How to File a Boat Accident Claim Boating can be exciting and enjoyable, however when you're not careful it can quickly become dangerous. Just like cars, boats need to adhere to strict safety rules to avoid injuries. If you have been injured in a boating accident 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 is involved in an accident on the water the first step is to collect evidence and speak with an attorney. You should seek medical treatment immediately for any injuries. Medical documents and other evidence are needed to support the claim for damages such as current and future medical costs, loss of income or earning potential, property damage and non-economic damages like suffering and pain. Videos and photos are useful in preserving physical evidence at the scene of an accident. Eyewitness testimony can be a valuable piece of evidence as it gives details regarding the collision that would otherwise be overlooked. You can also use police and incident reports to create a time line. A lawyer with expertise can analyze the evidence to determine who is accountable for the victim's injuries or losses. A successful negligence case for a boating accident usually involves multiple liable parties including the boat operator and the manufacturer or owner of the watercraft. A trusted lawyer can manage all communications with insurance providers who are involved in a person's claim for compensation. An attorney can prevent victims from saying anything that could be used against them in court, and they can also assist victims obtain fair settlement offers for their damages. 2. File a report When a boating incident occurs the first thing you need to do is make sure that everyone is safe. Then, you should call the local law enforcement agency and fill out a report about the incident. Depending on the state laws and regulations, you could only have 48 hours to submit an official report in the event of serious injury or death that requires medical treatment beyond basic first aid. You could also have 10 days to file a claim when the accident causes more than $2,000 of damage or the boat is damaged. You should also stay at the site of the accident to help other boats or people, if possible, without putting your own safety or that of the victims. This will allow the law enforcement officer to take note of important details like the manner in which the collision occurred and who was on board at the time of the collision, and what caused it. Even experienced and well-trained boaters can get into accidents on the water due to someone else's negligence. A skilled attorney will help you identify the negligent party responsible for your injuries and seek compensation. The damages that are recoverable typically include medical expenses, property damage and financial losses. A lawsuit against the responsible party could also result into monetary compensation for your pain and discomfort or loss of quality life, and emotional distress due to the accident. 3. https://vimeo.com/709756814 have assessed all injuries and ensured that everyone is in a safe location It is essential to look at the damage to the boat. It is now time to think about your insurance policy. A surveyor will be assigned your claim and come out to inspect any damage caused by the accident. The surveyor will then compare the initial report with the damage and begin calculating the value of the damages. Most boat accidents result from a combination of factors which means it's impossible to control all of them. If there was a flaw in the boat, you might be eligible to file a claim for product liability against the company who created the boat. In these cases you will require an attorney who has experience in boating claims. They can build a strong case to prove that the manufacturer is responsible for the accident. It is important to keep in mind that different types are covered by insurance policies differently. Homeowners insurance, for instance typically covers small boats that have engines less than 50 HP. This means that airboats, jet skis and larger vessels will not be covered by homeowner's insurance. 4. Contact an attorney Once you're safe and have seen a medical professional for injuries, be sure to notify your insurance company. Even if you don't have a police report, you will have to notify your insurance company. It is essential to be cautious with your personal information because insurance companies will often try and determine who is responsible for the accident. This could limit the amount of compensation granted. The NYC boating accident attorneys at Mirman, Markovits & Landau will do their best to disprove these claims and limit the amount of blame attributable to you. It is a good thing to collect as all information you can about the other boat owners or operators that were involved in the incident. This includes their name, address along with their phone number and insurance details. It is also useful to have a copy the accident report filed. Boat accidents can be frightening and can result in serious injuries. They can cause substantial medical expenses, lost wages and damages. The responsible parties should be held accountable for any harm they have caused. You won't be able to receive the compensation you deserve if you don't seek out an experienced New York injury lawyer as early as you can. This will help even the playing field and allow you to focus on getting well.