How to File a Boat Accident Claim

Boating can be exciting and enjoyable, however if you are not careful it could turn deadly. Like cars, boats need to adhere to strict safety guidelines 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 as well as property damage. Contact a New York boat accident lawyer to increase your odds of winning.

1. Gather Evidence

If you are involved in an accident while boating, the most important step is to collect evidence and contact an attorney. It is also important to seek medical attention immediately for any injuries. In order to support a claim medical records and other evidence are required. This includes current and future medical expenses and loss of earnings, earning potential, damage to property and non-economic losses such as suffering and pain.

Videos and photos can be used to preserve physical evidence from the scene of a boating accident. Eyewitness testimony can be a valuable evidence source since it provides details about the incident that could otherwise be ignored. You can also use police reports and incident reports to create a time line.

A lawyer who is knowledgeable can analyze the evidence to determine which parties may be liable for the victim's injuries or losses. A successful negligence case for an accident on the water usually involves multiple liable parties including the lemon grove boat accident law firm operator and the manufacturer or owner of the watercraft.

A trusted lawyer can manage all communications with insurance providers who are involved in a victim's claim to compensation. A lawyer can help victims avoid saying anything that can be used against them in the court of law, and can help victims obtain fair settlement offers for damages.

2. Report a problem

If a boating accident happens, the first thing you must do is ensure that everyone involved is safe. You should then call the local police and submit a police report. According to the laws of the state and regulations you may only be given 48 hours to file a report in case of death or serious injury that requires medical treatment beyond basic first aid. You may also have 10 days to file a report if you are in a position to not locate the boat or if the incident results in more than $2,000 worth of damages.

If you can, stay at the accident site to assist other boats or people without putting your safety or the safety of the victims in danger. This will enable police officers to take note of important information, such as how the accident happened and who was in the boat at the time of crash and what caused it.

Even well-trained and experienced boaters may be involved in accidents on the water due to negligence of another. An experienced attorney can pinpoint the negligent party responsible for the damages you suffered, and assist you pursue compensation. Damages that can be recovered typically include medical expenses, property damage, and financial losses. Furthermore, filing an action against the accountable party could result in monetary compensation for your pain, suffering, as well as loss of quality of life, and other emotional traumas that are associated with the crash.

3. Check for damage

Once medical professionals have assessed all injuries and found that everyone is in a safe location, it is important to take a good look at the damage to the boat. This is when you begin thinking about your insurance policy and what it covers.

A surveyor will be assigned to your claim. They will come out to look at the damage caused by the accident. He or she will compare the damage to the one originally recorded by you. He or she will then begin figuring out how much the damage could be worth.

It is impossible to control every factor that causes a boat accident. However, if there was a manufacturing defect on the boat itself it could be possible to pursue a product liability claim against the company that produced the boat.

In these situations you require an attorney with experience in boating claims. They can create an argument that can prove the manufacturer was responsible for the accident.

It is important to remember that various kinds of boats are covered differently by an insurance policy. For instance, homeowner's insurance, which covers home owners, will usually only cover small boats with engines 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 immediately after you feel safe and have visited a doctor in case of any injuries. Even if there's no police report, you'll be required to notify your insurance company. It is essential to be aware of your information because insurance companies frequently attempt to determine who is at fault for the accident. This can limit the amount of compensation awarded. The NYC lawyer for boating accidents at Mirman, Markovits & Landau will be determined to prove these claims and limit the amount of fault attributable to you.

If you're able to, it's a good idea to gather information on the other herndon Boat accident attorney operators or owners involved in the accident. Included in this information is their names, addresses and telephone number and any insurance details. It is also helpful to have a copy the report of a boating accident which is filed.

Boat accidents can be frightening and cause serious injuries. They can lead to significant medical bills along with lost wages and other damage. Those who are responsible have to be held accountable for the harm they caused you. The at-fault parties as well as insurance companies will not give you the compensation you're entitled to Therefore, it is crucial to consult a seasoned New York injury attorney as soon as you can. This will help even the playing field and allow you to concentrate on healing.