How to File a Boat Accident Claim
Boating can be enjoyable and exciting, but it can quickly turn deadly if not careful. Boats must adhere to strict safety regulations to prevent injuries.
If you've suffered injury in an accident on the water, you may be eligible for compensation for medical expenses as well as property damage. To increase your chances of winning you should speak with a reputable New York boat accident attorney.
1. Gather Evidence
If you are involved in an accident on the water, the most important step is to collect evidence and contact an attorney. You should seek medical treatment immediately for any injuries. To support a claim medical documents and other evidence are needed. This includes both future and present medical expenses as well as loss of earnings or earning potential, damage to property and non-economic losses such as pain and suffering.
Videos and photos can be useful in preserving evidence from the scene of an accident. Eyewitness testimony is a crucial piece of evidence, as it can give valuable information about the reason for an accident that could otherwise be missed. You could also rely on police reports and incident reports to establish the timeline.
A lawyer with expertise can scrutinize the evidence to determine who is liable for the victim's injuries or losses. A lawsuit for
Boat accidents negligence arising from a boating accident usually involves multiple parties, including the boat's driver as well as the owner or manufacture of the watercraft.
A reputable lawyer is able to handle all communication with insurance providers who will be involved in a victim's claim for compensation. A lawyer can assist victims avoid saying anything that can be used against them in the court of law, and can also assist victims in obtaining fair settlements for damages.
2. Report a crime
If a boating accident happens the first thing you need to do is ensure that everyone is safe. Then, you should contact the local law enforcement agency and complete a report on the incident. In accordance with state laws and regulations, you could have 48 hours to file a report if the accident causes injury or death which requires medical treatment above basic first aid. Alternatively, you may have 10 days to file a report when the accident causes more than $2,000 worth of damage or if the boat gets lost.
If you can, be at the scene to assist other boats or individuals without placing your safety or that of the victims at risk. This will allow the law enforcement officer to take note of important details like the manner in which the accident happened and who was onboard at the time of the collision, and what caused it.
Even experienced and well-trained boaters could be involved in an accident on the water due to someone else's negligence. An experienced attorney can pinpoint the negligent party accountable for your injuries, and assist you seek compensation. Recoverable damages typically include your medical expenses, property damage and financial losses. Moreover, filing an action against the responsible party could result in monetary recovery for your pain and suffering, loss of quality of life and other emotional traumas that are associated with the crash.
3. Check for damage
After medical professionals have assessed everyone's injuries, and they are all in a safe area It is crucial to take a closer look at the damage done to the boat. Now is the time to start thinking about your insurance policy.
A surveyor will be assigned your claim and will come out to assess any damage caused by the accident. He or she will compare what you originally reported with the damage and begin to determine the value of the damage.
Most
boat accidents are the result of a mix of causes that are impossible to control all of them. If there was a defect in the boat, you could be eligible to file a claim for product responsibility against the company that produced the boat.
In these instances you require an attorney who has experience in boating claims. They can put together an argument that can prove the manufacturer is accountable for the accident.
It is important to remember that various kinds of boats are covered differently by an insurance policy. For instance, homeowners insurance will typically only cover smaller boats with engines that is below 50 HP. This means that airboats, jet skis as well as larger vessels will not be covered by homeowner's insurance.
4. Contact an Attorney
When you are secure and have been examined by a medical professional for injuries, you must notify your insurance company. Even if you don't have a police report, you will have to notify your insurance company. Be careful when you give information to insurance companies, as they will often try to determine who is responsible for an accident. This could decrease the amount of compensation that you receive. The NYC lawyers who handle boating accidents at Mirman, Markovits & Landau will fight hard to debunk these claims and limit the amount of fault attributable to you.
It is a good thing to collect as much information as you can about the other boat owners or operators involved in the accident. Included in this data are their names, addresses and phone number as well as any insurance information. It is also helpful to have a copy the accident report that has been filed.
boat accident lawyers accidents can be frightening and cause serious injuries. They can be a source of substantial medical expenses, lost wages, and even damages. Anyone responsible for the injury should be held accountable for the harm they caused you. The at-fault parties and insurance companies will not provide you with the compensation you deserve willingly and it is therefore essential to consult an experienced New York injury attorney as soon as you can. This will help even the playing field and
Boat accidents allow you to concentrate on healing.