in preserving evidence from the scene of an accident. Eyewitness testimony can be an invaluable piece of evidence since it can provide details about the collision that otherwise would be ignored. Police and incident reports can also be used to establish a chronology of what transpired during the investigation.

A lawyer with expertise can review the evidence to determine which parties could be liable for the victim's injuries or losses. A claim for negligence in a boating accident typically involves multiple parties including the boat accident law Firms driver and the manufacturer or owner of the watercraft.

A trusted lawyer can manage all communication with insurance companies who will be involved in a person's claim for compensation. A lawyer can help victims avoid saying anything that can be used against them in a court of law and can assist victims in obtaining fair settlements for damages.

2. Report a crime

If a boating accident happens, the first thing you need to do is ensure that everyone is secure. You should then contact the local police department and make a report. According to the laws of the state and regulations, you could only be given 48 hours to file an official report in the event of death or serious injury requiring medical treatment above basic first aid. Alternatively, you may have 10 days to file a claim when the accident causes more than $2,000 worth of damage or the boat is lost.

It is also recommended that you remain at the scene of the accident and assist other boats or people, if you can, without putting at risk your own safety or that of the victims. This will permit the law enforcement officer to keep track of crucial details like how the accident occurred, who was onboard at the time of the collision, and what caused it.

Unfortunately, even well-trained and experienced boaters can be involved in water-related accidents due to the negligence of another. A knowledgeable attorney can determine the responsible party for the damages you suffered, and assist you seek compensation. Damage to property, medical expenses and financial losses are all recoverable damages. A lawsuit against the responsible party could also result into monetary compensation for your pain and discomfort, loss of quality life, and emotional stress due to the incident.

3. Examine the damages

After medical experts have examined the injuries of everyone, and they are all in a safe location It is essential that you take a close look at the damage done to the boat. This is when you begin thinking about your insurance policy and what it covers.

A surveyor will be assigned your claim and will be sent out to assess any damage caused by the accident. They will compare what you initially reported to the damage and then start figuring out the value of the damages.

Most boat accidents are the result of a mix of causes which means it's not always possible to control all of them. However, if there was a defect by the manufacturer in the vessel itself, it may be possible to make a claim for product liability against the company that produced the boat.

In these situations you will require a lawyer with experience in boating claims. They can create an argument that is strong and proves the manufacturer was responsible for the accident.

It is important to remember that different types are covered by different insurance policies. Homeowners insurance, for instance, will usually only cover small boats with engines under 50 HP. This means that jet skis, airboats and larger vessels won't be covered by homeowner's insurance.

4. Contact an Attorney

When you are secure and have visited an medical professional for injuries, make sure to notify your insurance company. It is likely that you will need to do so even when no police report has been filed. It is essential to be aware of your information as the insurance companies often attempt to assign blame for the accident. This could reduce the amount of compensation you receive. The NYC lawyers for boating accidents at Mirman, Markovits & Landau will be determined to prove these claims and limit the amount of blame attributable to you.

If you are able, it is a good idea to get information from the other boat accident attorneys operators or owners that were involved in the crash. This includes their name, address along with their phone number and insurance information. It is also helpful to have a copy the accident report filed.

Boat accidents can be scary and cause serious injuries. They can lead to substantial medical expenses, lost earnings and damages. Those who are responsible have to be held accountable for the harm they caused you. You won't get the compensation you deserve if don't consult an experienced New York injury lawyer as soon as you can. This can help level the playing field and allow you to concentrate on getting well.