How to File a Boat Accident Claim

Boating can be exciting and fun, but if you are not careful it could turn dangerous. Boats must also follow strict safety regulations to avoid injuries.

If you have been injured in a boating accident you could be entitled to compensation for medical bills and property damage. To increase your chances of success, contact a qualified New York boat accident attorney.

1. Gather Evidence

The most important thing to do after a boating accident is to collect evidence and speak with an attorney. It is also essential to seek medical attention right away for any injuries that might have occurred. Medical documents and other evidence are needed to prove the claim for damages including future and current medical expenses in addition to loss of income earning potential, property damage and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

Video and photos can be useful in preserving evidence from the scene of an accident. Eyewitness testimony can be a valuable evidence piece as it reveals details about the accident that might otherwise be overlooked. Police and incident reports can be used to determine the time line of what happened in the case.

A lawyer who is knowledgeable can review the evidence to determine who is liable for the victim's injuries or losses. A successful negligence claim for an accident involving a boat usually involves multiple parties liable, including the boat's owner and the manufacturer or owner of the watercraft.

A reputable lawyer can manage all communications with insurance providers who are 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 aid victims in obtaining fair settlement offers for damages.

2. Report a crime

The first thing to do after a boating incident is to ensure that everyone is secure. Then, you must contact local law enforcement agencies and fill out a report about the incident. Based on the laws of your state and regulations, you may be given 48 hours to file an official report in the event of death or serious injury requiring medical treatment above basic first aid. You could also have 10 days to file a report in the event that the accident causes more than $2,000 in damages or the boat is lost.

It is also recommended that you remain at the site of the accident to help other boats or people, if feasible without risking your safety or that of the victims. This will enable the law enforcement officer to record important information, such as the circumstances of the accident and who was in the boat at the time of the crash and what caused it.

Unfortunately, even highly trained and experienced boaters could be involved in water-related accidents because of the negligence of someone else. A skilled attorney will assist you in identifying the negligent party responsible for the damage and seek compensation. Medical expenses, property damage and financial losses are all recoverable damages. A lawsuit against the party responsible could also result in monetary compensation for your pain and discomfort and loss of quality of life, and emotional stress caused by the incident.

3. Examine the damage

After medical experts have examined all the injuries sustained by everyone and determined that they are all in a safe location, it is important that you take a thorough look at the damage done to the boat. This is when you begin looking at your insurance policy and what it will cover.

A surveyor will be assigned your claim and will come out to examine any damage that was caused by the accident. They will compare the initial report to the damage and begin to calculate the value of the damage.

It is impossible to control every aspect that could cause a boat accident. If there was a defect on the boat, you may be eligible to file a claim for product liability against the manufacturer who manufactured the boat.

In these cases it is crucial to hire a lawyer who has experience handling boating cases as they can create an air-tight defense that proves that the manufacturer is responsible for the accident.

It is also important to note that different types of boats are protected differently by an insurance policy. For instance homeowners insurance will generally only cover smaller boats that have an engine that is less than 50 HP. Insurance for homeowners does not cover jet skis, larger vessels or airboats.

4. Contact an attorney

Notify your insurance company as soon as you feel safe and have visited a doctor for any injuries. Even if there is no police report, you'll have to notify your insurance company. Be careful when you provide details to insurance companies, as they may attempt to blame someone else for an accident. This could reduce the amount of compensation you are given. The NYC boating accident lawyers at Mirman Markovits & Landau work to prove and limit these claims.

It is beneficial to collect as many details as you can on the other boat accident attorneys owners or operators who were involved in the accident. This includes their name, address along with their phone number and insurance details. It is also beneficial to keep a copy of the accident report filed.

Boat accidents can be a nightmare and cause serious injuries. They can result in massive medical expenses, loss of wages, and damage. Anyone responsible for the injury are accountable for the harm they have caused you. The at-fault parties and insurance companies will not give you the compensation you deserve Therefore, it is crucial to consult an experienced New York injury attorney as early as possible. This will help to level the playing field and allow you to focus on getting well.