How to File a Boat Accident Claim Boating can be thrilling and enjoyable, however If you're not careful, it could quickly turn deadly. Just like cars, boats must adhere to strict safety rules to avoid injuries. If you've been injured in a boating incident you could be entitled to compensation for medical bills and property damage. Contact a New York boat accident lawyer to increase your chances of winning. 1. Gather Evidence When someone experiences a boating accident the first 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 is needed. This includes current and future medical expenses as well as loss of earnings or earning potential, property damage, and non-economic damages such as suffering and pain. Video and photos are valuable in preserving evidence from the scene of an accident. Eyewitness testimony can be a valuable evidence piece as it provides details about the incident that could otherwise go unnoticed. You can also use police and incident reports to create the timeline. A lawyer who is experienced can scrutinize the evidence to determine which parties may be accountable for the victim's injuries or losses. A successful negligence claim in a boating accident usually involves multiple liable parties including the boat's owner and the manufacturer or owner of the watercraft. A reputable lawyer is able to manage all communication with insurance providers who will be involved in a claim of a victim for compensation. A lawyer can assist victims avoid saying anything that can be used against them in the courts, and can also aid victims in obtaining fair settlements for damages. 2. Report a crime The first thing you should do after a boating incident is to ensure that everyone is secure. Then, you should contact local law enforcement agencies and submit a formal report of the incident. According to the laws of the state and regulations, you could only have 48 hours to submit an account in the event of serious injury or death requiring medical treatment above basic first aid. You could also have ten days to file a claim if the accident causes more than $2,000 in damages or the boat is damaged. If possible, you should remain at the scene of the accident to help other boats or individuals without risking your own safety or the safety of the victim in danger. This will enable the police officer to record important information like the manner in which the accident happened and who was aboard at the time of the collision and the reason for it. Even well-trained and experienced boaters may be involved in accidents on the water due to the negligence of another. An experienced attorney can assist you in identifying the negligent party that caused the damage and seek compensation. Medical expenses, property damage and financial losses are all recoverable damages. A lawsuit against the party responsible could also result in financial compensation for your pain and discomfort, loss of quality life, as well as emotional distress that is caused by the accident. 3. Examine the damages Once medical professionals have assessed the injuries of everyone and are in a safe place, it is important to look at the damage to the boat. This is when you start thinking about your insurance policy and what it covers. A surveyor will be assigned to your claim and will come out to look at the damage caused by the accident. The surveyor will then compare the initial report to the damage and then begin to calculate the value of the damage. It is impossible to control every factor that causes a boat accident. If there was a defect in the boat, you may be in a position to file a claim for product responsibility against the company that made the boat. In these situations it is vital to have a lawyer who has experience in handling boating claims because they are able to create an airtight case that proves that the manufacturer was responsible for the accident. It is important to remember that different types of boats are covered by insurance policies differently. For instance, homeowners insurance will typically only cover smaller boats with engines that is below 50 HP. https://vimeo.com/709600014 does not cover jet skis, larger vessels or airboats. 4. Contact an attorney As soon as you are secure and have been examined by a medical professional for injuries, ensure that you inform your insurance company. You'll likely need to do so even when no police report has been filed. Be careful when providing information to insurance companies, as they may attempt to determine who is responsible for an accident. This could reduce the amount of compensation you are paid. The NYC lawyer for boating accidents at Mirman Markovits & Landau work hard to disprove and limit these claims. If you can, it is a good idea to collect information about the other boat operators or owners that were involved in the crash. Included in this information are their name, address and phone number and any insurance information. It is also helpful to have a copy of the boating accident report that has been filed. Boat accidents can be a nightmare and cause serious injuries. They can lead to significant medical expenses loss of wages, and other damage. The responsible parties must be held accountable for any harm they may have caused. You won't receive the amount you are due if you don't speak with an experienced New York injury lawyer as quickly as is possible. This will help level the playing field and allow you to focus on getting well.