How to File a Boat Accident Claim Boating can be exciting and enjoyable, but when you're not careful it can quickly become deadly. Just like cars, boats need to adhere to strict safety rules to avoid injuries. If you've been injured as a result of an accident on the water, then you may be eligible to receive compensation for medical expenses and property damage. To increase your chances of winning get in touch with a professional New York boat accident attorney. 1. Gather Evidence When someone is involved in a boating accident the first step is to gather evidence and contact an attorney. You should seek medical assistance immediately for any injuries. To prove a claim, medical documents and other evidence are required. This includes current and future medical expenses and loss of earnings, earning potential, damage to property, and non-economic damages like suffering and pain. Photos and video footage can help preserve evidence from the scene of a boating accident. Eyewitness testimony is a crucial element of evidence, as it can provide important information about the reason for the collision that may be overlooked. Police and incident reports can be used to determine the chronology of what transpired in the case. A knowledgeable lawyer will review the evidence and determine who might be liable for a victim's injuries and related losses. A successful negligence claim for a boating accident usually involves multiple liable parties, including the boat's owner and the owner or manufacturer of the watercraft. A trusted lawyer can manage all communications with insurance companies who will be involved in a claim of a victim for compensation. A lawyer can stop victims from saying anything that could be used against them in court. Additionally, they can also assist victims get fair settlements for their losses. 2. Report a crime In the event of a boating crash, the first thing you should do is ensure that everyone is secure. After that, you need to contact local law enforcement officials and make a report of the incident. In accordance with the state laws and regulations, you could only have 48 hours to submit an official report in the event of serious injury or death that requires medical attention beyond basic first aid. In addition, you could have ten days to file a report in the event that the accident causes more than $2,000 in damages or if the boat is destroyed. It is also recommended that you remain at the site of the accident and assist other boats or people if you can, without putting at risk your safety or that of the victims. This will enable the law enforcement officer to record crucial details, including how the accident occurred and who was on board at the time of the crash and what caused it. Unfortunately, even highly trained and experienced boaters can get involved in accidents on the water because of someone else's negligence. A knowledgeable attorney can assist you in identifying the negligent party responsible for the damage and seek compensation. The types of damages that are recoverable include medical expenses, property damage and financial losses. A lawsuit against the responsible party could also result in monetary compensation for your pain and discomfort as well as loss of quality of life, and emotional trauma associated with the accident. 3. Examine the damages After medical professionals have examined all injuries and found that everyone is in a safe location, it is important to look at the damage to the boat. It is now time to think about your insurance policy. A surveyor will be assigned your claim and will be sent out to examine any damage that was caused by the accident. He or she will compare the damage to what was originally described by you. They will then determine how much the damages might be worth. It is impossible to control every factor that could cause a boat accident. If there was a defect in the boat, you may be able to file a claim for product liability against the manufacturer who made the boat. In these cases, it is essential to find a lawyer who has experience in handling boating claims as they can create an airtight case that proves that the manufacturer was accountable for the accident. It is important to keep in mind that different types are covered by different insurance policies. For instance, homeowner's insurance, which covers home owners typically covers small boats with engines below 50 HP. Homeowner's insurance does not cover jet skis, larger vessels or airboats. 4. Contact an attorney Inform your insurance company when you feel secure and have seen a doctor in case of any injuries. Even if there is no police report, you will be required to notify your insurance company. Be careful when you provide information to insurance companies, as they may try to blame someone else for an accident. This could reduce the amount of compensation that you receive. The NYC boating accident attorneys at Mirman, Markovits & Landau will be determined to prove these claims and reduce the amount of fault assigned to you. If you're able to you, it's a good idea to get information from the other boat owners or operators involved in the crash. Included in this list are their names, addresses and phone number as well as any insurance details. https://vimeo.com/709543707 is also helpful to keep a copy of the accident report filed. Boat accidents can be terrifying and can cause serious injuries. They can be a source of significant medical expenses, lost wages, and damage. The parties responsible for the injury must be accountable for any harm they may have caused. The at-fault parties and insurance companies won't provide you with the compensation you're entitled to and it is therefore essential to seek out an experienced New York injury attorney as early as possible. This can help level the playing field and allow you to focus on healing.