How to File a Boat Accident Claim Boating can be exciting and enjoyable, but if you are not careful it could quickly turn dangerous. Like automobiles, boats must abide by strict safety rules to avoid injuries. If you've been injured in a boating incident you could be entitled to compensation for medical expenses as well as for property damage. Contact a New York boat accident lawyer to increase your odds of winning. 1. Gather Evidence The most important thing you can do following a boating accident is to gather evidence and get in touch with a lawyer. You should also seek medical treatment immediately for any injuries. To support https://vimeo.com/709548926 , medical records and other evidence are required. This includes current and future medical expenses, loss of earnings or earning potential, property damage as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Videos and photos are useful in preserving physical evidence at the scene of an accident. Eyewitness testimony is a crucial element of evidence, as it can provide crucial information regarding the cause of a collision that might otherwise be missed. Police and incident reports can also be used to establish a timeline of events that occurred in the particular case. A lawyer with experience can scrutinize the evidence to determine which parties may be liable for the victim's injuries or losses. A boating accident negligence claim typically involves multiple parties including the boat's operator and the owner or manufacture of the watercraft. A reputable lawyer will manage all communications with insurance companies that will be involved in a person's claim for compensation. A lawyer can help victims to avoid saying anything that could be used against them in a court of law, and also aid victims in obtaining fair settlement offers for damages. 2. Report a crime The first thing to do after a boating incident is to ensure everyone is secure. After that, you need to contact the local law enforcement agency and make a report of the incident. According to state laws and regulations, you could have 48 hours to file an incident report if the accident causes injury or death that requires medical attention above basic first aid. In addition, you could have 10 days to file a claim when the accident causes more than $2,000 of damage or the boat is lost. You should also remain at the site of the accident to assist other boats or individuals when possible without endangering your own safety or that of the victims. This will enable the law enforcement officer note crucial details, including how the accident happened, who was aboard at the time of the crash and what caused it. Even experienced and well-trained boaters could be involved in an accident on the water because of negligence of another. A skilled attorney will assist you in identifying the negligent party that caused your injuries and seek compensation. Recoverable damages typically include your medical expenses, property damage, and financial losses. Furthermore, filing an action against the accountable party could result in monetary recovery for your pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, and other emotional distresses associated with the crash. 3. Examine the damages After medical experts have examined the injuries of everyone, and they are all in a safe spot It is crucial to take a closer examine the damage to the boat. This is the time to start contemplating your insurance policy and what it covers. A surveyor will be assigned to your claim and will come out to assess the damage caused by the accident. He or she will evaluate the damage to the original recorded by you. He or she will then begin to figure out how much the damages might be worth. It is impossible to control every factor that could cause a boat accident. If there was a manufacturing defect in the vessel it might be possible to make a claim for product liability against the company who manufactured the boat. In these situations, you need an attorney with experience boating claims. They can put together an argument that is strong and proves the manufacturer is accountable for the accident. It is important to remember that different types of boats are insured by different policies. For example, homeowners insurance will typically only cover smaller boats with an engine with less than 50 HP. The homeowner's insurance policy does not cover jet skis, larger vessels or airboats. 4. Contact an attorney Inform your insurance company as soon as you feel secure and have seen the doctor for any injuries. It is likely that you will need to notify them even in the absence of a police report filed. Be cautious when you give information to insurance companies since they often attempt to assign blame for an accident. This can reduce the amount of compensation that you receive. The NYC lawyer for boating accidents at Mirman, Markovits & Landau will do their best to disprove these claims and reduce the amount of fault assigned to you. It is beneficial to collect as all information you can about the other boat owners or operators who were involved in the accident. This includes their address, name, phone number and insurance details. It is also beneficial to have a copy the boating accident report which is filed. Boat accidents can be frightening and may cause serious injury. They can cause significant medical expenses, lost earnings and damages. Those who are responsible must be held accountable for the harm they caused you. The at-fault parties and insurance companies are not likely to give you the amount you are due It is essential to consult an experienced New York injury attorney as soon as you can. This can help level the playing field and allow you to focus on getting well.