How to File a Boat Accident Claim Boating can be exciting and enjoyable, however If you're not careful, it can quickly turn dangerous. Boats must also adhere to strict safety guidelines to avoid injuries. If you've suffered injuries in an accident while on the boat, you could be eligible for compensation for medical expenses as well as 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 after an accident on the water is to collect evidence and then contact an attorney. It is also essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible in the event of any injuries that could have occurred. To prove a claim, medical records and other evidence is required. This includes both future and present medical expenses, loss of earnings or earning potential, property damage, and non-economic damages such as suffering and pain. Video and photographs are helpful in preserving evidence from the scene of an accident. Eyewitness testimony can be a valuable evidence source since it gives details regarding the incident that could otherwise remain unnoticed. Police and incident reports can be used to determine the time line of what happened in the particular case. A lawyer who is experienced is able to review the evidence and identify the parties that could be accountable for the victim's injuries or losses. A successful negligence claim in an accident involving a boat usually involves multiple parties that are liable, including the boat's owner and the manufacturer or owner of the watercraft. An experienced attorney is able to handle all communication between insurance companies and victims involved in the claim for compensation of the victim. An attorney can deter victims from revealing information that could be used against them in court. Additionally, they can also assist victims to obtain fair settlement offers for their losses. 2. File a Report When a boating incident occurs, the first thing you should do is make sure that everyone involved is safe. The next step is to contact the local police and file a formal report. Depending on state laws and regulations, you might be given 48 hours to submit a report if the accident resulted in injury or death that requires medical attention above basic first aid. Alternatively, you may have ten days to file a report in the event that the accident causes more than $2,000 in damages or the boat is lost. If you can, be at the scene to assist other boats or persons without putting your safety or that of the victims in danger. This will help the law enforcement officer to record important details, like how the accident occurred and who was on the boat at the time of the crash and the cause of the crash. Unfortunately, even highly trained and experienced boaters can get involved in water-related accidents due to the negligence of another. A skilled attorney will assist you in identifying the negligent party that caused your injuries and 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 pain and discomfort or loss of quality life, as well as emotional distress associated with the incident. 3. Inspect the Damages Once medical professionals have checked all injuries and found that everyone is in a safe place it is crucial to look at the damage to the boat. This is when you begin thinking about your insurance policy and what it covers. https://vimeo.com/709566996 will be assigned to your claim and will go out to look at the damage caused by the accident. The surveyor will evaluate the initial report with the damage and begin calculating the value of the damage. Most boat accidents are the result of a mix of causes that are not always possible to control all of them. If there was a manufacturer defect in the vessel itself it might be possible to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer of the boat. In these cases you will require an attorney who has experience in boating claims. They can put together an argument that is strong and proves the manufacturer is responsible for the accident. It is important to keep in mind that different types are covered by different insurance policies. For example homeowners insurance will usually only cover smaller boats that have an engine with less than 50 HP. This means that jet skis, airboats and larger vessels won't be covered by homeowner's insurance. 4. Contact an attorney As soon as you are safe and have seen a medical professional for injuries, be sure to inform your insurance company. Even if there's no police report, you will still need to notify your insurance company. You should be careful when you give information to insurance companies since they often try to determine who is responsible for an accident. This can limit the amount of compensation granted. The NYC boating accident lawyers at Mirman Markovits & Landau work hard to debunk and limit these claims. It is beneficial to collect as many details as you can about the other boat owners or operators that were involved in the accident. This includes their address, name, phone number and insurance details. It is also helpful to keep a copy of the accident report that has been filed. Boat accidents can be frightening and can cause serious injuries. They can be a source of significant medical costs, lost wages, and even damages. The responsible parties must be held accountable for any harm they may have caused. You won't get the compensation you deserve if don't seek out an experienced New York injury lawyer as early as you can. This allows you to concentrate on improving and leveling the playing field.