How to File a Boat Accident Claim

Boating can be thrilling and enjoyable, however if you are not careful it could turn deadly. Boats must also adhere to strict safety regulations to avoid injuries.

If you've been injured in a boating accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills and property damage. To increase your chances of winning you should speak with a reputable New York lindenhurst boat accident law firm accident attorney.

1. Gather Evidence

The most important thing to do after an accident on a boat is to gather evidence and contact an attorney. You should seek medical treatment immediately for any injuries. To support a claim, medical records and other evidence are needed. This includes both future and present medical expenses, loss of earnings or earning potential, property damage and other non-economic damages, like pain and suffering.

Video and photos are helpful in preserving evidence from the scene of an accident. Eyewitness testimony is yet another important element of evidence, as it can provide important information about the cause of the collision that may be missed. Police and incident reports can be used to determine the timeline of events that occurred in the particular case.

A skilled lawyer can analyze the evidence and determine which parties are responsible for victim's injuries and related losses. A successful negligence claim in an accident involving a medford boat accident lawyer usually involves multiple parties that are liable, including the boat's owner and the manufacturer or owner of the watercraft.

A reputable lawyer can manage all communication with insurance companies that are involved in a person's claim for compensation. An attorney can impede victims from revealing information that could be used against them in court. In addition, they can also assist victims to get fair settlements for their losses.

2. File a report

The first thing you should do after a boating incident is to make sure everyone is safe. Then, you should call local law enforcement officials and make a report of the incident. Depending on state laws and regulations, you might be given 48 hours to submit an incident report if the accident results in injury or death that requires medical attention beyond basic first aid. You could also have 10 days to file a claim when the accident causes more than $2,000 in damage or the boat is damaged.

You should also remain at the scene of the accident to assist other boats or individuals if you can, without putting at risk your own safety or that of the victims. This will allow police officers to take note of important information, such as what caused the accident and who was in the boat at the time of crash and the cause of the crash.

Even well-trained and experienced boaters may be involved in accidents on the water because of someone else's negligence. A skilled attorney will help you identify the negligent party responsible for your injuries and seek compensation. Damages that can be recovered typically include medical expenses, property damage and financial losses. A lawsuit against the party responsible could also result into monetary compensation for your pain and discomfort and loss of quality of life, and emotional stress caused by the incident.

3. Check for damage

After medical professionals have evaluated the injuries of everyone, and they are all in a safe location, it is important to take a careful look at the damage that has been done to the boat. This is when you begin looking at your insurance policy and what it will cover.

A surveyor will be assigned to your claim and will come out to inspect any damage incurred by the accident. The surveyor will then compare the information you initially provided to the damage, and then begin to determine the value of the damages.

Most boat accidents are the result of a mix of causes and it's not always possible to control all of them. If there was a manufacturing defect in the vessel it could be possible to make a claim for product liability against the manufacturer of the boat.

In these instances, you need an attorney with experience in boating claims. They can help you build an argument that is strong and proves the manufacturer was responsible for the accident.

It is important to keep in mind that different types are covered by different insurance policies. For instance, homeowner's insurance, which covers home owners typically covers small boats with engines under 50 HP. This means that airboats, jet skis, and larger vessels won't be covered by homeowner's insurance.

4. Contact an attorney

Notify your insurance company when you feel safe and have visited the doctor for any injuries. You will likely need to do so even if no police report is filed. Be cautious when you give details to insurance companies, because they are likely to try to determine who is at fault for an accident. This could reduce the amount of compensation that you receive. The NYC boating accident lawyers at Mirman Markovits & Landau work hard to debunk and limit these claims.

It is beneficial to collect as much information as you can about the other boat owners or operators that were involved in the accident. Included in this data are their name, address and phone number, as well as any insurance details. It is also helpful to have a copy the boating accident report that is filed.

downey boat accident Law Firm accidents can be terrifying and cause serious injuries. They can be a source of substantial medical expenses, lost wages, and even damages. Those who are responsible should be held accountable for the harm they caused you. You won't be able to receive the amount you are due if you don't seek out an experienced New York injury lawyer as soon as possible. This allows you to concentrate on improving and leveling the playing field.