How to File a Boat Accident Claim
Boating can be enjoyable and thrilling, but it could quickly become deadly if not careful. Just like cars, boats must follow strict safety guidelines to avoid injuries.
If you've suffered injury in an accident on the water, you could be eligible for compensation for medical expenses as well as property damage. Contact a New York
boat accident lawyer to increase your chances of winning.
1. Gather Evidence
The most important thing to do after an accident on the water is to collect evidence and speak with an attorney. Also, seek medical treatment immediately for any injuries. Medical documents and other evidence are needed to support claims for damages, such as current and future medical costs and loss of income or earning potential, property damage, and other non-economic damages such as suffering and pain.
Video and photographs can help preserve physical evidence from the scene of a boating incident. Eyewitness testimony can be an invaluable evidence piece as it provides details about the incident that could otherwise be ignored. You can also use police reports and incident reports to create the timeline.
A lawyer who is knowledgeable is able to review the evidence and identify the parties that could be liable for the victim's injuries or losses. A claim for negligence in a boating accident typically involves multiple parties including the boat's operator and the manufacturer or owner of the watercraft.
An experienced lawyer can handle all communication between insurance companies and victims involved in the victim's compensation claim. A lawyer can help victims not to say anything that could be used against them in a court of law, and can also assist victims in obtaining fair settlements for damages.
2. Report a problem
The first step following a boating accident is to ensure that everyone is safe. You should then contact the police in your area and make a report. According to the laws of the state and regulations, you might only have 48 hours to file reports in the event of death or serious injury that requires medical treatment beyond basic first aid. You could also have ten days to file a claim in the event of more than $2,000 in damages or if the boat is destroyed.
You should also stay at the scene of the accident to assist other boats or individuals when you can, without putting at risk your own safety or the safety of the victims. This will allow the law enforcement officer to note important details, such as how the accident occurred and who was in the boat at the time of the crash and the cause of the crash.
Even experienced and well-trained boaters can get into accidents on the water because of negligence of another. A skilled attorney will assist you in identifying the negligent party responsible for your injuries and seek compensation. Medical expenses, property damage and financial losses are all recoverable damages. Additionally, bringing an action against the responsible party could result in monetary reimbursement for your pain and suffering, as well as loss of quality of life and other emotional issues that come along with the crash.
3. Examine the damages
After medical professionals have examined all injuries and are all in a safe location, it is important that you take a close examine the damage to the
boat accident law firm. You should now start thinking about your insurance policy.
A surveyor will be assigned to your claim and will be sent out to examine the damage caused by the accident. He or she will compare the damage to what was originally reported by you and will then begin to figure out what the damages could be worth.
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 might be eligible to file a claim for product liability against the company who produced the boat.
In these instances it is vital to retain a lawyer that has experience in handling boating claims as they can create an airtight case that proves that the manufacturer was responsible for the accident.
It is also important to remember that different kinds of boats are governed differently by insurance policies. Insurance for homeowners, for instance typically covers 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
Inform your insurance company whenever you feel secure and have visited the doctor for any injuries. You'll likely need to do so even there is no police report filed. It is crucial to be cautious with your information as the insurance companies are often trying to attempt to assign blame for the accident. This can reduce the amount of compensation you are paid. The NYC lawyers for boating accidents at Mirman Markovits & Landau work to prove and limit these claims.
It is beneficial to gather as many details as you can on the other boat owners or operators involved in the accident. Included in this list are their address, name, and phone number, as well as any insurance details. It is also useful to keep a copy of the accident report that has been filed.
Boat accidents can be scary and can result in serious injuries. They can cause substantial medical expenses as well as lost wages and other damages. The parties responsible must be held accountable for any harm they may have caused. The at-fault parties as well as insurance companies will not give you the compensation you deserve, so it is important to consult an experienced New York injury attorney as early as you can. This will allow you to concentrate on improving your situation and level the playing fields.