How to File a Boat Accident Claim

Boating can be thrilling and fun, but should you not be careful, it can quickly become dangerous. Like cars, boats must follow strict safety rules to avoid injuries.

If you've been injured in a boating accident you could be entitled to compensation for medical expenses as well as for 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 with a boat is to collect evidence and speak with a lawyer. It is also crucial to seek medical attention right away for any injuries that might have occurred. Medical records and other evidence is needed to prove a claim for damages including future and current medical expenses, loss of income or earning potential, property damage and non-economic damages like suffering and pain.

Video and photographs are helpful in preserving evidence from the scene of an accident. Eyewitness testimony can be a valuable piece of evidence since it reveals details about the collision that otherwise would be ignored. You can also use police and incident reports to create a time line.

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

A reputable lawyer can handle all communication with insurance companies who are involved in a victim's claim for compensation. A lawyer can assist victims not say anything that could be used against them in a court of law and also aid victims in obtaining fair settlement offers for damages.

2. Make a Report

The first thing to do after a boating incident is to make sure everyone is safe. You should then contact the police at the scene and file a formal report. According to the laws of the state and regulations, you might only be given 48 hours to file an official report in the event of death or serious injury needing medical attention above first aid. Additionally, you may be given ten days to file a claim in the event that the accident causes more than $2,000 of damage or if the abilene boat accident attorney gets lost.

You should also remain at the site of the accident and assist other boats or people, if possible, without putting your safety or that of the victims. This will enable the law enforcement officer note important details, such as how the accident happened and who was in the boat at the time of the crash and what caused it.

Unfortunately, even well-trained and experienced boaters can be involved in accidents on the water because of the negligence of someone else. A knowledgeable lawyer can assist you in identifying the negligent party who caused your damages and pursue compensation. Damage to property, medical expenses and financial losses are all recoverable damages. A lawsuit against the responsible party could also result into monetary compensation for your pain and discomfort and loss of quality of life, and emotional stress that is caused by the incident.

3. Inspect the Damages

After medical professionals have assessed the injuries of everyone, and they are all in a safe place, it is important to take a closer look at the damage that has been done to the North St Paul Boat Accident Lawyer - Vimeo.Com,. This is the time to start looking at your insurance policy and what it will cover.

A surveyor Swansea boat accident law Firm will be assigned to your claim and will go out to assess the damage caused by the accident. The surveyor will then compare the damage to the one originally reported by you and will then determine the amount of damage that could be worth.

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

In these instances you will require a lawyer with experience in boating claims. They can help you build an argument that is strong and proves the manufacturer is accountable for the accident.

It is also important to keep in mind that various kinds of boats are covered in different ways by insurance policies. For instance, homeowner's insurance, which covers home owners typically only covers small boats with engines less than 50 HP. Homeowner's insurance does not cover jet skis, larger vessels or airboats.

4. Contact an Attorney

Notify your insurance company as soon as you feel secure and have been to a doctor in case of any injuries. You'll likely need to notify them even when no police report has been filed. It is essential to be careful with your information because insurance companies will often try and assign blame for the accident. This could limit the amount of compensation you are granted. The NYC lawyers who handle boating accidents at Mirman, Markovits & Landau will be determined to prove these claims and limit the amount of fault attributable to you.

It is important to gather as much information as you can about the other boat owners or operators who were involved in the incident. This includes their address, name telephone number, and insurance information. It is also helpful to have a copy the accident report filed.

Boat accidents can be frightening and cause serious injury. They can cause significant medical costs, lost wages and damages. The parties responsible must be held accountable for any harm they have caused. You won't receive the amount you are due if you don't seek out an experienced New York injury lawyer as soon as you can. This will help to level the playing field and allow you to concentrate on getting well.