How to File a Boat Accident Claim

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

If you have been injured in a boating incident you could be entitled to compensation for medical expenses as well as for property damage. Contact a New York boat accident lawyer to increase your chances of winning.

1. Gather Evidence

The most important thing to do after an accident with a boat is to collect evidence and contact a lawyer. It is also essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible for any injuries that might have occurred. Medical records and other evidence are required to prove an action for damages such as future and present medical costs and loss of income or earning potential, property damage and other non-economic damages such as suffering and pain.

Videos and photos are helpful in preserving evidence from the scene of an accident. Eyewitness testimony can be a valuable piece of evidence since it can provide details about the collision that otherwise would go unnoticed. Police and incident reports can also be used to determine the timeline of events that occurred in the incident.

A seasoned lawyer can scrutinize the evidence and determine which parties might be accountable for victim's injuries or expenses. A boating accident negligence claim usually involves multiple parties, including the boat accident law firms driver and the owner or manufacture of the watercraft.

A reputable lawyer is able to handle all communication with insurance providers who are involved in a victim's claim to compensation. A lawyer can help victims avoid saying anything that can be used against them in the courts, and can help victims obtain fair settlements for damages.

2. Report a problem

The first thing to do after a boating incident is to ensure that everyone is secure. Then, you should contact the police in your area and file a report. According to the laws of the state and regulations, you might only have 48 hours to file an official report in the event of serious injury or death needing medical attention above first aid. In addition, you could have ten days to file a report if the accident causes more than $2,000 of damage or the boat accident law firms is lost.

If you can, stay at the site of the accident to help other boats or people without putting your safety or that of the victims in jeopardy. This will enable police officers to take note of important details, such as what caused the accident and who was in the boat accident lawsuits at the time of the crash, and what it caused.

Even well-trained and experienced boaters could be involved in an accident on the water because of negligence of another. An experienced lawyer can identify the person who was negligent in causing your injuries and help you seek compensation. The damages that are recoverable 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 trauma that is caused by the incident.

3. Check for damage

After medical professionals have examined all the injuries sustained by everyone and determined that they are all in a safe spot, it is important to take a careful look at the damage that has been done to the boat. Now is the time to start thinking about your insurance policy.

A surveyor will be assigned your claim and will visit to assess any 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.

Most boat accidents result from a combination of factors that are impossible to control all of them. If there was a flaw in the boat, you could be able to file a claim for product liability against the company that made the boat.

In these instances, you need an attorney with experience boating claims. They can help you build an argument that can prove the manufacturer is responsible for the accident.

It is also important to note that different types of boats are covered in different ways by an insurance policy. For instance, homeowner's insurance, which covers home owners typically covers small boats with engines below 50 HP. This means that airboats, jet skis and larger vessels will not be covered by homeowner's insurance.

4. Contact an attorney

Once you're secured and have seen an expert medical professional for injuries, make sure to inform your insurance company. Even if there is no police report, you will still need to notify your insurance company. It is important to be aware of your information because insurance companies will often try and assign blame for the incident. This can reduce the amount of compensation given. The NYC lawyers for boating accidents at Mirman Markovits & Landau work hard to challenge and limit these claims.

It is recommended to collect as much information as you can on the other boat owners and operators involved in the accident. Included in this information are their names, addresses and telephone number, as well as any insurance details. It is also useful to have a copy the accident report filed.

Boat accidents can be frightening and cause serious injuries. They can lead to massive medical expenses, loss of wages and damages. The parties responsible must be held accountable for the harm they have caused you. You won't receive the compensation you deserve if you don't speak with an experienced New York injury lawyer as quickly as is possible. This will help even the playing field and allow you to concentrate on getting well.