How to File a Boat Accident Claim

Boating can be thrilling and fun, but if you are not careful it can quickly become deadly. Boats must also follow strict safety regulations to avoid injuries.

If you have been injured in a boating accident you could be entitled to compensation for medical expenses as well as for property damage. To increase your chances of winning seek out a skilled New York boat accident attorney.

1. Gather Evidence

If someone is involved in an accident on the water the first step is to gather evidence and get in touch with an attorney. Also, seek medical attention as soon as you notice any injuries. Medical records and other evidence is required to prove claims for damages, like future and current medical costs and loss of income or earning potential, property damage and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

Videos and photos can help preserve physical evidence from the scene of a boating accident. Eyewitness testimony can be an invaluable piece of evidence as it reveals details about the accident that might otherwise go unnoticed. Police and incident reports can be used to establish a time line of what happened in the case.

A knowledgeable lawyer will review the evidence and determine which parties might be liable for a victim's injuries or expenses. A lawsuit for negligence arising from a boating accident typically involves multiple parties including the driver of the boat accident law firm; check out this blog post via www.mecosys.com, and the manufacturer or owner of the watercraft.

A reputable attorney will manage all communications between victims and insurance providers involved in the victim's compensation claim. A lawyer can help victims not to say anything that could be used against them in a court of law, and can aid victims in obtaining fair settlement offers for damages.

2. File a Report

The first step following a boating accident is to ensure that everyone is safe. Then, you should contact the local police and file a report. In accordance with the state laws and regulations, you might only have 48 hours to submit an account in the event of death or serious injury requiring medical treatment above basic first aid. You may also be able to file a report within ten days if you are not able to locate the boat accident lawyer or if the incident causes more than $2,000 in damage.

You should also stay at the scene of the accident to help other boats or people, if possible without endangering your safety or that of the victims. This will allow the police officer to note important details like the manner in which the collision took place, who was onboard at the time of the collision and what caused it.

Even experienced and well-trained boaters can get into accidents on the water due to negligence of another. An experienced lawyer can identify the responsible party for your damages, and help you seek compensation. Damages that can be recovered typically include medical expenses, property damage and financial losses. Additionally, bringing an action against the accountable party could result in monetary compensation for your pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, and other emotional distresses associated with the crash.

3. Examine the damage

After medical experts have examined all the injuries sustained by everyone and determined that they are all in a safe place, it is important that you take a close examine the damage to the boat. This is the time to start contemplating your insurance policy and what it will cover.

A surveyor will be assigned your claim and come out to assess any damage caused by the accident. He or she will compare the information you initially provided to the damage, and then start figuring out the value of the damage.

Most boat accidents result from a combination of causes which means it's not always possible to control all of them. However, if there was a manufacturer defect within the vessel itself, it may be possible to pursue a product liability claim against the manufacturer of the boat.

In these cases you will require an attorney with experience boating claims. They can help you build a strong case that proves the manufacturer is responsible for the accident.

It is also important to note that different types of boats are covered in different ways by insurance policies. For instance homeowners insurance will usually only cover smaller boats with an engine 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 safe and have seen an emergency room for any injuries. You will likely need to do so even if no police report is filed. Be careful when you give information to insurance companies since they often attempt to blame someone else for an accident. This could reduce the amount of compensation paid. 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 to, it's a good idea to gather information about the other boat owners or operators involved in the crash. This includes their name, address telephone number, and insurance information. It is also beneficial to keep a copy of the accident report that has been filed.

Boat accidents can be terrifying and cause serious injury. They can cause significant medical expenses, lost wages and other damages. Those who are responsible have to be held accountable for the harm they have caused you. You will not get the compensation you deserve if you don't consult an experienced New York injury lawyer as soon as possible. This will allow you to concentrate on getting better and level the playing fields.