How to File a Boat Accident Claim Boating can be thrilling and enjoyable, however If you're not careful, it can quickly become dangerous. Like cars, boats must adhere to strict safety guidelines to avoid injuries. If you have been injured in a boating incident you could be entitled to compensation for medical expenses and property damage. To increase your chances of winning get in touch with a professional New York boat accident attorney. 1. Gather Evidence The most important thing you can do following a boating accident is to collect evidence and get in touch with a lawyer. It is also important to seek medical attention immediately for any injuries that might have occurred. To prove a claim, medical records and other evidence is required. This includes future and current medical expenses, loss of earnings or earning potential, property damage and non-economic losses like pain and suffering. Video and photos are valuable in preserving physical evidence at the scene of an accident. Eyewitness testimony is a crucial evidence source, as it can provide valuable details about the cause of a collision that would otherwise be overlooked. Police and incident reports can be used to establish a timeline of what happened in the particular case. A knowledgeable lawyer will review the evidence and determine which parties are responsible for victim's injuries as well as the associated losses. A successful negligence case for an accident involving a boat usually involves multiple parties that are liable, including the boat operator and the manufacturer or owner of the watercraft. An experienced attorney is able to manage all communications between the insurance company and the victim involved in the claim for compensation of the victim. A lawyer can help victims to avoid saying anything that could be used against them in the courts, and can also help victims obtain fair settlements for damages. 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 the local law enforcement agency and fill out a report about the incident. Depending on state laws and regulations, you might have up to 48 hours in which to file an incident report if the accident resulted in injury or death that requires medical attention above basic first aid. You could also be granted 10 days to file a report if you are in a position to not locate the boat or if the incident results in more than $2,000 worth of damage. You should also stay at the site of the accident and assist other boats or individuals if possible, without putting your own safety or that of the victims. This will let the law enforcement officer note important information, such as how the accident occurred and who was on the boat at the time of crash and what caused it. Even experienced and well-trained boaters may be involved in accidents on the water because of someone else's negligence. An experienced attorney can help you identify the negligent party who caused your damages and pursue compensation. https://vimeo.com/709833341 , medical expenses and financial losses are all recoverable damages. A lawsuit against the party responsible could also result in monetary compensation for your pain and discomfort, loss of quality life, and emotional stress caused by the accident. 3. Examine the damages After medical professionals have examined all the injuries sustained by everyone and determined that they are all in a safe location It is essential that you take a thorough review of the damage to the boat. This is when you start considering your insurance policy and what it covers. A surveyor will be assigned to your claim and will go out to assess the damage caused by the accident. The surveyor will then compare the damage to what was originally described by you. They will then begin to figure out how much the damage could be worth. Most boat accidents are the result of a mix of causes and it's not always possible to control all of them. However, if there was a manufacturer defect on the boat itself it could be possible to file a product liability claim against the company that produced the boat. In these cases it is imperative to retain a lawyer that has experience in handling boating claims since they can construct an air-tight defense that proves that the manufacturer was accountable for the accident. It is also important to keep in mind that different types of boats are protected differently by insurance policies. For instance homeowners insurance will usually only cover smaller boats with an engine that is less than 50 HP. This means that jet skis, airboats, and larger vessels won't be covered by homeowner's insurance. 4. Contact an attorney As soon as you are secure and have been examined by a medical professional for injuries, make sure to notify your insurance company. You'll likely have to do so even when no police report has been filed. Be cautious when you give information to insurance companies since they often attempt to blame someone else for an accident. This can decrease the amount of compensation that you receive. The NYC lawyers who handle boating accidents at Mirman, Markovits & Landau will be determined to prove these claims and reduce the amount of fault assigned to you. It is a good thing to gather as many details as you can about the other boat owners or operators that were involved in the incident. This includes their address, name telephone number, and insurance details. It is also helpful to have a copy the report of a boating accident that is filed. Boat accidents can be a nightmare and cause serious injury. They can result in significant medical bills loss of wages, and other damage. Anyone responsible for the injury should be held accountable for the harm they have caused you. The at-fault parties as well as insurance companies will not provide you with the amount you are due Therefore, it is crucial to consult a seasoned New York injury attorney as early as you can. This can help level the playing field and allow you to concentrate on getting well.