How to File a Boat Accident Claim Boating can be enjoyable and thrilling, but it can quickly turn deadly if not cautious. Boats must also abide by strict safety regulations to prevent injuries. If you've been injured as a result of an accident on the water, then you could be eligible for compensation for medical expenses as well as property damage. Contact a New York boat accident lawyer to increase your odds of winning. 1. Gather Evidence The most important thing to do following an accident on a boat is to collect evidence and contact a lawyer. It is also important to seek medical attention immediately for any injuries that may have occurred. Medical records and other evidence is necessary to support a claim for damages like future and current medical costs and loss of income or earning potential, property damage, and non-economic damages like suffering and pain. Videos and photos can be useful in preserving evidence from the scene of an accident. Eyewitness testimony can be a valuable evidence source since it can provide details about the accident that might otherwise remain unnoticed. Police and incident reports can also be used to establish a chronology of what transpired during the investigation. A lawyer with experience can analyze the evidence to identify the parties that could be responsible for the victim's injuries or losses. A successful negligence claim in a boating accident typically involves multiple parties that are liable, including the boat's operator as well as the owner or manufacturer of the watercraft. An experienced attorney is able to manage all communications between insurance companies and victims involved in the claim for compensation of the victim. An attorney can prevent victims from revealing information that could be used against them in court. In addition, they can also assist victims to receive fair settlement offers for their damages. 2. File a Report The first thing to do after a boating incident is to ensure everyone is secure. Then, you should call local law enforcement officials and complete a report on the incident. Based on the laws of your state and regulations, you might only have 48 hours to file a report in case of serious injury or death needing medical attention above first aid. Additionally, you may be given ten days to file a report when the accident causes more than $2,000 worth of damage or the boat is lost. It is also recommended that you remain at the site of the accident to help other boats or people, if possible without endangering your own safety or that of the victims. This will allow the law enforcement officer to note important information, such as the circumstances of the accident, who was aboard at the time of 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. An experienced lawyer can identify the negligent party accountable for your injuries and help you pursue compensation. Damage to property, medical expenses and financial losses are all recoverable damages. Furthermore, filing a lawsuit against the responsible party could lead to monetary compensation for your pain, suffering, as well as loss of quality of life, and other emotional issues that come along with the crash. 3. Examine the damages After medical professionals have evaluated everyone's injuries and they are in a safe area It is essential to look at the damage to the boat. This is when you start looking at your insurance policy and what it covers. A surveyor will be assigned to your claim and will go out to inspect the damage caused by the accident. The surveyor will evaluate the initial report to the damage and then begin to calculate the value of the damages. Most boat accidents are the result of a mix of causes and it's impossible to control all of them. However, if there was https://vimeo.com/709626743 by the manufacturer within the vessel itself it might be possible to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer of the boat. In these cases it is vital to hire a lawyer who has experience handling boating claims because they can build an airtight case that proves that the manufacturer was accountable for the accident. It is also important to remember that various kinds of boats are governed differently by an insurance policy. For instance homeowners insurance will usually only cover smaller boats with engines that is less than 50 HP. Insurance for homeowners does not cover jet skis, larger vessels or airboats. 4. Contact an attorney Once you're secured and have seen a medical professional regarding injuries, make sure to inform your insurance company. You'll likely have to notify them even if no police report is filed. It is crucial to be cautious with your personal information because insurance companies frequently try and determine who is responsible for the accident. This can reduce the amount of compensation paid. The NYC lawyers for boating accidents at Mirman Markovits & Landau work to prove and limit these claims. It is recommended to gather as many details as you can on the other boat owners or operators who were involved in the accident. Included in this information are their names, addresses and phone number as well as any insurance details. It is also helpful to have a copy the accident report that has been filed. Boat accidents can be frightening and may cause serious injuries. They can lead to significant medical costs, lost wages, and even damages. The parties responsible must be held accountable for any harm they caused. The at-fault parties and insurance companies are not likely to offer you the amount you are due Therefore, it is crucial to seek out an experienced New York injury attorney as soon as you can. This allows you to concentrate on gaining more and level the playing field.