How to File a Boat Accident Claim

Boating can be thrilling and enjoyable, however should you not be careful, it could quickly turn dangerous. Boats must also adhere to strict safety rules to avoid injuries.

If you've suffered injury in an accident while on the boat, you may be eligible to receive compensation for medical expenses and property damage. To increase your chances of success you should speak with a reputable New York boat accident law accident attorney.

1. Gather Evidence

When someone experiences an accident on the water the first step is to collect evidence and speak with an attorney. It is also important to seek medical treatment immediately for any injuries. Medical records and other evidence are necessary to support claims for damages, like future and current medical costs in addition to loss of income earning potential, property damage and non-economic damages like suffering and pain.

Photos and video footage can be used to preserve physical evidence from the scene of a boating incident. Eyewitness testimony is an additional important piece of evidence, as it can provide important information about the causes of an accident that could otherwise be omitted. You can also utilize police and incident reports to establish the timeline.

A seasoned lawyer can scrutinize the evidence and determine which parties might be accountable for victim's injuries or losses. A successful negligence claim in an accident involving a boat accident lawsuit usually involves multiple parties that are liable, which includes the boat's operator and the manufacturer or owner of the watercraft.

A reputable lawyer is able to handle all communication with insurance companies that will be involved in a claim of a victim for compensation. An attorney can deter victims from saying anything that could be used against their case in court. they can also help victims receive fair settlement offers for their damages.

2. Report a problem

The first step after a boating incident is to ensure everyone is secure. Then, you should call the local law enforcement agency and complete a report on the incident. According to state laws and regulations, you could have 48 hours to file an incident report if the accident resulted in injury or death that requires medical attention beyond basic first aid. You may also have ten days if you are not able to locate the boat or if the accident results in more than $2,000 worth of damage.

If possible, you should stay at the accident site to help other boats or persons without risking your own safety or that of the victim in danger. This will permit the law enforcement officer to take note of important details such as how the accident happened and who was aboard at the time of the crash and the cause.

Even well-trained and experienced boaters can get involved in water-related accidents due to someone else's negligence. An experienced attorney can help you identify the negligent party that caused the damage and seek compensation. Recoverable damages typically include your medical expenses, property damage and financial losses. In addition, an action against the accountable party could result in monetary compensation for your pain, suffering, as well as loss of quality of life, and other emotional traumas that are associated with the crash.

3. Inspect the Damages

After medical professionals have examined the injuries of everyone, and they are all in a safe location, it is important that you take a thorough look at the damage done to the boat accident lawyers. Now is the time to start thinking about your insurance policy.

A surveyor will be assigned to your claim and come out to inspect any damage caused by the accident. He or she will compare what you initially reported to the damage and start figuring out the value of the damage.

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

In these cases you require an attorney with experience boating claims. They can create an argument that can prove the manufacturer was responsible for the accident.

It is also important to keep in mind that different types of boats are governed differently by insurance policies. For example homeowners insurance is typically only cover smaller boats with an engine with less than 50 HP. Homeowner's insurance will not cover jet skis, Boat Accident Claim larger vessels or airboats.

4. Contact an attorney

Inform your insurance company whenever you feel safe and have been to the doctor for any injuries. You'll likely have to do so even in the absence of a police report filed. It is essential to be aware of your personal information because insurance companies frequently try and assign blame for the accident. This could reduce the amount of compensation paid. The NYC lawyers for boating accidents at Mirman Markovits & Landau work hard to disprove and limit these claims.

It is a good thing to collect as many details as you can on the other boat owners and operators involved in the incident. This includes their address, name, phone number and insurance details. It is also beneficial to have a copy the accident report that has been filed.

Boat accidents can be frightening and cause serious injuries. They can result in significant medical expenses, lost wages and other damages. The parties responsible should be held accountable for the harm they caused you. You won't receive the compensation you deserve if you don't speak with an experienced New York injury lawyer as early as you can. This can help level the playing field and allow you to focus on getting well.