How to File a Boat Accident Claim

Boating is often fun and thrilling, but it can quickly become dangerous if not cautious. Boats must also abide by strict safety guidelines to avoid injuries.

If you've suffered injuries in a boating accident, you may be eligible to receive compensation for medical expenses and property damage. Contact a New York boat accident lawyer to increase your odds of winning.

1. Gather Evidence

The most important thing to do after an accident with a boat is to collect evidence and then contact a lawyer. You should seek medical assistance immediately for any injuries. In order to support a claim medical documents and other evidence are needed. This includes current and future medical expenses as well as loss of earnings or earning potential, damage to property and other non-economic damages, such as suffering and pain.

Video and photographs are useful in preserving physical evidence at the scene of an accident. Eyewitness testimony can be an invaluable evidence source since it reveals details about the collision that otherwise would be ignored. Police and boat accident lawyer incident reports can also be used to determine the timeline of what happened in the case.

A lawyer who is knowledgeable can review the evidence to determine who is responsible 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 operator as well as the manufacturer or owner of the watercraft.

A trusted lawyer can manage all communications with insurance companies who will be involved in a victim's claim to compensation. A lawyer can stop victims from saying anything that could be used against them in court, and they can also assist victims to receive fair settlements for their damages.

2. Report a crime

In the event of a boating crash the first thing you need to do is make sure that everyone is secure. You should then contact the local police department and make a report. In accordance with the state laws and regulations you may only be given 48 hours to file an official report in the event of serious injury or death requiring medical treatment above basic first aid. You could also get 10 days to file if in a position to not locate the boat or if the accident causes more than $2,000 in damage.

It is also recommended that you remain at the site of the accident to assist other boats or people if possible, without putting your own safety or the safety of the victims. This will allow the police officer to record important information like how the collision took place and who was on board 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. A knowledgeable attorney can determine the person who was negligent in causing your injuries and help you pursue compensation. Medical expenses, property damage and financial losses are all recoverable damages. A lawsuit against the party responsible could also result in financial compensation for your pain and discomfort or loss of quality life, as well as emotional distress due to the accident.

3. Examine the damages

Once medical professionals have checked the injuries of everyone and are in a safe area, it is important to look at the damage to the boat. You should now start thinking about your insurance policy.

A surveyor will be assigned to your claim and will come out to inspect the damage caused by the accident. The surveyor will evaluate the initial report to the damage, and then start figuring out the value of the damage.

Most boat accidents are caused by a combination of factors, and it is not always possible to control all of them. However, if there was a defect by the manufacturer in the vessel it might be possible to bring a claim of product liability against the company that produced the boat.

In these cases you require an attorney who has experience in boating claims. They can build an argument that is strong and proves the manufacturer is responsible for the accident.

It is important to remember that various kinds of boats are protected differently by an insurance policy. Homeowners insurance, for instance typically only covers small boats with engines under 50 HP. This means that airboats, jet skis as well as larger vessels will not be covered by homeowner's insurance.

4. Contact an attorney

Notify your insurance company when you feel safe and have visited a doctor in case of any injuries. You'll likely have to do so even when no police report has been filed. You should be careful when you give information to insurance companies as they will often attempt to assign blame for an accident. This can reduce the amount of compensation granted. The NYC lawyer for boating accidents at Mirman Markovits & Landau work hard to debunk and limit these claims.

If you're able, it is a good idea to gather information about the other boat operators or owners that were involved in the crash. Included in this data are their names, addresses and phone number, as well as any insurance information. It is also helpful to have a copy of the report of a boating accident which is filed.

Boat accidents can be frightening and can cause serious injuries. They can lead to significant medical expenses, lost wages, and damage. The responsible parties must be accountable for any harm they have caused. The at-fault parties and insurance companies won't provide you with the compensation you're entitled to, so it is important to speak with an experienced New York injury attorney as early as possible. This will allow you to focus on improving and leveling the playing field.