How to File a Boat Accident Claim

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

If you have been injured in a boating accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and property damage. Contact a New York boat accident lawyer to increase your chances of winning.

1. Gather Evidence

The most important thing you can do following an accident on the water is to gather evidence and get in touch with a lawyer. You should also seek medical assistance immediately for any injuries. Medical records and other evidence are needed to support the claim for damages such as future and present medical costs and loss of income or earning potential, property damage and non-economic damages like suffering and pain.

Video and photos are useful in preserving evidence from the scene of an accident. Eyewitness testimony is a crucial evidence source, as it can provide important information about the reason for a collision that might otherwise be missed. You can also use police reports and incident reports to establish the timeline.

A knowledgeable lawyer can review the evidence and determine who might be liable for a victim's injuries and related expenses. A lawsuit for negligence arising from a boating accident usually involves multiple parties, including the boat's driver as well as the owner or manufacture of the watercraft.

A reputable lawyer can manage all communication with insurance companies that will be involved in a person's claim for compensation. A lawyer can stop victims from saying anything that could be used against them in court. In addition, they can assist victims receive fair settlement offers for their losses.

2. Report a crime

When a boating accident occurs, the first thing you need to do is ensure that everyone involved is safe. After that, you need to contact local law enforcement and fill out a report about the incident. Depending on state laws and regulations, you could have up to 48 hours to file a report if the accident results in injury or death that requires medical attention above basic first aid. You could also be granted 10 days to file a report if you are incapable of finding the boat or if the incident results in more than $2,000 in damage.

You should also be at the scene of the accident to assist other boats or people if you can, without putting at risk your safety or that of the victims. This will allow the law enforcement officer to note important details like the manner in which the accident occurred and who was aboard at the time of the crash and the reason for it.

Even experienced and well-trained boaters can get into accidents on the water because of someone else's negligence. An experienced lawyer can identify the negligent party responsible for the damages you suffered, and assist you seek compensation. Medical expenses, property damage and financial losses are all recoverable damages. Additionally, bringing a lawsuit against the responsible party could result in monetary reimbursement for your pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, and other emotional distresses associated with the crash.

3. Examine the damage

After medical professionals have examined all injuries and are all in a safe location It is crucial that you take a thorough look at the damage that has been done to the boat. This is when you begin looking at your insurance policy and what it covers.

A surveyor will be assigned to your claim. They will come out to inspect the damage caused by the accident. They will compare the information you initially provided to the damage, and then begin to determine the value of the damage.

Most boat accidents are caused by a combination of factors that are not always possible to control all of them. If there was a flaw in the boat, you might be legally able to file a lawsuit for product liability against the company who manufactured the boat.

In these instances, it is essential to have a lawyer who has experience in handling boating claims as they can create an air-tight case that proves that the manufacturer was responsible for the accident.

It is important to remember that different types are insured by different policies. For instance homeowners insurance will usually only cover smaller boats with engines which is less than 50 HP. Homeowner's insurance will not cover jet skis, larger vessels or airboats.

4. Contact an attorney

Inform your insurance company immediately after you feel safe and have visited a doctor in case of any injuries. It is likely that you will need to do so even in the absence of a police report filed. It is important to be cautious with your information as the insurance companies are often trying to attempt to determine who is responsible for the accident. This can reduce the amount of compensation you receive. The NYC lawyers for cineteck.net boating accidents at Mirman, Markovits & Landau will work hard to disprove these claims and limit the amount of blame attributable to you.

If you're able to then it's a great idea to get information from the other boat operators or owners involved in the crash. Included in this list are the names, addresses and telephone number, as well as any insurance information. It is also useful to have a copy the accident report filed.

Boat accidents can be scary and may cause serious injuries. They can cause significant medical expenses loss of wages, and other damage. The parties responsible must be accountable for any harm that they cause. You won't get the amount you are due if you don't seek out an experienced New York injury lawyer as soon as you can. This can help level the playing field and allow you to focus on healing.