How to File a Boat Accident Claim Boating can be fun and thrilling, but it could quickly turn deadly if you're not cautious. Like cars, boats need to adhere to strict safety rules to avoid injuries. If you have been injured in a boating accident you could 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 to do following a boating accident is to collect evidence and contact an attorney. It is also crucial to seek medical treatment immediately in the event of any injuries that could have occurred. To prove a claim, medical records and other evidence is needed. This includes both future and present medical expenses and loss of earnings, earning potential, property damage as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Videos and photos can help preserve physical evidence from the scene of a boating incident. Eyewitness testimony is an additional important element of evidence, since it can give valuable information about the causes of a collision that would otherwise be omitted. You can also use police reports and incident reports to create a time line. A knowledgeable lawyer will review the evidence and determine who might be accountable for victim's injuries and other expenses. A successful negligence case for a boating accident typically involves multiple liable parties, including the boat operator and the manufacturer or owner of the watercraft. A reputable lawyer can manage all communication with insurance providers who will be involved in a victim's claim to compensation. A lawyer can help victims not to say anything that could be used against them in the courts, and can also help victims obtain fair settlement offers for damages. 2. Report a crime If a boating accident happens, the first thing to do is make sure that everyone is safe. The next step is to contact the police in your area and make a report. Based on the laws of your state and regulations you may only have 48 hours to make reports in the event of serious injury or death requiring medical treatment above basic first aid. You could also have 10 days to file a report when the accident causes more than $2,000 worth of damage or the boat is damaged. If you can, be at the scene to help other boats or people without risking your own safety or that of the victim in danger. This will allow the police officer to record important information such as how the accident occurred and who was aboard at the time of the crash and what caused it. Even well-trained and experienced boaters could be involved in an accident on the water due to negligence of another. A skilled attorney can identify the responsible party for the damages you suffered, and assist you seek compensation. Property damage, medical expenses and financial losses are all recoverable damages. Furthermore, filing an action against the responsible party could result in monetary compensation for your pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, and other emotional pains that can be associated with the crash. 3. Inspect the Damages Once medical professionals have checked all injuries and found that everyone is in a safe area It is essential to take a good look at the damage to the boat. This is when you start thinking about your insurance policy and what it covers. 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 the damage to the one originally described by you. They will then begin figuring out how much the damages might be worth. Most boat accidents result from a combination of causes and it's not always possible to control all of them. If there was a manufacturer defect in the vessel itself it is possible to pursue a product liability claim against the company that produced the boat. In these instances, you need an attorney with experience boating claims. They can put together a strong case to prove that the manufacturer is responsible for the accident. It is important to remember that different types of boats are governed differently by an insurance policy. For instance homeowners insurance is typically only cover smaller boats with an engine that is below 50 HP. This means that jet skis, airboats and larger vessels will not be covered by homeowner's insurance. 4. Contact an attorney Notify your insurance company when you feel secure and have visited the doctor for any injuries. Even if there is no police report, you'll have to notify your insurance company. Be careful when you give information to insurance companies as they will often try to determine who is responsible for an accident. https://vimeo.com/709605892 can reduce the amount of compensation awarded. The NYC boating accident attorneys at Mirman, Markovits & Landau will fight hard to debunk these claims and reduce the amount of fault assigned to you. It is beneficial to gather as much information as you can on the other boat owners and operators involved in the accident. This includes their name, address along with their phone number and insurance details. It is also helpful to have a copy the boating accident report that has been filed. Boat accidents can be frightening and can result in serious injuries. They can cause significant medical expenses, lost earnings and damages. The parties responsible for the injury must be accountable for any harm they may have caused. You will not get the amount you are due if you do not consult a seasoned New York injury lawyer as early as you can. This allows you to concentrate on getting better and level the playing field.