How to File a Boat Accident Claim Boating can be thrilling and enjoyable, but If you're not careful, it could quickly turn dangerous. Like automobiles, boats must abide by strict safety rules to avoid injuries. If you've been injured as a result of an accident on the water, then you could be eligible for compensation for medical expenses and property damage. To increase your chances of success seek out a skilled New York boat accident attorney. 1. Gather Evidence When someone is involved in an accident while on a boat the first step is to collect evidence and then contact an attorney. It is also essential to seek medical attention immediately for any injuries that might have occurred. Medical records and other proof are required to prove claims for damages, like future and current medical expenses in addition to loss of income earning potential, property damage, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Videos and photos can be useful in preserving evidence from the scene of an accident. Eyewitness testimony is a crucial element of evidence, since it can give valuable information about the causes of an accident that could otherwise be missed. You can also use police reports and incident reports to create the timeline. A seasoned lawyer can scrutinize the evidence and determine which parties could be responsible for victim's injuries and other losses. A successful negligence claim in an accident involving a boat usually involves multiple liable parties, including the boat operator and the manufacturer or owner of the watercraft. A reputable lawyer can handle all communication with insurance companies who will be involved in a person's claim for compensation. A lawyer can assist victims not 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 The first step after a boating incident is to make sure everyone is secure. The next step is to contact the local police and submit a police report. In accordance with state laws and regulations, you might have up to 48 hours to file an incident report if the accident causes injury or death that requires medical treatment beyond basic first aid. You may also be able to file a report within 10 days to file a claim if you're incapable of finding the boat or if the incident results in more than $2,000 worth of damages. If you can, stay at the accident site to help other boats or people without risking your own safety or that of the victims in danger. This will permit the law enforcement officer to keep track of crucial details like how the accident happened, who was onboard at the time of the crash and what caused it. Even well-trained and experienced boaters can get into accidents on the water due to someone else's negligence. A skilled attorney will help you identify the negligent party who caused your damages and pursue compensation. Damage to property, medical expenses and financial losses are all recoverable damages. A lawsuit against the party responsible could also result in financial compensation for your discomfort and pain as well as loss of quality of life, and emotional stress that is caused by the incident. 3. Examine https://vimeo.com/709658683 have checked the injuries of everyone and are in a safe place it is crucial to take a good look at the damage to the boat. This is when you start looking at your insurance policy and what it covers. A surveyor will be assigned to your claim and will go out to inspect the damage caused by the accident. He or she will compare the damage to what was originally described by you. They will then begin figuring out how much the damage could be worth. Most boat accidents result from a combination of factors which means it's impossible to control all of them. However, if there was a manufacturing defect in the vessel, it may be possible to bring a claim of product liability against the company who manufactured the boat. In these instances it is crucial to retain a lawyer that has experience handling boating claims because they are able to create an air-tight defense that proves that the manufacturer was responsible for the accident. It is also important to note that various types of boats are governed differently by an insurance policy. Homeowners insurance, for instance, will usually only cover small boats with engines under 50 HP. The homeowner's insurance policy does not cover jet skis, larger vessels or airboats. 4. Contact an attorney When you are safe and have seen an expert medical professional for injuries, be sure to notify your insurance company. You'll likely need to notify them even when no police report has been filed. Be careful when you provide information to insurance companies because they are likely to attempt to blame someone else for an accident. This can limit the amount of compensation paid. The NYC boating accident attorneys at Mirman, Markovits & Landau will be determined to prove these claims and reduce the amount of fault given to you. It is recommended to gather as much information as you can about the other boat owners or operators that were involved in the accident. Included in this information are their address, name, and phone number and any insurance details. It is also helpful to have a copy the accident report that has been filed. Boat accidents can be frightening and can result in serious injuries. They can cause significant medical bills, lost wages and other damages. Anyone responsible for the injury must be held accountable for the harm they have caused you. You won't get the compensation you deserve if you do not consult a seasoned New York injury lawyer as soon as possible. This can help level the playing field and allow you to focus on healing.