How to File a Boat Accident Claim Boating can be enjoyable and thrilling, but it could quickly turn deadly if not careful. Boats must also abide by strict safety regulations to avoid injuries. If you've been injured in a boating incident you could be entitled to compensation for medical expenses and property damage. Contact a New York boat accident lawyer to increase your odds of winning. 1. Gather Evidence When someone is involved in a boating accident the first step is to gather evidence and contact an attorney. Also, seek medical treatment immediately for any injuries. Medical records and other evidence are necessary to support claims for damages, such as future and present medical expenses and loss of income or earning potential, property damage, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Videos and photos are helpful in preserving evidence from the scene of an accident. Eyewitness testimony is an additional important piece of evidence, as it can provide important information regarding the cause of a collision that would otherwise be omitted. You can also use police reports and incident reports to establish an outline of the timeframe. A seasoned lawyer can scrutinize the evidence and determine which parties might be liable for a victim's injuries as well as the associated losses. A successful negligence claim for a boating accident typically involves multiple liable parties, including the boat's owner and the manufacturer or owner of the watercraft. An experienced attorney is able to handle all communication between victims and insurance providers involved in the claim for compensation of the victim. A lawyer can stop victims from revealing information that could be used against them in court. Additionally, they can also assist victims to receive fair settlement offers for their losses. 2. Report a crime When a boating incident occurs the first thing to do is ensure that everyone involved is safe. Then, you should contact local law enforcement officials and fill out a report about the incident. In accordance with state laws and regulations, you could have up to 48 hours to file a report if the accident causes injury or death which requires medical treatment above basic first aid. You may also have 10 days to file a claim if you're in a position to not locate the boat or if the incident causes more than $2,000 worth of damages. You should also remain at the site of the accident to assist other boats or people, if possible, without putting your own safety or that of the victims. This will enable the police officer to note important details like how the accident happened and who was onboard at the time of the collision and what caused it. Even well-trained and experienced boaters can be involved in accidents on the water because of negligence of another. https://vimeo.com/709583676 can assist you in identifying the responsible party responsible for your damages and pursue compensation. Recoverable damages typically include your medical expenses, property damage and financial losses. A lawsuit against the responsible party could also result in monetary compensation for your discomfort and pain as well as loss of quality of life, and emotional distress due to the accident. 3. Check for damage After medical professionals have evaluated 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 when you start looking at your insurance policy and what it covers. A surveyor will be assigned to your claim and will be sent out to inspect any damage caused by the accident. The surveyor will then compare the damage to the original recorded by you. He or she will then begin figuring out the amount of damage that could be worth. It is impossible to control every element that can lead to a boating accident. However, if there was a manufacturing defect in the vessel itself it could be possible to pursue a product liability claim against the company who manufactured the boat. In these cases, it is essential to have a lawyer who has experience handling boating claims as they can create an air-tight defense that proves that the manufacturer was responsible for the accident. It is also important to note that various kinds of boats are governed differently by an insurance policy. Homeowners insurance, for example, will usually only cover small boats with engines below 50 HP. The homeowner's insurance policy does not cover jet skis, larger vessels, or airboats. 4. Contact an attorney Once you're safe and have seen an expert medical professional for injuries, you must notify your insurance company. Even if there's no police report, you'll still need to notify your insurance company. Be careful when you give information to insurance companies since they often attempt to determine who is at fault for an accident. This could reduce the amount of compensation granted. The NYC lawyers for boating accidents at Mirman, Markovits & Landau will work hard to disprove these claims and reduce the amount of fault given to you. It is a good thing to gather as the information you can about the other boat owners or operators who were involved in the accident. This includes their address, name telephone number, and insurance details. It is also beneficial to have a copy the report of a boating accident that is filed. Boat accidents can be terrifying and may cause serious injury. They can result in significant medical expenses along with lost wages and other damages. The responsible parties should be held accountable for any harm they have caused. The at-fault parties and insurance companies won't provide you with the compensation you deserve Therefore, it is crucial to seek out an experienced New York injury attorney as in the earliest possible time. This will help level the playing field and allow you to concentrate on getting well.