How to File a Boat Accident Claim Boating can be exciting and fun, but if you are not careful it could quickly turn deadly. Boats must also adhere to strict safety rules to avoid injuries. If you've suffered injury in a boating accident, you may be eligible to receive compensation for medical expenses as well as property damage. Contact https://vimeo.com/709638722 to increase your odds of winning. 1. Gather Evidence The most important thing to do following an accident on the water is to gather evidence and then contact a lawyer. It is also essential to seek medical treatment immediately for any injuries that may have occurred. To prove a claim, medical records and other evidence is required. This includes both future and present medical expenses and loss of earnings, earning potential, property damage and other non-economic damages, such as suffering and pain. Video and photos are valuable in preserving physical evidence at the scene of an accident. Eyewitness testimony can be an invaluable evidence source since it provides details about the incident that could otherwise be ignored. Police and incident reports can be used to establish a time line of what happened in the particular case. A lawyer who is knowledgeable can scrutinize the evidence to determine who is responsible for the victim's injuries or losses. A successful negligence case for a boating accident typically involves multiple liable parties, including the boat's operator as well as the owner or manufacturer of the watercraft. A trusted lawyer can manage all communication with insurance providers who will be involved in a victim's claim for compensation. A lawyer can stop victims from revealing information that could be used against them in court, and they can assist victims obtain fair settlement offers for their losses. 2. File a Report The first thing you should do following a boating accident is to ensure everyone is secure. You should then contact the local police department and submit a police report. In accordance with the state laws and regulations, you may have 48 hours to make reports in the event of death or serious injury requiring medical treatment above basic first aid. You may also be able to file a report within 10 days to file a claim if you're in a position to not locate the boat or if the incident causes more than $2,000 in damage. It is also recommended that you remain at the site of the accident and assist other boats or individuals when you can, without putting at risk your own safety or the safety of the victims. This will enable the police officer to note important details like how the collision took place and who was on board 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. An experienced attorney can pinpoint the person who was negligent in causing your injuries, and assist you seek compensation. Property damage, medical expenses and financial losses are all recoverable damages. Additionally, bringing a lawsuit against the responsible person could result in monetary reimbursement for your pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, and other emotional distresses associated with the crash. 3. Examine the damages Once medical professionals have assessed all injuries and found that everyone is secured it is crucial to look at the damage to the boat. This is when you begin contemplating your insurance policy and what it will cover. A surveyor will be assigned your claim and will come out to inspect any damage caused by the accident. The surveyor will evaluate the information you initially provided with the damage and begin to calculate the value of the damage. It is impossible to control every single factor that could cause a boat accident. However, if there was a manufacturer defect in the vessel it might be possible to make a claim for product liability against the company that produced the boat. In these situations you require an attorney with experience boating claims. They can put together an argument that can prove the manufacturer is accountable for the accident. It is important to remember that different kinds of boats are governed differently by insurance policies. Homeowners insurance, for example typically only covers small boats that have engines less than 50 HP. Homeowner's insurance will not cover jet skis, larger vessels, or airboats. 4. Contact an attorney As soon as you are secure and have been examined by a medical professional for injuries, be sure to inform your insurance company. You'll likely have to notify them even in the absence of a police report filed. It is crucial to be aware of your information as the insurance companies often try and determine who is responsible for the accident. This could reduce the amount of compensation 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. If you're able, it is a good idea to collect information about the other boat owners or operators involved in the crash. This includes their address, name along with their phone number and insurance details. It is also useful to have a copy the accident report that has been filed. Boat accidents can be terrifying and cause serious injury. They can result in significant medical costs, lost wages, and even damages. The responsible parties should be accountable for any harm that they cause. You won't receive the compensation you deserve if do not consult a seasoned New York injury lawyer as soon as possible. This allows you to concentrate on improving your situation and level the playing field.