How to File a Boat Accident Claim If you've been injured in an accident with a boat, it's important to seek medical attention. Photograph the accident scene, and record any injuries you sustained. You can also keep a log. The most important aspect of a successful boating accident claim is proving the negligence of the other party. To prove negligence it is necessary to have as much evidence and information as you can. Reporting the Accident After a boating incident, you must inform authorities of what transpired. This includes ensuring safety for all passengers as well as anyone who is who is on the shore. This can be done by sending an accident report to the appropriate local authority. State and territorial laws differ regarding the specifics on reporting boat accidents requirements. It is important to consult an attorney immediately to make sure that your rights are protected and that you meet any legal requirements. In general the case of a boating accident, a report must be filed in the event of death (which must be reported within 48 hours), an injury requiring medical treatment beyond first aid, or a disappearance of any person from the boat in a manner that would reasonably suggest they might have been killed or injured. If the accident results in damages to property exceeding $2,000, then it should be reported. The operator must remain at the scene to provide assistance if possible, without putting their own safety or that of their passengers at risk. They must also give their name, address and vessel information in writing to anyone who is injured or to the owner of any property that has been damaged. In addition to the obvious injuries, which include spinal and head fractures, broken bones cuts and bruises, many victims suffer from persistent psychological and physical injuries caused by a boating accident. In many instances an accident that killed someone on the boat could have easily been prevented if the operator had taken more care or if someone else who was on the boat wasn't acting recklessly. Looking for medical attention The next step following an accident on the water should always be seeking medical attention. It will be able to assess any injuries, offer treatment, and gather important evidence to support your case. It will also help to ensure that your health condition isn't worsened due to a delay in seeking treatment. It is important that if you go to a hospital or other medical facility as a result of an injury, the doctors and nurses record all of your complaints, no regardless of how insignificant they seem. Insurance companies will scrutinize your medical records as evidence of your injuries when trying to negotiate a compensation settlement. If you do not mention any discomfort or injury whatsoever in your medical records the insurance company could claim that you didn't suffer the injuries you claim to have suffered in the accident. Serious injuries can range from neck and back pain and broken bones, or paralysis. https://vimeo.com/709658683 can have a significant impact on your life and make it difficult for you to work. They may require costly surgeries, long hospital stays, and ongoing treatment. As in a car accident the person responsible for a boating crash may be held accountable when he or she was negligently. Neglect includes failing to adhere to all safety guidelines and precautions that reasonable people would follow under similar circumstances. This includes following the directions or signs, paying attention to the weather conditions, maintaining and inspecting your boat and not guiding your boat while drunk, and keeping an appropriate distance between yourself and other vessels. Contacting an attorney While a boating accident may be frightening, it could also be confusing and overwhelming. This is true, especially when you're injured. It is important that you have all the information you require to file a claim following an accident and receive the compensation you deserve. This includes ensuring that you have an attorney representing you. If you've been injured in a boating accident the lawyer you hire can assist you by following the steps: They first make sure that all parties and authorities are aware of the incident. Then, they will gather evidence to establish liability and negligence. This could include a range of evidence, including video footage, witness testimony, and physical evidence. Once they have gathered all the relevant information after which they will be capable of filing a lawsuit against the accountable operator or owner. They will seek compensation for your expenses and losses, which include medical bills and loss of earnings and property damage. Injuries that are serious in boating accidents are quite common and can have a devastating impact on your life. Back and neck injuries, brain injuries, broken bones, or paralysis are all possibilities. These kinds of injuries could make you miss work, need long-term care and could be a significant impact on your life quality. A New York boating accident lawyer is able to seek compensation for these injuries. Making a Claim You are entitled to compensation for your expenses and losses regardless of how you were hurt. You could be entitled to compensation damages to cover medical expenses, property damage and lost wages. You may also be awarded noneconomic damages which are more subjective, and can include compensation for the psychological and emotional hurt you've suffered. It is important to provide as much information as you can in submitting an insurance claim for an accident on a boat. It is recommended to talk to witnesses, if you can, and gather their names, phone numbers and insurance company information. You should also take pictures of the incident and damage. This information will be used in the future to support your claim. If the case involves the government, it is crucial to consult a lawyer as there are strict restrictions in these types of lawsuits. It is recommended to contact an New York law firm that is familiar with federal and state laws regarding boating accidents, and how these may impact your case. There are numerous reasons why boating accidents occur, but most are the result of inattention and inexperience, machinery malfunction or speeding, as well as drinking alcohol. Weather conditions can be a contributing factor. If you decide to go boating during bad weather and you have an accident, it could be considered to be negligence also.