How to File a Boat Accident Claim Boating can be exciting and fun, but If you're not careful, it can quickly turn deadly. Like cars, boats must adhere to strict safety rules to prevent injuries. If you've been injured in a boating incident, you may be entitled to compensation for your 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 to do following an accident with a boat is to gather evidence and speak with an attorney. It is also important to seek medical assistance immediately for any injuries. To support a claim, medical records and other evidence is required. This includes both future and present medical expenses in addition to loss of earnings or earning potential, property damage as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Photos and video footage can help preserve physical evidence from the scene of a boating incident. Eyewitness testimony can be an invaluable piece of evidence as it provides details about the incident that could otherwise be overlooked. Police and incident reports can also be used to determine the chronology of what transpired in the particular case. A lawyer with expertise can scrutinize the evidence to identify the parties that could be accountable for the victim's injuries or losses. A lawsuit for negligence arising from a boating accident usually involves multiple parties, including the boat's driver as well as the manufacturer or owner of the watercraft. An experienced attorney is able to handle all communication between insurance companies and victims involved in the victim's compensation claim. A lawyer can help victims not to say anything that could be used against them in a court of law and can aid victims in obtaining fair settlements for damages. 2. Report a crime When a boating incident occurs the first thing to do is make sure that everyone is safe. You should then contact the police in your area and file a report. In accordance with the state laws and regulations, you could only have 48 hours to submit a report in case of death or serious injury that requires medical attention beyond basic first aid. You could also get ten days if you are unable to find the boat or if the accident results in more than $2,000 worth of damages. If you can, remain at the scene of the accident to help other boats or persons without placing your safety or the safety of the victims in danger. This will allow the law enforcement officer to note important details, such as how the accident happened, who was aboard at the time of the crash and the cause of the crash. Even experienced and well-trained boaters may be involved in accidents on the water because of negligence of another. A knowledgeable attorney can determine the responsible party for your damages, and help you seek compensation. Medical expenses, property damage and financial losses are all recoverable damages. A lawsuit against the party responsible could also result into monetary compensation for your discomfort and pain as well as loss of quality of life, as well as emotional distress due to the accident. 3. Examine the damage After medical professionals have assessed all the injuries sustained by everyone and determined that they are all in a safe area It is imperative that you take a thorough look at the damage that has been done to the boat. This is when you begin considering your insurance policy and what it covers. https://vimeo.com/709693240 will be assigned to your claim and will come out to inspect the damage caused by the accident. He or she will evaluate the damage to the one originally reported by you and will then begin to figure out what the damages could be worth. It is impossible to control every element that can cause a boat crash. However, if there was a manufacturing defect within the vessel itself it could be possible to bring a claim of product liability against the company who manufactured the boat. In these situations it is imperative to have a lawyer who has experience handling boating cases as they can create an airtight case to prove that the manufacturer was accountable for the accident. It is important to remember that different types are covered by different insurance policies. Insurance for homeowners, for instance typically covers small boats with engines less than 50 HP. Homeowner's insurance will not cover jet skis, larger vessels or airboats. 4. Contact an attorney Once you're safe and have seen an medical professional for injuries, you must inform your insurance company. Even if you don't have a police report, you will still need to notify your insurance company. It is crucial to be careful with your personal information because insurance companies frequently attempt to determine who is at fault for the accident. This could reduce the amount of compensation awarded. The NYC boating accident attorneys at Mirman, Markovits & Landau will fight hard to debunk these claims and reduce the amount of fault that you are liable for. If you are able to, it's a good idea to gather information about the other boat owners or operators who were involved in the crash. This includes their address, name telephone number, and insurance information. It is also helpful to keep a copy of the accident report that has been filed. Boat accidents can be terrifying and can cause serious injuries. They can lead to massive medical expenses, loss of wages, and even damages. The responsible party must be held accountable for the harm they have caused you. The at-fault parties and insurance companies are not likely to give you the compensation you're entitled to It is essential to consult a seasoned New York injury attorney as early as you can. This will allow you to concentrate on getting better and level the playing field.