How to File a Boat Accident Claim It is imperative to seek medical care should you be injured in an accident on a boat. Photograph the accident scene, and note any injuries that you sustained. You can also keep a diary. The key to a successful claim against a boating accident is the proof of negligence. You'll need as much information as you can in order to prove your claim. Reporting the Accident After a boating incident, you must inform the authorities about what happened. This includes ensuring the safety of all passengers as well as anyone who is on shore. This can be done by sending an accident report to the appropriate local authority. State and territorial laws vary regarding the specifics regarding boat accident reporting requirements. It is imperative to consult an attorney immediately to ensure that your rights are protected and to make sure that you satisfy any legal requirements. A report on a boating accident is required in the event of any of the following such as death (which must be reported within 48-hours) injuries that require medical care beyond first aid or the disappearance of a person from the boat under circumstances that could reasonably suggest they have been injured or killed. If the accident causes damages to property exceeding $2,000, then it must be reported. The operator must remain on the scene to provide assistance as much as possible, but without risking their own safety or the safety of their passengers at risk. They must also give their name, address and information about the vessel in writing to any people who are injured or to the owner of any property that has been damaged. Beyond the obvious injuries which include spinal and head injuries, broken bones, cuts and bruises, a lot of victims suffer from long-term psychological and physical issues caused by a boating crash. In many instances an accident that killed someone on the water could have been prevented if the operator was more cautious or if someone else on the boat had not acted recklessly. Looking for medical attention The next step following a boating accident should be seeking medical attention. This will allow you to evaluate any injuries and provide treatment. It can also assist you to gather evidence that is crucial to prove your case. Delaying treatment could also aggravate your condition. If you're admitted to a hospital or medical facility due to your injuries, it is important that the nurses and doctors note all of your complaints, even if they seem to be minor. Insurance companies will examine your medical records as evidence of your injuries in negotiations for the settlement of your compensation. If you do not mention any injuries or discomforts in your medical records, an insurance company could argue that you did not suffer the injuries that you claim to have sustained during the accident. Serious injuries range from neck or back pain to broken bones, or even paralysis. These injuries have a significant impact on your lifestyle, and can make it difficult to work. They may require costly surgeries, long hospitalizations, and ongoing care. As in a car accident the person at fault for a boating crash may be held accountable if he or she acted negligently. Inattention means that you have not adhered to all safety guidelines and precautions that reasonable people would take in similar circumstances. This includes obeying the directions as well as observing signage, studying weather conditions, maintaining your boat and inspecting it, not driving your boat if you are drunk, and keeping a safe distance from other vessels. Contacting an attorney A boating accident could be scary, but it can also be a bit confusing. This is especially true when you're injured. It is vital to 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 working for you. If you've suffered injuries in a boating accident the lawyer you hire can assist you by following the steps: They first make sure that all people involved and the authorities are informed of the accident. They will then gather evidence to establish liability and negligence. This may include video footage, witness testimony and physical evidence. Once they have gathered all the relevant information, they will be capable of filing an action against the responsible owner or operator. They will seek compensation for your costs and losses including medical bills, loss of earnings, and property damage. Boating accidents can cause serious injuries. https://vimeo.com/709775431 can be devastating to your life. Back and neck injuries, brain injuries, broken bones, or paralysis are all possibilities. These kinds of injuries may result in you being unable to work, require long-term medical care and have a serious impact on your quality of life. A skilled New York boating accident attorney can seek compensation for these injuries. How to File a Claim You can be compensated for the cost of your losses and expenses, regardless of how you were hurt. You could be entitled to compensation damages to cover medical bills, property damage and lost wages. You could also be entitled to non-economic damages. These are subjective damages that provide the compensation for psychological and emotional pain. It is essential to provide as many details as you can in submitting an insurance claim in the event of a boating incident. It is recommended to talk to witnesses, if you can, and gather their names, telephone numbers, and insurance company information. Also, take photos of the scene as well as the damage. This will all be used to back up your case in the future. It is important to consult an attorney in cases that involve the government, as these lawsuits have strict restrictions. You should consult an New York law firm that is aware of state and federal laws concerning boating accidents, and how they can affect your case. Boating accidents can be caused by a variety of causes however, the majority of them are caused by negligence, inexperience, failures in machinery, speeding or drinking alcohol. The weather can also play a role. If you decide to take a boat trip during bad weather and you are involved in an accident, it could be considered to be negligence also.