How to File a Boat Accident Claim Boating can be thrilling and fun, but when you're not careful it can quickly become deadly. Boats must also abide by strict safety guidelines to avoid injuries. If you have been injured in a boating accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses as well as for 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 a boat is to gather evidence and get in touch with an attorney. https://vimeo.com/709633856 is also crucial to seek medical attention immediately for any injuries that might have occurred. Medical records and other evidence are required to prove the claim for damages like future and current medical costs in addition to loss of income earning potential, property damage and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Video and photographs are helpful in preserving physical evidence at the scene of an accident. Eyewitness testimony can be an invaluable piece of evidence as it gives details regarding the incident that could otherwise be ignored. You can also use police reports and incident reports to create a time line. A lawyer with experience can scrutinize the evidence to determine which parties may be liable for the victim's injuries or losses. A boating accident negligence claim typically involves multiple parties including the boat's operator and the owner or manufacture of the watercraft. A reputable lawyer can handle all communication with insurance companies who will be involved in a victim's claim for compensation. A lawyer can assist victims not to say anything that could be used against them in the courts, and also aid victims in obtaining fair settlements for damages. 2. Make a Report When a boating accident occurs the first thing you need to do is make sure that everyone is safe. After that, you need to contact the local law enforcement agency and submit a formal report of the incident. In accordance with the state laws and regulations, you might only be given 48 hours to file reports in the event of serious injury or death needing medical attention above first aid. In addition, you could have 10 days to file a claim in the event of more than $2,000 in damages or the boat is damaged. You should also stay at the site of the accident to help other boats or individuals when possible without endangering your own safety or the safety of the victims. This will let the law enforcement officer to note important details, such as what caused the accident, who was aboard at the time of the crash, and what it caused. Even experienced and well-trained boaters could be involved in an accident on the water due to someone else's negligence. A skilled attorney can identify the person who was negligent in causing your injuries and help you seek compensation. Recoverable damages typically include your medical expenses, property damage and financial losses. A lawsuit against the party responsible may also result in monetary compensation for your pain and discomfort as well as loss of quality of life, and emotional stress associated with the accident. 3. Check for damage After medical professionals have assessed all injuries and are all in a safe area It is imperative to take a closer review of the damage to the boat. You must now begin thinking about your insurance policy. A surveyor will be assigned your claim and will be sent out to inspect any damage caused by the accident. He or she will compare what you originally reported to the damage, and then begin to determine the value of the damages. Most boat accidents are the result of a mix of causes and it's not always possible to control all of them. If there was a defect in the boat, you may be eligible to file a claim for product responsibility against the company that produced the boat. In these situations you require an attorney with experience in boating claims. They can help you build a strong case to prove that the manufacturer was responsible for the accident. It is also important to keep in mind that different kinds of boats are governed differently by insurance policies. For instance homeowners insurance will usually only cover smaller boats with engines with less than 50 HP. Homeowner's insurance will not cover jet skis, larger vessels, or airboats. 4. Contact an attorney Once you're secured and have seen a medical professional regarding injuries, be sure to inform your insurance company. It is likely that you will need to do so even if no police report is filed. It is important to be careful with your personal information because insurance companies often attempt to assign blame for the incident. This can limit the amount of compensation granted. The NYC lawyers who handle boating accidents at Mirman Markovits & Landau work hard to debunk and limit these claims. If you're able to, it is a good idea to gather information on the other boat owners or operators that were involved in the crash. Included in this information are their address, name, and phone number and any insurance information. It is also helpful to have a copy the accident report that has been filed. Boat accidents can be frightening and may cause serious injury. They can lead to significant medical bills loss of wages, and other damages. The responsible party must be held accountable for the harm they caused you. You won't get the compensation you deserve if you do not consult a seasoned New York injury lawyer as soon as you can. This will allow you to focus on improving your situation and level the playing field.