How to File a Boat Accident Claim

Boating can be exciting and fun, but If you're not careful, it can quickly become dangerous. Boats must also adhere to strict safety regulations to prevent injuries.

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

1. Gather Evidence

The most important thing to do after a boating accident is to gather evidence and then contact an attorney. It is also important to seek medical treatment immediately in the event of any injuries that could have occurred. Medical records and other proof are necessary to support a claim for damages like future and current medical costs, loss of income or earning potential, property damage and other non-economic damages such as pain and boat accident suffering.

Photos and video footage can be used to preserve physical evidence from the scene of a boating incident. Eyewitness testimony can be an invaluable piece of evidence as it can provide details about the collision that otherwise would go unnoticed. You can also use police reports and incident reports to create an outline of the timeframe.

A skilled lawyer can analyze the evidence and determine which parties are responsible for victim's injuries and other losses. A boating accident negligence claim typically involves multiple parties including the boat's driver as well as the manufacturer or owner of the watercraft.

A reputable lawyer can manage all communications with insurance companies that are involved in a claim of a victim for compensation. An attorney can deter victims from revealing information that could be used against them in court. In addition, they can also help victims receive fair settlements for their damages.

2. Report a crime

In the event of a boating crash, the first thing you must do is ensure that everyone involved is safe. Then, you should contact the police at the scene and submit a police report. Depending on state laws and boat accident attorney regulations, you might have 48 hours to file an incident report if the accident results in death or injury that requires medical attention above basic first aid. You may also have ten days if you are unable to find the boat or if the accident results in more than $2,000 worth of damage.

You should also stay at the scene of the accident to help other boats or individuals if possible, without putting your safety or that of the victims. This will let the law enforcement officer to record important information, such as how the accident occurred and who was on board at the time of the crash and what caused it.

Even well-trained and experienced boaters may be involved in accidents on the water because of someone else's negligence. A skilled attorney will help you identify the negligent party that caused your damages and pursue compensation. The types of damages that are recoverable include medical expenses, property damage, and financial losses. Moreover, filing an action against the accountable party could result in monetary recovery 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 evaluated the injuries of everyone and are in a safe place, it is important to take a good look at the damage to the boat. This is when you start contemplating your insurance policy and what it covers.

A surveyor will be assigned to your claim and will go out to inspect the damage caused by the accident. He or she will compare what you originally reported with the damage and begin calculating the value of the damage.

It is impossible to control every aspect that can lead to a boating accident. However, if there was a manufacturing defect in the vessel itself it might be possible to file a product liability claim against the company that produced the boat.

In these cases you require an attorney with experience in boating claims. They can put together an argument that can prove the manufacturer is accountable for the accident.

It is also important to remember that different types of boats are governed differently by insurance policies. For instance homeowners insurance will generally only cover smaller boats that have an engine that is less than 50 HP. Homeowner's insurance will not cover jet skis, larger vessels or airboats.

4. Contact an attorney

Once you're secure and have visited an medical professional for injuries, make sure to inform your insurance company. Even if there is no police report, you will still need to notify your insurance company. It is essential to be careful with your information because insurance companies frequently try and determine who is responsible for the accident. This can decrease the amount of compensation that you receive. The NYC lawyers for boating accidents at Mirman Markovits & Landau work to prove and limit these claims.

If you're able, it is a good idea to gather information about the other boat owners or operators involved in the accident. Included in this information is their address, name, and telephone number as well as any insurance information. It is also useful to keep a copy of the accident report that has been filed.

Batesburg leesville boat accident law firm accidents can be a nightmare and can cause serious injuries. They can cause significant medical expenses, lost wages and other damage. Anyone responsible for the injury should be held accountable for the harm they caused you. You won't receive the compensation you deserve if do not consult a seasoned New York injury lawyer as soon as you can. This allows you to concentrate on gaining more and level the playing field.