How to File a Boat Accident Claim Boating can be thrilling and enjoyable, but should you not be careful, it can quickly turn deadly. Boats must also abide by strict safety rules to avoid injuries. If you've been injured in a boating accident, 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 https://vimeo.com/709834517 When someone experiences a boating accident the first step is to gather evidence and then contact an attorney. It is also important to seek medical attention immediately for any injuries. In order to support a claim medical documents and other evidence are required. This includes both future and present medical expenses and loss of earnings, earning potential, property damage, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. Video and photographs can help preserve evidence from the scene of a boating accident. Eyewitness testimony is yet another important piece of evidence, as it can provide valuable details about the reason for a collision that might otherwise be omitted. You could also rely on police reports and incident reports to create an outline of the timeframe. A knowledgeable lawyer can review the evidence and determine which parties are responsible for victim's injuries and other losses. A successful negligence case for a boating accident usually involves multiple liable parties which includes the boat's operator and the owner or manufacturer of the watercraft. A trusted lawyer can manage all communications with insurance companies that are involved in a victim's claim to compensation. An attorney can impede victims from revealing information that could be used against them in court, and they can also help victims obtain fair settlement offers for their damages. 2. Report a crime The first thing to do after a boating incident is to ensure everyone is safe. You should then contact the police at the scene and file a formal report. In accordance with state laws and regulations, you could have up to 48 hours in which to file reports if the accident results in death or injury which requires medical treatment above basic first aid. In addition, you could have 10 days to file a report in the event of more than $2,000 in damage or if the boat is destroyed. You should also be at the site of the accident and assist other boats or people, if possible without endangering your own safety or the safety of the victims. This will allow the law enforcement officer note crucial details, including how the accident happened and who was on board at the time of crash and the cause of the crash. Even experienced and well-trained boaters could be involved in an accident on the water due to someone else's negligence. A knowledgeable attorney can help you identify the negligent party responsible for the damage and seek compensation. Recoverable damages typically include your medical expenses, property damage, and financial losses. In addition, a lawsuit against the responsible person could result in monetary compensation for your pain, suffering, loss of quality of life, and other emotional issues that come along with the crash. 3. Check for damage After medical professionals have examined the injuries of everyone and are in a safe place It is essential to take a good look at the damage to the boat. You must now begin thinking about your insurance policy. A surveyor will be assigned to your claim and will go out to examine the damage caused by the accident. The surveyor will then compare the initial report to the damage and begin calculating the value of the damage. It is impossible to control every factor that causes a boat accident. If there was a defect in the boat, you might be legally able to file a lawsuit for product liability against the company that manufactured the boat. In these cases it is vital to retain a lawyer that has experience handling boating claims as they can create an air-tight case that proves that the manufacturer is responsible for the accident. It is important to remember that different types are insured by different policies. Homeowners insurance, for instance typically only 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 Inform your insurance company as soon as you feel secure and have seen a doctor for any injuries. Even if you don't have a police report, you will have to notify your insurance company. Be careful when you provide information to insurance companies, because they are likely to try to assign blame for an accident. This can reduce the amount of compensation that you receive. The NYC boating accident lawyers at Mirman Markovits & Landau work hard to challenge and limit these claims. It is important to collect as much information as you can on the other boat owners or operators who were involved in the incident. Included in this data are their name, address and telephone number along with any insurance information. It is also helpful to keep a copy of the accident report filed. Boat accidents can be terrifying and cause serious injuries. They can lead to significant medical costs, lost wages, and even damages. The responsible parties should be accountable for any harm they caused. You won't receive the compensation you deserve if don't speak with an experienced New York injury lawyer as soon as you can. This will help to level the playing field and allow you to focus on healing.