How to File a Boat Accident Claim
Boating can be exciting and fun, but if you are not careful it could quickly turn dangerous. Boats must adhere to strict safety regulations to prevent injuries.
If you have been injured in a boating incident you could be entitled to compensation for your medical bills and property damage. To increase your chances of success, contact a qualified New York
boat accident lawsuit accident attorney.
1. Gather Evidence
The most important thing to do following an accident with a boat is to collect evidence and then contact an attorney. It is also essential to seek medical attention right away in the event of any injuries that could have occurred. In order to support a claim medical records and other evidence are needed. This includes both future and present medical expenses as well as loss of earnings or earning potential, property damage and other non-economic damages, like pain and suffering.
Videos and photos can help preserve physical evidence from the scene of a boating incident. Eyewitness testimony is a crucial piece of evidence, as it can provide valuable details about the cause of the collision that may be overlooked. Police and incident reports can also be used to determine the timeline of events that occurred in the incident.
A lawyer who is experienced can review the evidence to determine which parties could be liable for the victim's injuries or losses. A successful negligence claim for a boating accident usually involves multiple liable parties, including the boat's owner and the manufacturer or owner of the watercraft.
A trusted lawyer can manage all communication with insurance companies 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 courts, and can also assist victims in obtaining fair settlements for damages.
2. Report a crime
If a boating accident happens the first thing to do is make sure that everyone is safe. The next step is to contact the police in your area and file a report. Based on the state's laws and regulations, you might be given 48 hours to submit an incident report if the accident results in death or injury which requires medical treatment above basic first aid. In addition, you could have 10 days to file a report in the event of more than $2,000 worth of damage or the
boat accident law firm is damaged.
If you are able, stay at the accident site to assist other boats or people, without risking your safety or the safety of the victims at risk. This will allow the law enforcement officer note important details, such as the circumstances of the accident and who was on the boat at the time of the crash and the cause of the crash.
Even well-trained and experienced boaters can be involved in water-related accidents due to the negligence of another. An experienced attorney can pinpoint the responsible party for your injuries and help you seek compensation. Recoverable damages typically include your medical expenses, property damage, and financial losses. A lawsuit against the responsible party could also result in financial compensation for your discomfort and
boat accidents pain and loss of quality of life, and emotional distress caused by the accident.
3. Check for damage
Once medical professionals have assessed all injuries and ensured that everyone is in a safe place it is crucial to look at the damage to the boat. You must now begin thinking about your insurance policy.
A surveyor will be assigned to your claim. They will come out to inspect the damage caused by the accident. The surveyor will then 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 factors which means it's impossible to control all of them. If there was a manufacturing defect in the vessel, it may be possible to make a claim for product liability against the company that manufactured the boat.
In these instances it is vital to find a lawyer who has experience in handling boating claims because they can build an air-tight defense that proves that the manufacturer was responsible for the accident.
It is also important to remember that various kinds of boats are protected differently by insurance policies. For instance homeowners insurance is typically only cover smaller boats with engines that is less than 50 HP. Insurance for homeowners does not cover jet skis, larger vessels, or airboats.
4. Contact an attorney
When you are secured and have seen a medical professional for injuries, you must notify your insurance company. You'll likely need to notify them even when no police report has been filed. It is crucial to be cautious with your personal information because insurance companies are often trying to try and determine who is responsible for the accident. This could reduce the amount of compensation awarded. The NYC lawyers for boating accidents at Mirman Markovits & Landau work hard to disprove and limit these claims.
It is a good thing to gather as the information you can about the other boat owners or operators involved in the incident. This includes their name, address telephone number, and insurance information. It is also helpful to have a copy the report of a boating accident that has been filed.
Boat accidents can be terrifying and cause serious injuries. They can cause substantial medical bills, lost wages and other damage. The parties responsible for the injury must be held accountable for any harm they have caused. The at-fault parties and insurance companies will not give you the amount you are due Therefore, it is crucial to speak with an experienced New York injury attorney as early as you can. This allows you to concentrate on improving and leveling the playing field.