How to File a Boat Accident Claim Boating can be exciting and fun, but should you not be careful, it could quickly turn dangerous. Just like cars, boats must follow strict safety rules to prevent injuries. If you have been injured in a boating accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses as well as for property damage. Contact a New York boat accident lawyer to increase your chances of winning. 1. Gather Evidence The most important thing you can do following an accident on a boat is to gather evidence and get in touch with a lawyer. You should seek medical attention as soon as you notice any injuries. To support a claim medical documents and other evidence are needed. This includes current and future medical expenses in addition to loss of earnings or earning potential, damage to property and other non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. Video and photographs are useful in preserving evidence from the scene of an accident. Eyewitness testimony can be an invaluable evidence source since it gives details regarding the accident that might otherwise be ignored. Police and incident reports can also be used to determine the chronology of what transpired in the particular case. A knowledgeable lawyer can review the evidence and determine who could be responsible for victim's injuries and other losses. A successful negligence case for an accident on the water usually involves multiple parties liable, which includes the boat's operator and the owner or manufacturer of the watercraft. A reputable lawyer will manage all communications with insurance companies who will be involved in a victim's claim to compensation. An attorney can impede victims from saying anything that could be used against their case in court. they can assist victims get fair settlements for their losses. 2. File a Report The first thing you should do following a boating accident is to make sure everyone is safe. You should then call the local police department and make a report. Based on the laws of your state and regulations, you could only have 48 hours to make an account in the event of serious injury or death that requires medical treatment beyond basic first aid. You may also have ten days if you are incapable of finding the boat or if the accident causes more than $2,000 of damage. It is also recommended that you remain at the scene of the accident to assist other boats or individuals if possible without endangering your own safety or that of the victims. This will permit the law enforcement officer to note important details like the manner in which the collision took place and who was aboard at the time of the collision and the cause. Unfortunately, even well-trained and experienced boaters could be involved in accidents on the water because of someone else's negligence. https://vimeo.com/709608686 can determine the negligent party accountable for your injuries, and assist you seek compensation. The damages that are recoverable typically 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 and loss of quality of life, and emotional distress associated with the incident. 3. Examine the damage Once medical professionals have assessed all injuries and ensured that everyone is secured it is crucial to take a good look at the damage to the boat. You should now start thinking about your insurance policy. A surveyor will be assigned to your claim and will be sent out to inspect any damage caused by the accident. The surveyor will evaluate the information you initially provided with the damage and start figuring out the value of the damages. It is impossible to control every element that causes a boat accident. If there was a flaw in the boat, you may be legally able to file a lawsuit for product liability against the manufacturer who created the boat. In these cases you require an attorney with experience in boating claims. They can help you build a strong case to prove that the manufacturer is responsible for the accident. It is also important to note that different kinds of boats are covered differently by insurance policies. For example homeowners insurance is typically only cover smaller boats that have an engine that is less than 50 HP. Homeowner's insurance will not cover jet skis, larger vessels or airboats. 4. Contact an attorney Notify your insurance company when you feel secure and have been to an emergency room for any injuries. Even if there is no police report, you'll still need to notify your insurance company. It is important to be aware of your information since insurance companies will often try and assign blame for the incident. This could reduce the amount of compensation you receive. The NYC boating accident attorneys at Mirman, Markovits & Landau will do their best to disprove these claims and reduce the amount of fault attributable to you. If you can you, it's a good idea to gather information about the other boat owners or operators involved in the crash. Included in this list are the names, addresses and phone number as well as any insurance information. It is also beneficial to have a copy the boating accident report that has been filed. Boat accidents can be scary and may cause serious injuries. They can cause substantial medical expenses as well as lost wages and other damages. Anyone responsible for the injury are accountable for the harm they have caused you. You won't receive the amount you are due if you don't consult an experienced New York injury lawyer as soon as you can. This will allow you to focus on improving and leveling the playing field.