How to File a Boat Accident Claim

Boating can be enjoyable and exciting, but it can quickly become dangerous if not cautious. Like cars, boats need to adhere to strict safety guidelines to avoid injuries.

If you've been injured in an accident while on the boat, you could be eligible for compensation for medical expenses 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 a boat is to collect evidence and then contact an attorney. It is also important to seek medical attention right away for any injuries that may have occurred. To prove 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 as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

Videos and photos can help preserve physical evidence from the scene of a boating incident. Eyewitness testimony can be a valuable evidence piece as it gives details regarding the accident that might otherwise be ignored. You can also use police and incident reports to establish the timeline.

A seasoned lawyer can scrutinize the evidence and determine which parties might be liable for a victim's injuries and related expenses. A boating accident negligence claim usually involves multiple parties, including the boat's driver as well as the manufacturer or owner of the watercraft.

An experienced lawyer can handle all communication between insurance companies and victims involved in the victim's compensation claim. A lawyer can assist victims avoid saying anything that can be used against them in the court of law, and also assist victims in obtaining fair settlements for damages.

2. Make a Report

When a boating incident occurs, the first thing you must do is make sure that everyone involved is safe. The next step is to contact the police at the scene and file a report. Based on the laws of your state and regulations, you might only have 48 hours to file an account in the event of serious injury or death that requires medical attention beyond basic first aid. You may also have ten days if you are in a position to not locate the boat or if the incident results in more than $2,000 in damage.

If possible, you should stay at the site of the accident to assist other boats or persons without risking your own safety or the safety of the victims at risk. This will allow the law enforcement officer to keep track of crucial details like how the accident occurred and who was onboard at the time of the collision and what caused it.

Unfortunately, even highly trained and experienced boaters can be involved in water-related accidents due to someone else's negligence. A skilled attorney will help you identify the negligent party who caused your injuries and seek 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, loss of quality life, as well as emotional distress caused by the accident.

3. Inspect the Damages

Once medical professionals have assessed everyone's injuries and they are in a safe location It is essential to take a good look at the damage to the boat accident lawsuit. This is the time to start thinking about your insurance policy and boat accident lawyer what it will cover.

A surveyor will be assigned to your claim and will go out to inspect the damage caused by the accident. The surveyor will then compare the damage to the one originally stated by you. They will then begin to figure out what the damages could be worth.

Most boat accidents result from a combination of factors that are impossible to control all of them. If there was a flaw in the boat, you might be legally able to file a lawsuit for product responsibility against the company that created the boat.

In these cases you will require an attorney with experience boating claims. They can help you build a strong case to prove that the manufacturer was responsible for the accident.

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

4. Contact an attorney

As soon as you are secure and have been examined by an medical professional for injuries, be sure to inform your insurance company. Even if there's no police report, you will have to notify your insurance company. It is essential to be aware of your information as the insurance companies often attempt to determine who is responsible for the accident. This can reduce the amount of compensation you receive. The NYC lawyers for boating accidents at Mirman, Markovits & Landau will work hard to disprove these claims and limit the amount of blame attributable to you.

It is beneficial to collect as much information as you can on the other boat owners and operators involved in the accident. Included in this list are their name, address and phone number along with any insurance information. It is also beneficial to have a copy the report of a boating accident that is filed.

Boat accidents can be a nightmare and may cause serious injury. They can cause substantial medical bills as well as lost wages and other damage. The responsible parties should be held accountable for any harm they caused. You won't receive the compensation you deserve if you don't consult an experienced New York injury lawyer as quickly as is possible. This allows you to concentrate on gaining more and level the playing fields.