How to File a Boat Accident Claim
Boating can be enjoyable and thrilling, but it could quickly become deadly if not cautious. Boats must also adhere to strict safety rules to avoid injuries.
If you've been injured as a result of a boating accident, you may be eligible to receive compensation for medical expenses and property damage. To increase your chances of winning, contact a qualified New York
boat accident law firm accident attorney.
1. Gather Evidence
The most important thing to do after an accident with a boat is to collect evidence and contact a lawyer. It is also essential to seek medical attention right away for any injuries that may have occurred. Medical records and other evidence is necessary to support claims for damages, like future and current medical costs, loss of income or earning potential, property damage and non-economic damages like suffering and pain.
Photos and video footage are helpful in preserving physical evidence at the scene of an accident. Eyewitness testimony is yet another important element of evidence, as it can provide crucial information about the reason for a collision that would otherwise be omitted. Police and incident reports can be used to determine the chronology of what transpired in the case.
A seasoned lawyer can scrutinize the evidence and determine which parties could be responsible for victim's injuries and other losses. A successful negligence claim in a boating accident typically involves multiple liable parties including the boat operator and the owner or manufacturer of the watercraft.
A trusted lawyer can handle all communication with insurance companies that will be involved in a victim's claim for compensation. A lawyer can help victims not say anything that could be used against them in the court of law, and can assist victims in obtaining fair settlements for damages.
2. Report a crime
The first step after a boating incident is to ensure everyone is safe. Then, you should contact the local police and file a report. Depending on state laws and regulations, you could have up to 48 hours to file an official report if the incident results in death or injury which requires medical treatment above basic first aid. You could also have ten days to file a claim when the accident causes more than $2,000 in damages or the boat is lost.
You should also remain at the scene of the accident to help other boats or individuals if possible, without putting your own safety or the safety of the victims. This will allow the law enforcement officer to note crucial details, including the circumstances of the accident and who was in the boat at the time of crash, and what it caused.
Unfortunately, even highly trained and experienced boaters can get involved in accidents on the water because of the negligence of someone else. A knowledgeable attorney can assist you in identifying the negligent party who caused your damages and pursue compensation. Damages that can be recovered typically include medical expenses, property damage and financial losses. A lawsuit against the responsible party could also result in monetary compensation for your pain and
boating discomfort as well as loss of quality of life, as well as emotional distress associated with the incident.
3. Examine the damage
After medical professionals have evaluated the injuries of everyone and are in a safe area, it is important to look at the damage to the boat. This is when you start thinking about your insurance policy and what it will cover.
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 reported by you and will then begin figuring out how much the damages might be worth.
It is impossible to control every element that could cause a boat accident. If there was a flaw in the boat, you could be legally able to file a lawsuit for product liability against the company that created the
boat accident law firm.
In these situations, it is essential to have a lawyer who is familiar with 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 various kinds of boats are protected differently by insurance policies. Homeowners insurance, for example typically only covers small boats with engines less than 50 HP. Homeowner's insurance does not cover jet skis, larger vessels or airboats.
4. Contact an attorney
When you are secure and have been examined by a medical professional for injuries, ensure that you notify your insurance company. You'll likely have to do so even if no police report is filed. It is essential to be cautious with your personal information because insurance companies often try and determine who is at fault for the accident. This can reduce the amount of compensation you are given. The NYC lawyers who handle
boating accidents at Mirman Markovits & Landau work hard to disprove and limit these claims.
It is beneficial to gather as the information you can about the other boat owners or operators that were involved in the incident. Included in this data are their names, addresses and telephone number and any insurance information. It is also helpful to have a copy the boating accident report which is filed.
Boat accidents can be a nightmare and can cause serious injuries. They can be a source of substantial medical expenses, lost wages and damages. The responsible party should be held accountable for the harm they have caused you. 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 a seasoned New York injury attorney as in the earliest possible time. This will allow you to concentrate on getting better and level the playing fields.