How to File a Boat Accident Claim

Boating can be exciting and enjoyable, but if you are not careful it could quickly turn deadly. Boats must also follow strict safety regulations to avoid injuries.

If you've been injured in a boating incident you could be entitled to compensation for medical expenses as well as for property damage. To increase your chances of winning you should speak with a reputable New York boat accident attorney.

1. Gather Evidence

The most important thing to do after a boating accident is to collect evidence and then contact an attorney. It is also important to seek medical assistance immediately for any injuries. Medical records and other evidence is needed to prove an action for damages like future and current medical expenses in addition to loss of income earning potential, property damage and non-economic damages like suffering and pain.

Videos and photos can help preserve evidence from the scene of a boating accident. Eyewitness testimony is an additional important piece of evidence, as it can provide important information regarding the cause of a collision that would otherwise be omitted. Police and incident reports can be used to establish a timeline of events that occurred in the particular case.

A knowledgeable lawyer can review the evidence and determine who might be liable for a victim's injuries as well as the associated expenses. A boating accident negligence case typically involves multiple parties including the cottage grove boat accident lawyer driver and the owner or manufacture of the watercraft.

A reputable attorney will manage all communications between the insurance company and the victim involved in the claim for compensation of the victim. A lawyer can stop victims from revealing information that could be used against them in court. Additionally, they can assist victims obtain fair settlement offers for their damages.

2. Make a Report

The first thing to do after a boating incident is to make sure everyone is safe. Then, you should contact local law enforcement and complete a report on the incident. According to the laws of the state and regulations, you may be given 48 hours to file reports in the event of serious injury or death requiring medical treatment above basic first aid. You could also get 10 days to file if unable to find the boat or if the incident results in more than $2,000 in damage.

If you can, stay at the accident site to help other boats or persons without risking your own safety or the safety of the victims in danger. This will permit the law enforcement officer to record important information like the manner in which the accident occurred, who was onboard at the time of the collision, and what caused it.

Even experienced and well-trained boaters can be involved in accidents on the water because of someone else's negligence. An experienced lawyer can identify the negligent party accountable for your injuries, and assist you seek 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 and loss of quality of life, and emotional trauma that is caused by the accident.

3. Examine the damage

After medical professionals have assessed the injuries of everyone, and they are all in a safe area It is imperative to take a closer look at the damage done to the boat. You should now start thinking about your insurance policy.

A surveyor will be assigned to your claim. They will come out to look at the damage caused by the accident. The surveyor will evaluate the information you initially provided to the damage and then begin to determine the value of the damages.

Most boat accidents result from a combination of factors and it's not always possible to control all of them. However, if there was a manufacturing defect in the vessel itself, it may be possible to file a product liability claim against the company that manufactured the boat.

In these cases it is crucial to hire a lawyer who has experience in handling boating claims because they are able to create an airtight case that proves that the manufacturer was responsible for the accident.

It is also important to note that different kinds of boats are governed differently by an insurance policy. For example homeowners insurance will usually only cover smaller boats with engines which is less than 50 HP. Homeowner's insurance does not cover jet skis, larger vessels, or airboats.

4. Contact an attorney

Inform your insurance company when you feel safe and have visited the doctor for any injuries. Even if there's no police report, you'll be required to notify your insurance company. Be careful when supplying information to insurance companies since they often try to determine who is at fault for an accident. This can 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 that you are liable for.

It is recommended to gather as the information you can about the other houston boat accident lawsuit owners or operators that were involved in the incident. Included in this data are their name, address and telephone number as well as any insurance information. It is also beneficial to have a copy the report of a boating accident that is filed.

Boat accidents can be terrifying and can cause serious injuries. They can cause significant medical expenses, lost wages and other damage. The responsible parties must be held accountable for any harm they caused. The at-fault parties as well as insurance companies will not offer you the compensation you deserve willingly and it is therefore essential to consult an experienced New York injury attorney as in the earliest possible time. This will help to level the playing field and allow you to focus on healing.