How to File a Boat Accident Claim Boating can be fun and exciting, but it can quickly turn deadly if not cautious. Like cars, boats need to adhere to strict safety guidelines to avoid injuries. If you have been injured in a boating accident you could be entitled to compensation for medical expenses and property damage. To increase your chances of winning, contact a qualified New York boat accident attorney. 1. Gather Evidence If someone is involved in an accident while on a boat, the most important step is to gather evidence and contact an attorney. It is also crucial to seek medical attention immediately for any injuries that may have occurred. To prove a claim, medical documents and other evidence are needed. This includes current and future medical expenses in addition to loss of earnings or earning potential, property damage and other non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. Video and photographs can be used to preserve physical evidence from the scene of a boating accident. Eyewitness testimony is a crucial evidence source, as it can provide important information about the cause of a collision that would otherwise be missed. https://vimeo.com/709544013 and incident reports can also be used to establish a timeline of events that occurred in the case. A lawyer who is knowledgeable can scrutinize the evidence to determine which parties may be accountable for the victim's injuries or losses. A lawsuit for negligence arising from a boating accident typically involves multiple parties including the boat driver and the owner or manufacture of the watercraft. An experienced lawyer can handle all communication between the insurance company and the victim 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 assist victims get fair settlements for their damages. 2. Report a crime If a boating accident happens the first thing you must do is make sure that everyone is safe. Then, you should call local law enforcement and make a report of the incident. According to state laws and regulations, you may have up to 48 hours to file a report if the accident results in injury or death that requires medical treatment beyond basic first aid. Additionally, you may be given 10 days to file a report in the event that the accident causes more than $2,000 in damages or the boat is damaged. You should also stay at the site of the accident to help other boats or individuals when possible without endangering your own safety or the safety of the victims. This will help the law enforcement officer note important information, such as what caused the accident and who was on the boat at the time of the crash and the cause of the crash. Even well-trained and experienced boaters can get involved in accidents on the water due to the negligence of another. A skilled attorney can identify the person who was negligent in causing your injuries, and assist you pursue compensation. Damages that can be recovered typically include medical expenses, property damage, and financial losses. A lawsuit against the responsible party could also result into monetary compensation for your discomfort and pain as well as loss of quality of life, as well as emotional distress that is caused by the incident. 3. Examine the damages After medical professionals have examined all injuries and are all in a safe place It is imperative that you take a close look at the damage that has been done to the boat. You should now start thinking about your insurance policy. A surveyor will be assigned to your claim and will be sent out to examine the damage caused by the accident. He or she will evaluate the damage to the one originally stated by you. They will then begin to figure out the amount of damage that could be worth. It is impossible to control every element that can lead to a boating accident. If there was a defect by the manufacturer in the vessel it could be possible to pursue a product liability claim against the manufacturer of the boat. In these cases you will require an attorney who has experience in boating claims. They can put together an argument that can prove the manufacturer is responsible for the accident. It is important to remember that different types are covered by insurance policies in different ways. For example homeowners insurance is typically only cover smaller boats that have an engine which is less than 50 HP. Homeowner's insurance does not cover jet skis, larger vessels, or airboats. 4. Contact an attorney Notify your insurance company when you feel secure and have seen an emergency room for any injuries. Even if you don't have a police report, you'll have to notify your insurance company. Be cautious when you give information to insurance companies, as they will often attempt to blame someone else for an accident. This can limit the amount of compensation given. The NYC lawyers who handle boating accidents at Mirman, Markovits & Landau will fight hard to debunk these claims and reduce the amount of fault given to you. If you're able to, it's a good idea to gather information about the other boat operators or owners involved in the crash. Included in this information is their address, name, and phone number and any insurance information. It is also beneficial to have a copy the boating accident report that is filed. Boat accidents can be a nightmare and can cause serious injuries. They can lead to substantial medical expenses, lost earnings and damages. The responsible parties must be held accountable for any harm they have caused. You will not get the compensation you deserve if don't speak with an experienced New York injury lawyer as soon as you can. This allows you to concentrate on gaining more and level the playing field.