How to File a Boat Accident Claim Boating can be fun and exciting, but it can quickly become dangerous if not cautious. Like automobiles, boats must abide by strict safety guidelines to avoid injuries. If you've been injured in a boating accident you could be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses and for property damage. Contact a New York boat accident lawyer to increase your chances of winning. 1. Gather Evidence If someone is involved in an accident while boating, the most important step is to collect evidence and contact an attorney. You should also seek medical attention immediately for any injuries. To support a claim, medical records and other evidence are needed. This includes future and current medical expenses in addition to loss of earnings or earning potential, damage to property and other non-economic damages, such as suffering and pain. Videos and photos can help preserve evidence from the scene of a boating accident. Eyewitness testimony is a crucial evidence source, as it can provide important information about the causes of an accident that could otherwise be overlooked. You could also rely on police reports and incident reports to create the timeline. A lawyer who is experienced is able to review the evidence and identify the parties that could be responsible for the victim's injury or losses. A successful negligence claim for an accident on the water usually involves multiple liable parties, which includes the boat's operator and the manufacturer or owner of the watercraft. A reputable lawyer is able to manage all communication with insurance companies who are involved in a claim of a victim for compensation. An attorney can impede victims from revealing information that could be used against them in court. Additionally, they can also assist victims get fair settlements for their losses. 2. Make a Report The first step following a boating accident is to ensure everyone is safe. Then, you should contact local law enforcement officials and submit a formal report of the incident. Based on the laws of your state and regulations, you might only be given 48 hours to file an account in the event of death or serious injury needing medical attention above first aid. In addition, you could have ten days to file a claim in the event of more than $2,000 in damages or if the boat gets lost. If you are able, remain at the scene of the accident to assist other boats or persons without risking your own safety or the safety of the victims in danger. This will help the law enforcement officer note important details, like how the accident happened and who was on board at the time of crash, and what it caused. Unfortunately, even highly trained and experienced boaters may be involved in accidents on the water because of the negligence of someone else. A skilled attorney can identify the person who was negligent in causing your injuries, and assist you pursue compensation. The damages that are recoverable typically include medical expenses, property damage, and financial losses. A lawsuit against the responsible party could also result in financial compensation for your pain and discomfort as well as loss of quality of life, as well as emotional distress due to the incident. 3. Check for damage Once medical professionals have checked all injuries and ensured that everyone is in a safe area It is essential to take a good look at the damage to the boat. This is the time to start looking at your insurance policy and what it will cover. A surveyor will be assigned your claim and will visit to assess any damage caused by the accident. The surveyor will then compare what you initially reported to the damage and begin calculating the value of the damage. It is impossible to control every aspect that can lead to a boating accident. If there was https://vimeo.com/709670204 in the boat, you could be legally able to file a lawsuit for product liability against the company that produced the boat. In these cases it is imperative to find a lawyer who has experience in handling boating claims as they can create an airtight case that proves that the manufacturer was responsible for the accident. It is important to keep in mind that different types of boats are covered by different insurance policies. For example, homeowners insurance will typically only cover smaller boats with an engine that is less than 50 HP. This means that airboats, jet skis, and larger vessels won't be covered by homeowner's insurance. 4. Contact an Attorney As soon as you are secured and have seen a medical professional for injuries, make sure to inform your insurance company. Even if there is no police report, you'll be required to notify your insurance company. Be careful when providing information to insurance companies since they often attempt to blame someone else for an accident. This could reduce the amount of compensation paid. The NYC lawyers who handle boating accidents at Mirman, Markovits & Landau will do their best to disprove these claims and reduce the amount of fault attributable to you. If you can then it's a great idea to gather information on the other boat operators or owners involved in the crash. Included in this information are their name, address and phone number along with any insurance details. It is also helpful to keep a copy of the accident report filed. Boat accidents can be frightening and may cause serious injury. They can lead to significant medical costs, lost wages, and even damages. The parties responsible must be held accountable for any harm they caused. The at-fault parties and insurance companies won't provide you with the compensation you're entitled to and it is therefore essential to consult an experienced New York injury attorney as soon as you can. This will help even the playing field and allow you to concentrate on healing.