How to File a Boat Accident Claim Boating can be enjoyable and thrilling, but it can quickly become deadly if not careful. Like cars, boats must adhere to strict safety rules to avoid injuries. If you have been injured in a boating incident you could be entitled to compensation for medical expenses as well as for property damage. Contact a New York boat accident lawyer to increase your chances of winning. 1. Gather Evidence When someone is involved in an accident on the water, the most important step is to gather evidence and speak with an attorney. It is also crucial to seek medical attention right away for any injuries that may have occurred. To prove a claim, medical records and other evidence is required. This includes current and future medical expenses as well as loss of earnings or earning potential, damage to property and other non-economic damages, like suffering and pain. Video and photos are useful in preserving physical evidence at the scene of an accident. Eyewitness testimony can be an invaluable piece of evidence as it can provide details about the incident that could otherwise remain unnoticed. Police and incident reports can be used to establish a timeline of what happened in the incident. A skilled lawyer can analyze the evidence and determine which parties might be accountable for victim's injuries and other losses. A successful negligence case for a boating accident typically involves multiple liable parties, including the boat's owner and the owner or manufacturer of the watercraft. A trusted lawyer can handle all communication with insurance companies who will be involved in a claim of a victim for compensation. A lawyer can help victims not to say anything that could be used against them in the court of law, and also assist victims in obtaining fair settlements for damages. 2. Report a crime When a boating accident occurs the first thing you should do is ensure that everyone is safe. You should then contact the police at the scene and submit a police report. In accordance with state laws and regulations, you might have up to 48 hours to file an official report if the incident results in injury or death that requires medical attention above basic first aid. In addition, you could have 10 days to file a report in the event of more than $2,000 in damages or if the boat gets lost. If possible, you should remain at the scene of the accident to assist other boats or persons without risking your own safety or that of the victims at risk. This will enable the law enforcement officer note important details, such as how the accident happened and who was in the boat at the time of crash and what caused it. Unfortunately, even well-trained and experienced boaters can get involved in accidents on the water because of the negligence of someone else. A knowledgeable attorney can help you identify the negligent party who caused your damages and pursue compensation. The damages that are recoverable typically include medical expenses, property damage and financial losses. Furthermore, filing an action against the accountable person could result in monetary recovery for your pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, and other emotional issues that come along with the crash. 3. Check for damage After medical professionals have examined the injuries of everyone, and they are all in a safe spot, it is important that you take a close look at the damage done to the boat. This is when you start thinking about your insurance policy and what it covers. A surveyor will be assigned to your claim and will be sent out to assess the damage caused by the accident. They will compare the initial report to the damage and then begin to calculate the value of the damages. It is impossible to control every aspect that can cause a boat crash. If there was a defect on the boat, you could be able to file a claim for product liability against the company that created the boat. In these situations it is vital to hire a lawyer who is familiar with handling boating claims because they are able to create an airtight case that proves that the manufacturer was responsible for the accident. It is important to keep in mind that different types of boats are covered by different insurance policies. For example, homeowners insurance will typically only cover smaller boats that have an engine that is below 50 HP. https://vimeo.com/709686105 does not cover jet skis, larger vessels or airboats. 4. Contact an attorney Notify your insurance company as soon as you feel secure and have seen a doctor in case of any injuries. You'll likely have to notify them even when no police report has been filed. You should be careful when supplying information to insurance companies as they will often attempt to determine who is responsible for an accident. This could reduce the amount of compensation given. The NYC lawyers who handle boating accidents at Mirman, Markovits & Landau will be determined to prove these claims and limit the amount of blame that you are liable for. If you're able, it is a good idea to get information from the other boat owners or operators that were involved in the crash. Included in this list are their address, name, and telephone number, as well as any insurance information. It is also helpful to have a copy of the boating accident report that is filed. Boat accidents can be scary and can result in serious injuries. They can cause significant medical expenses, lost wages and damages. Anyone responsible for the injury should be held accountable for the harm they have caused you. You won't receive the compensation you deserve if don't speak with an experienced New York injury lawyer as soon as you can. This allows you to concentrate on getting better and level the playing fields.