How to File a Boat Accident Claim

Boating can be thrilling and enjoyable, however if you are not careful it can quickly become dangerous. Like automobiles, boats must abide by strict safety rules to avoid injuries.

If you've been injured as a result of an accident on the water, then you may be eligible for compensation for medical expenses and property damage. Contact a New York Boat Accident Law Firm accident lawyer to increase your chances of winning.

1. Gather Evidence

If someone is involved in an accident while boating, the most important step is to collect evidence and get in touch with an attorney. It is also crucial to seek medical attention immediately in the event of any injuries that could have occurred. To prove a claim, medical documents and other evidence are required. This includes both future and present medical expenses, loss of earnings or earning potential, damage to property and non-economic losses such as suffering and pain.

Photos and video footage can help preserve physical evidence from the scene of a boating incident. Eyewitness testimony is an additional important element of evidence, as it can provide crucial information about the reason for an accident that could otherwise be missed. Police and incident reports can also be used to establish a timeline of what happened during the investigation.

A knowledgeable lawyer will review the evidence and determine which parties are responsible for victim's injuries as well as the associated losses. A boating accident negligence case typically involves multiple parties including the driver of the boat and the manufacturer or owner of the watercraft.

A reputable attorney can manage all communications between insurance providers and victims involved in the victim's compensation claim. An attorney can impede victims from revealing information that could be used against them in court. Additionally, they can also help victims receive fair settlement offers for their damages.

2. File a report

The first step following a boating accident is to ensure everyone is safe. After that, you need to contact local law enforcement officials and make a report of the incident. In accordance with state laws and regulations, you may have up to 48 hours in which to file an incident report if the accident resulted in injury or death that requires medical attention beyond basic first aid. You may also be able to file a report within ten days if you are unable to find the boat or if the incident causes more than $2,000 of damage.

If you are able, stay at the accident site to assist other boats or people, without risking your safety or that of the victims at risk. This will permit the law enforcement officer to keep track of crucial details like how the accident happened and who was onboard at the time of the crash, and what caused it.

Even well-trained and experienced boaters could be involved in an accident on the water due to someone else's negligence. An experienced attorney can assist you in identifying the negligent party who caused your injuries and seek compensation. The damages that are recoverable typically include medical expenses, property damage, and financial losses. Additionally, bringing an action against the responsible person could result in monetary compensation for your pain, suffering, loss of quality of life and other emotional pains that can be associated with the crash.

3. Examine the damage

After medical professionals have evaluated all injuries and ensured that everyone is in a safe location it is crucial to take a good look at the damage to the boat. This is when you begin contemplating your insurance policy and what it covers.

A surveyor will be assigned to your claim and will go out to examine the damage caused by the accident. He or she will compare the initial report to the damage and then start figuring out the value of the damages.

Most boat accident law firm accidents are the result of a mix of factors and it's not always possible to control all of them. If there was a defect on the boat, you might be in a position to file a claim for product liability against the company that produced the boat.

In these cases it is imperative to hire a lawyer who is familiar with handling boating claims because they can build an air-tight case that proves that the manufacturer was accountable for the accident.

It is important to keep in mind that different types of boats are covered by insurance policies differently. For instance, homeowner's insurance, which covers home owners generally only covers small boats that have engines less than 50 HP. The homeowner's insurance policy does not cover jet skis, larger vessels or airboats.

4. Contact an attorney

Inform your insurance company whenever you feel safe and have been to a doctor for any injuries. You will likely need to notify them even in the absence of a police report filed. Be cautious when you provide information to insurance companies as they may try to assign blame for an accident. This can limit the amount of compensation you are awarded. The NYC boating accident attorneys at Mirman, Markovits & Landau will fight hard to debunk these claims and limit the amount of fault given to you.

If you're able to, it's a good idea to gather information about the other boat operators or owners who were involved in the crash. Included in this information 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 accident attorney accidents can be a nightmare and can cause serious injuries. They can lead to significant medical expenses along with lost wages and other damage. Anyone responsible for the injury have to be held accountable for the harm they caused you. The at-fault parties as well as insurance companies will not give you the amount you are due and it is therefore essential to speak with an experienced New York injury attorney as early as you can. This allows you to concentrate on improving your situation and level the playing fields.