How to File a Boat Accident Claim

Boating is often fun and exciting, but it can quickly turn deadly if you're not careful. Like cars, boats need to adhere to strict safety rules to prevent injuries.

If you have been injured in a boating accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and property damage. To increase your chances of success get in touch with a professional New York boat accident attorney.

1. Gather Evidence

When someone is involved in an accident while on a boat, the most important step is to gather evidence and speak with an attorney. You should also seek medical attention as soon as you notice any injuries. Medical records and other evidence is needed to prove the claim for damages such as future and present medical costs as well as loss of income or earning potential, property damage and other non-economic damages such as suffering and pain.

Videos and photos can be used to preserve physical evidence from the scene of a boating accident. Eyewitness testimony is an additional important piece of evidence, as it can provide valuable details about the reason for a collision that would otherwise be overlooked. Police and incident reports can also be used to determine the chronology of what transpired in the particular case.

A skilled lawyer can analyze the evidence and determine which parties might be liable for a victim's injuries and other expenses. A successful negligence case for an accident on the water usually involves multiple liable parties, including the boat accident law firms's operator as well as the owner or manufacturer of the watercraft.

A reputable attorney will manage all communications between insurance providers and victims involved in the victim's compensation claim. A lawyer can assist victims avoid saying anything that can be used against them in a court of law and can also assist victims in obtaining fair settlements for damages.

2. Report a crime

The first thing to do after a boating incident is to make sure everyone is secure. After that, you need to contact local law enforcement agencies and complete a report on the incident. In accordance with state laws and regulations, you could 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. You could also be granted 10 days to file a report if you are in a position to not locate the boat or if the accident causes more than $2,000 in damage.

It is also recommended that you remain at the scene of the accident to assist other boats or individuals if you can, without putting at risk your safety or that of the victims. This will allow the police officer to record important information like the manner in which the accident occurred and who was on board at the time of the collision and the cause.

Even experienced and well-trained boaters can be involved in accidents on the water due to negligence of another. A skilled attorney will help you identify the negligent party that caused your injuries and seek compensation. Property damage, 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 due to the accident.

3. Check for damage

After medical professionals have evaluated all injuries and ensured that everyone is in a safe place, it is important to take a good look at the damage to the boat accident lawsuit. Now is the time to start thinking about your insurance policy.

A surveyor will be assigned to your claim and will come out to examine the damage caused by the accident. They will compare the initial report to the damage, and then begin to determine the value of the damage.

Most boat accidents are caused by a combination of causes which means it's not always possible to control all of them. If there was a defect on the boat, you could be able to file a claim for product liability against the manufacturer who created the boat.

In these instances, you need an attorney who has experience in boating claims. They can build a strong case that proves the manufacturer was responsible for the accident.

It is also important to keep in mind that different types of boats are covered differently by an insurance policy. For instance homeowners insurance is typically only cover smaller boats with engines that is below 50 HP. The homeowner's insurance policy does not cover jet skis, larger vessels, or airboats.

4. Contact an attorney

Notify your insurance company when you feel secure and have seen a doctor for any injuries. It is likely that you will need to notify them even there is no police report filed. You should be careful when you give information to insurance companies, because they are likely to try to determine who is responsible for an accident. This could reduce the amount of compensation granted. The NYC boating accident lawyers at Mirman Markovits & Landau work hard to challenge and limit these claims.

It is important to gather as the information you can on the other boat owners or operators involved in the accident. Included in this data are their address, name, and telephone number along with any insurance information. It is also beneficial to keep a copy of the accident report that has been filed.

Boat accidents can be scary and cause serious injuries. They can be a source of substantial medical expenses, lost wages, and damage. Those who are responsible are accountable for the harm they have caused you. The at-fault parties and insurance companies are not likely to provide you with the amount you are due and it is therefore essential to consult an experienced New York injury attorney as soon as you can. This will help level the playing field and allow you to concentrate on getting well.