How to File a Boat Accident Claim Boating can be enjoyable and thrilling, but it could quickly become dangerous if not careful. Just like automobiles, boats must abide by strict safety guidelines to avoid injuries. If you've been injured in an accident on the water, you may be eligible for compensation for medical expenses and property damage. Contact a New York boat accident lawyer to increase your chances of winning. 1. Gather Evidence The most important thing to do after an accident on the water is to collect evidence and speak with a lawyer. You should seek medical attention immediately for any injuries. Medical records and other evidence are required to prove the claim for damages such as current and future medical expenses, loss of income or earning potential, property damage, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Video and photographs can be used to preserve physical evidence from the scene of a boating incident. Eyewitness testimony can be an invaluable piece of evidence since it reveals details about the incident that could otherwise be overlooked. You could also rely on police reports and incident reports to establish a time line. A knowledgeable lawyer can review the evidence and determine which parties are responsible for victim's injuries and other losses. A successful negligence claim for an accident involving a boat usually involves multiple liable parties, including the boat's owner and the owner or manufacturer of the watercraft. A reputable lawyer will manage all communication with insurance companies that are involved in a victim's claim for compensation. https://vimeo.com/709835730 can help victims to avoid saying anything that could be used against them in the court of law, and can also assist victims in obtaining fair settlements for damages. 2. Report a crime The first step after a boating incident is to ensure that everyone is safe. Then, you should call local law enforcement officials and make a report of the incident. According to the laws of the state and regulations you may only have 48 hours to submit an official report in the event of serious injury or death that requires medical attention beyond basic first aid. You may also have 10 days to file a claim if you're not able to locate the boat or if the incident causes more than $2,000 in damage. You should also be at the scene of the accident and assist other boats or people, if possible without endangering your safety or that of the victims. This will let police officers to take note of important details, such as what caused the accident and who was on the boat at the time of crash, and what it caused. Even well-trained and experienced boaters can be involved in water-related accidents because of someone else's negligence. A skilled attorney will assist you in identifying the responsible party responsible for the damage and seek compensation. The damages that are recoverable typically include medical expenses, property damage and financial losses. A lawsuit against the party responsible could also result in monetary compensation for your discomfort and pain or loss of quality life, and emotional trauma associated with the accident. 3. Examine the damage After medical experts have examined the injuries of everyone, and they are all in a safe spot It is essential that you take a thorough look at the damage done to the boat. You must now begin thinking about your insurance policy. A surveyor will be assigned your claim and will be sent out to inspect any damage caused by the accident. He or she will compare the damage to the original reported by you and will then start figuring out how much the damage could be worth. Most boat accidents are caused by a combination of causes which means it's not always possible to control all of them. If there was a manufacturing defect in the vessel itself it could be possible to file a product liability claim against the company that produced the boat. In these situations you require an attorney with experience boating claims. They can create an argument that can prove the manufacturer was responsible for the accident. It is also important to keep in mind that different kinds of boats are protected differently by an insurance policy. Homeowners insurance, for example, will usually only cover small boats with engines below 50 HP. Homeowner's insurance will not cover jet skis, larger vessels, or airboats. 4. Contact an Attorney Inform your insurance company when you feel secure and have visited an emergency room for any injuries. It is likely that you will need to do so even there is no police report filed. It is essential to be careful with your information since insurance companies frequently attempt to determine who is responsible for the accident. This can reduce the amount of compensation you are paid. The NYC lawyer for boating accidents at Mirman Markovits & Landau work hard to challenge and limit these claims. If you're able then it's a great idea to collect information about the other boat operators or owners who were involved in the crash. Included in this information is their name, address and phone number as well as any insurance information. It is also useful to keep a copy of the accident report filed. Boat accidents can be terrifying and can cause serious injuries. They can result in significant medical bills loss of wages, and other damages. Anyone responsible for the injury should be held accountable for the harm they have caused you. The at-fault parties and insurance companies won't give you the amount you are due Therefore, it is crucial to consult an experienced New York injury attorney as early as you can. This allows you to concentrate on getting better and level the playing fields.