How to File https://vimeo.com/709627726 is often fun and thrilling, but it could quickly become deadly if not cautious. Boats must also follow strict safety guidelines to avoid injuries. If you've been injured in an accident on the water, then you may be eligible to receive compensation for medical expenses and property damage. To increase your chances of success you should speak with a reputable New York boat accident attorney. 1. Gather Evidence The most important thing you can do following an accident with a boat is to gather evidence and get in touch with an attorney. It is also important to seek medical attention immediately for any injuries that may have occurred. Medical documents and other evidence are necessary to support the claim for damages such as current and future medical costs, loss of income or earning potential, property damage, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Videos and photos can be used to preserve physical evidence from the scene of a boating incident. Eyewitness testimony is another vital element of evidence, since it can give valuable information regarding the cause of a collision that might otherwise be omitted. Police and incident reports can be used to determine the timeline of events that occurred in the particular case. A knowledgeable lawyer will review the evidence and determine which parties are responsible for victim's injuries and other losses. A successful negligence case for an accident on the water usually involves multiple liable parties including the boat's owner and the manufacturer or owner of the watercraft. A reputable lawyer can handle all communication with insurance companies who are involved in a claim of a victim for compensation. A lawyer can help victims to avoid saying anything that could be used against them in a court of law, and also help victims obtain fair settlement offers for damages. 2. Report a crime When a boating incident occurs the first thing you should do is ensure that everyone is safe. Then, you should contact local law enforcement agencies and complete a report on the incident. Depending on state laws and regulations, you might have 48 hours to file an incident report if the accident results in death or injury which requires medical treatment above basic first aid. You may also have 10 days to file if incapable of finding the boat or if the accident causes more than $2,000 worth of damages. If you can, be at the scene to help other boats or people without placing your safety or that of the victims at risk. This will allow the police officer to keep track of crucial details like the manner in which the collision occurred and who was onboard at the time of the crash, and what caused it. Unfortunately, even highly trained and experienced boaters can get involved in accidents on the water because of the negligence of someone else. A knowledgeable attorney can determine the negligent party accountable for your injuries and help you pursue compensation. Property damage, medical expenses and financial losses are all recoverable damages. Additionally, bringing a lawsuit against the responsible party could result in financial recovery for your pain and suffering, loss of quality of life and other emotional traumas that are associated with the crash. 3. Inspect the Damages Once medical professionals have assessed the injuries of everyone and are in a safe area It is essential to look at the damage to the boat. This is when you begin contemplating your insurance policy and what it will cover. A surveyor will be assigned your claim and will visit to inspect any damage incurred by the accident. He or she will compare the initial report to the damage and then begin to calculate the value of the damages. It is impossible to control every element that can lead to a boating accident. If there was a defect in the boat, you may be legally able to file a lawsuit for product liability against the company who manufactured the boat. In these situations it is crucial to hire a lawyer who has experience handling boating claims since they can construct an airtight case that proves that the manufacturer is responsible for the accident. It is important to keep in mind that different types of boats are covered by insurance policies in different ways. For instance homeowners insurance is typically only cover smaller boats that have an engine that is less than 50 HP. Homeowner's insurance does not cover jet skis, larger vessels or airboats. 4. Contact an Attorney Inform your insurance company whenever you feel secure and have seen an emergency room for any injuries. You will likely need to notify them even if no police report is filed. Be careful when supplying details to insurance companies, since they often try to determine who is responsible for an accident. This could decrease the amount of compensation you receive. The NYC lawyers for boating accidents at Mirman, Markovits & Landau will fight hard to debunk these claims and limit the amount of fault assigned to you. If you're able, it is a good idea to get information from the other boat owners or operators involved in the crash. This includes their name, address as well as their phone number and insurance information. It is also helpful to keep a copy of the accident report that has been filed. Boat accidents can be scary and can cause serious injuries. They can result in significant medical expenses, lost wages and other damages. The responsible parties must be accountable for any harm they caused. The at-fault parties and insurance companies won't provide the compensation you're entitled to and it is therefore essential to consult a seasoned New York injury attorney as soon as you can. This will help level the playing field and allow you to concentrate on getting well.