How to File a Boat Accident Claim Boating can be exciting and enjoyable, however if you are not careful it can quickly become dangerous. Just like https://vimeo.com/709668579 , boats need to adhere to 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 as well as 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 to do after an accident with a boat is to collect evidence and contact a lawyer. You should also seek medical attention immediately for any injuries. To support a claim medical records and other evidence is required. This includes both future and present medical expenses as well as loss of earnings or earning potential, damage to property, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. Photos and video footage are valuable in preserving physical evidence at the scene of an accident. Eyewitness testimony can be a valuable piece of evidence since it provides details about the accident that might otherwise be ignored. Police and incident reports can be used to determine the chronology of what transpired in the incident. A lawyer with expertise can scrutinize the evidence to determine who is responsible for the victim's injuries or losses. A boating accident negligence case usually involves multiple parties, including the boat's operator and the manufacturer or owner of the watercraft. A reputable lawyer is able to manage all communications with insurance providers who will be involved in a person's claim for compensation. A lawyer can stop victims from saying anything that could be used against them in court. Additionally, they can also help victims obtain fair settlement offers for their losses. 2. File a report In the event of a boating crash, the first thing you should do is ensure that everyone is secure. Then, you should call local law enforcement officials and fill out a report about the incident. Based on the state's laws and regulations, you could have 48 hours to file a report if the accident causes injury or death that requires medical attention beyond basic first aid. Alternatively, you may have ten days to file a claim in the event that the accident causes more than $2,000 worth of damage or if the boat gets lost. If you can, stay at the site of the accident to assist other boats or people without risking your safety or the safety of the victims at risk. This will permit the law enforcement officer to keep track of crucial details such as how the accident occurred and who was on board at the time of the crash and the cause. Unfortunately, even highly trained and experienced boaters can be involved in accidents on the water due to someone else's negligence. A knowledgeable attorney can assist you in identifying the negligent party responsible for your damages and pursue compensation. The types of damages that are recoverable include medical expenses, property damage, and financial losses. A lawsuit against the responsible party could also result into monetary compensation for your discomfort and pain and loss of quality of life, and emotional distress due to the incident. 3. Examine the damage After medical professionals have assessed the injuries of everyone, and they are all in a safe area It is crucial to take a closer examine the damage to the boat. You must now begin thinking about your insurance policy. A surveyor will be assigned to your claim. They will come out to examine the damage caused by the accident. The surveyor will then compare the damage to the original described by you. They will then begin to figure out what the damages could be worth. Most boat accidents are caused by a combination of causes which means it's impossible to control all of them. If there was a defect by the manufacturer in the vessel itself, it may be possible to file a product liability claim against the company that produced the boat. In these instances, you need an attorney with experience boating claims. They can create a strong case that proves the manufacturer was responsible for the accident. It is also important to note that various types of boats are covered differently by insurance policies. For instance homeowners insurance will generally only cover smaller boats with engines that is below 50 HP. This means that airboats, jet skis and larger vessels won't be covered by homeowner's insurance. 4. Contact an attorney Notify your insurance company when you feel secure and have visited a doctor in case of any injuries. Even if there is no police report, you'll still have to inform your insurance company. Be careful when you give information to insurance companies as they may attempt to determine who is responsible for an accident. This can reduce the amount of compensation you receive. The NYC lawyers for boating accidents at Mirman Markovits & Landau work hard to debunk and limit these claims. If you're able to then it's a great idea to collect information about the other boat operators or owners that were involved in the crash. Included in this data are their names, addresses and telephone number and any insurance details. It is also beneficial to have a copy of the report of a boating accident that has been filed. Boat accidents can be a nightmare and may cause serious injury. They can lead to significant medical expenses, lost wages and other damages. The parties responsible must be accountable for any harm they may have caused. The at-fault parties and insurance companies won't provide you with the compensation you deserve willingly It is essential to speak with an experienced New York injury attorney as in the earliest possible time. This can help level the playing field and allow you to focus on getting well.