How to File a Boat Accident Claim Boating can be thrilling and fun, but if you are not careful it can quickly become dangerous. Boats must also follow strict safety regulations to avoid injuries. If you've been injured as a result of an accident while on the boat, you could be eligible for compensation for medical expenses and property damage. To increase your chances of winning seek out a skilled New York boat accident attorney. 1. Gather Evidence The most important thing to do following a boating accident is to gather evidence and contact an attorney. It is also important to seek medical treatment immediately for any injuries that may have occurred. To prove a claim, medical records and other evidence are required. This includes both future and present medical expenses in addition to loss of earnings or earning potential, damage to property and other non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. Videos and photos are valuable in preserving physical evidence at the scene of an accident. Eyewitness testimony can be a valuable evidence piece as it reveals details about the collision that otherwise would go unnoticed. Police and incident reports can be used to establish a timeline of what happened in the case. A lawyer with experience can analyze the evidence to identify the parties that could be responsible for the victim's injuries or losses. A claim for negligence in a boating accident typically involves multiple parties including the driver of the boat and the owner or manufacture of the watercraft. A reputable lawyer is able to manage all communications with insurance companies that are involved in a victim's claim to compensation. A lawyer can assist victims not to say 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 If a boating accident happens the first thing you need to do is make sure that everyone is secure. Then, you should contact the local law enforcement agency and make a report of the incident. In accordance with state laws and regulations, you could be given 48 hours to submit reports if the accident results in death or injury that requires medical attention above basic first aid. In addition, you could have ten days to file a report in the event of more than $2,000 in damage or if the boat is destroyed. If you can, be at the scene to help other boats or people without risking your own safety or that of the victim in danger. This will help the law enforcement officer note crucial details, including what caused the accident, who was aboard at the time of the crash and the cause of the crash. Even experienced and well-trained boaters can be involved in accidents on the water because of someone else's negligence. A knowledgeable attorney can determine the responsible party for your injuries and help you seek compensation. Damage to property, medical expenses and financial losses are all recoverable damages. A lawsuit against the party responsible could also result into monetary compensation for your discomfort and pain, loss of quality life, and emotional distress that is caused by the incident. 3. Inspect the Damages After medical professionals have assessed all the injuries sustained by everyone and determined that they are all in a safe location It is imperative to take a careful look at the damage done 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 be sent out to inspect the damage caused by the accident. The surveyor will assess the damage to the original recorded by you. He or she will then start figuring out how much the damage could be worth. Most boat accidents are caused by a combination of causes, and it is not always possible to control all of them. However, if there was a manufacturer defect in the vessel itself it is possible to bring a claim of product liability against the company that produced the boat. In these instances you require an attorney with experience boating claims. They can put together an argument that is strong and proves the manufacturer was responsible for the accident. It is important to remember that different types are covered by different insurance policies. For example homeowners insurance will usually only cover smaller boats that have an engine that is below 50 HP. This means that airboats, jet skis as well as larger vessels will not be covered by homeowner's insurance. 4. Contact an attorney Notify your insurance company as soon as you feel secure and have seen the doctor for any injuries. You'll likely have to do so even there is no police report filed. Be cautious when providing details to insurance companies, as they will often try to determine who is at fault for an accident. This could decrease the amount of compensation you receive. The NYC lawyers for boating accidents at Mirman, Markovits & Landau will be determined to prove these claims and reduce the amount of fault that you are liable for. It is beneficial to gather as all information you can about the other boat owners and operators involved in the incident. This includes their name, address as well as their phone number and insurance details. It is also beneficial to have a copy the report of a boating accident that is filed. Boat accidents can be terrifying and may cause serious injuries. https://vimeo.com/709775128 can be a source of substantial medical expenses, lost wages, and damage. The responsible parties should be accountable for any harm they caused. The at-fault parties and insurance companies are not likely to provide the compensation you deserve, so it is important to consult a seasoned New York injury attorney as in the earliest possible time. This will allow you to focus on gaining more and level the playing field.