How to File a Boat Accident Claim

Boating can be enjoyable and thrilling, but it can quickly become dangerous if not cautious. Boats must also adhere to strict safety guidelines to avoid injuries.

If you've been injured in an accident on the water, then you may be eligible for compensation for medical expenses and property damage. To increase your chances of success you should speak with a reputable New York boat accident attorney.

1. Gather Evidence

The most important thing you can do following an accident on a boat is to gather evidence and then contact a lawyer. It is also essential to seek medical treatment immediately in the event of any injuries that could have occurred. To support a claim medical documents and other evidence are needed. This includes future and current medical expenses, loss of earnings or earning potential, property damage and non-economic losses such as suffering and pain.

Photos and video footage are helpful in preserving physical evidence at the scene of an accident. Eyewitness testimony can be a valuable evidence piece as it can provide details about the collision that would otherwise be ignored. You can also use police and incident reports to establish an outline of the timeframe.

A seasoned lawyer can scrutinize the evidence and determine who might be liable for a victim's injuries as well as the associated losses. A claim for negligence in a boating accident usually involves multiple parties, including the boat's operator and the owner or manufacture of the watercraft.

An experienced lawyer can handle all communication between insurance providers and victims involved in the victim's compensation claim. A lawyer can help victims not to say anything that could be used against them in a court of law, and can assist victims in obtaining fair settlement offers for damages.

2. File a report

The first thing to do following a boating accident is to make sure everyone is secure. You should then contact the local police and make a report. In accordance with state laws and regulations, you may have up to 48 hours to file an incident report if the accident resulted in injury or death which requires medical treatment above basic first aid. In addition, you could have 10 days to file a report in the event that the accident causes more than $2,000 in damage or if the boat gets lost.

You should also stay at the site of the accident to assist other boats or individuals when feasible without risking your own safety or that of the victims. This will permit the law enforcement officer to record important information like how the accident happened and who was aboard at the time of the collision and the cause.

Unfortunately, even well-trained and experienced boaters may be involved in water-related accidents due to the negligence of another. A knowledgeable lawyer can help you identify the responsible party responsible for the damage and seek compensation. The types of damages that are recoverable include medical expenses, property damage, and financial losses. In addition, an action against the accountable party could lead to monetary reimbursement for your pain and suffering, loss of quality of life and other emotional issues that come along with the crash.

3. Check for damage

After medical professionals have examined everyone's injuries and they are in a safe area, it is important to look at the damage to the boat. It is now time to think about your insurance policy.

A surveyor will be assigned your claim and will visit to inspect any damage incurred by the accident. They will compare what you originally reported to the damage and begin calculating the value of the damage.

Most boat accidents are caused by a combination of causes which means it's not always possible to control all of them. If there was a defect by the manufacturer in the vessel itself it could be possible to make a claim for product liability against the company that produced the boat accident lawyers.

In these cases you will require an attorney with experience in boating claims. They can create a strong case that proves the manufacturer was responsible for the accident.

It is important to keep in mind that different types are insured by different policies. For example homeowners insurance will generally only cover smaller boats with engines that is below 50 HP. Homeowner's insurance does not cover jet skis, larger vessels, or airboats.

4. Contact an attorney

As soon as you are secured and have seen an medical professional for injuries, be sure to inform your insurance company. Even if you don't have a police report, you will still need to notify your insurance company. It is essential to be careful with your information since insurance companies frequently attempt to assign blame for the incident. This can limit the amount of compensation given. The NYC lawyers who handle boating accidents at Mirman, Markovits & Landau will do their best to disprove these claims and reduce the amount of fault given to you.

If you're able to, it's a good idea to gather information about the other boat accident law firm operators or owners involved in the crash. Included in this information are their name, boat accident attorney address and phone number as well as any insurance information. It is also beneficial to have a copy the accident report filed.

Boat accidents can be a nightmare and can cause serious injuries. They can be a source of substantial medical expenses, lost wages, and even damages. The responsible parties should be accountable for boat accident attorney any harm they may have caused. The at-fault parties and insurance companies won't give you the compensation you deserve, so it is important to seek out an experienced New York injury attorney as in the earliest possible time. This will allow you to focus on improving and leveling the playing fields.