How to File a Boat Accident Claim Boating can be exciting and enjoyable, but when you're not careful it can quickly become deadly. Boats must also abide by strict safety rules to avoid injuries. If you've suffered injury in an accident while on the boat, you could be eligible for compensation for medical expenses as well as property damage. Contact a New York boat accident lawyer to increase your odds of winning. 1. Gather Evidence If someone is involved in an accident while boating, the most important step is to collect evidence and get in touch with an attorney. It is also crucial to seek medical treatment immediately for any injuries that might have occurred. In https://vimeo.com/709776134 to support a claim medical records and other evidence are required. This includes current and future medical expenses, loss of earnings or earning potential, damage to property and other non-economic damages, like pain and suffering. Videos and photos can be used to preserve physical evidence from the scene of a boating incident. Eyewitness testimony is an additional important evidence source, as it can give valuable information about the causes of an accident that could otherwise be missed. You can also use police and incident reports to create a time line. A lawyer who is knowledgeable can analyze the evidence to identify the parties that could be responsible for the victim's injuries or losses. A boating accident negligence case typically involves multiple parties including the boat's operator and the owner or manufacture of the watercraft. A reputable lawyer is able to manage all communications with insurance providers who are involved in a victim's claim to compensation. An attorney can impede victims from saying anything that could be used against their case in court. they can assist victims get fair settlements for their damages. 2. Report a crime When a boating accident occurs the first thing you must do is make sure that everyone is safe. After that, you need to contact local law enforcement agencies and submit a formal report of the incident. In accordance with the state laws and regulations, you may have 48 hours to submit reports in the event of death or serious injury requiring medical treatment above basic first aid. You could also be granted ten days if you are not able to locate the boat or if the accident causes more than $2,000 in damage. If you can, stay at the site of the accident to help other boats or persons without putting your safety or the safety of the victims in jeopardy. This will allow the police officer to record important information such as how the accident happened and who was aboard at the time of the collision and the reason for it. Even well-trained and experienced boaters can be involved in accidents on the water due to someone else's negligence. A knowledgeable attorney can help you identify the negligent party responsible for your damages and pursue compensation. Medical expenses, property damage and financial losses are all recoverable damages. Furthermore, filing an action against the responsible party could lead to monetary compensation for your pain, suffering, loss of quality of life, and other emotional pains that can be associated with the crash. 3. Inspect the Damages After medical professionals have evaluated the injuries of everyone and are in a safe place it is crucial to look at the damage to the boat. Now is the time to start thinking about your insurance policy. A surveyor will be assigned to your claim and will visit to inspect any damage incurred by the accident. He or she will compare the information you initially provided to the damage and begin to determine the value of the damage. Most boat accidents result from a combination of causes, and it is not always possible to control all of them. However, if there was a manufacturing defect within the vessel itself it could be possible to bring a claim of product liability against the company that produced the boat. In these cases it is crucial to find a lawyer who has experience in handling boating claims because they can build an air-tight case that proves that the manufacturer was accountable for the accident. It is important to remember that various types of boats are covered in different ways by insurance policies. For example homeowners insurance will generally only cover smaller boats with engines with less than 50 HP. The homeowner's insurance policy does not cover jet skis, larger vessels or airboats. 4. Contact an attorney Once you're secure and have been examined by an medical professional for injuries, you must inform your insurance company. You will likely need to do so even when no police report has been filed. Be cautious when you give information to insurance companies, as they may try to determine who is responsible for an accident. This can limit the amount of compensation you are paid. The NYC lawyer for boating accidents at Mirman, Markovits & Landau will be determined to prove these claims and limit the amount of fault that you are liable for. It is beneficial to gather as all information you can about the other boat owners or operators that were involved in the incident. Included in this information is their names, addresses and phone number as well as any insurance details. It is also beneficial to keep a copy of the accident report filed. Boat accidents can be terrifying and can cause serious injuries. They can be a source of substantial medical expenses, lost wages and damages. The parties responsible for the injury must be held accountable for any harm that they cause. The at-fault parties as well as insurance companies will not provide you with the compensation you're entitled to Therefore, it is crucial to consult a seasoned New York injury attorney as early as possible. This will allow you to concentrate on gaining more and level the playing field.