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How to File a Boat Accident Claim

Boating is often fun and exciting, but it can quickly turn deadly if you’re not cautious. Just like automobiles, boats must abide by strict safety rules to prevent injuries.

If you’ve been injured as a result of an accident on the water, you may be eligible for compensation for medical expenses as well as property damage. To increase your chances of success get in touch with a professional New York boat accident attorney.

1. Gather Evidence

When someone is involved in an accident while on a boat, the most important step is to gather evidence and get in touch with an attorney. It is also important to seek medical treatment immediately in the event of any injuries that could have occurred. Medical records and other evidence is needed to prove claims for damages, including future and current medical costs in addition to loss of income earning potential, property damage, and non-economic damages like suffering and pain.

Videos and photos are valuable in preserving evidence from the scene of an accident. Eyewitness testimony can be a valuable piece of evidence as it reveals details about the incident that could otherwise be ignored. You can also use police reports and incident reports to create a time line.

A lawyer with expertise can review the evidence to determine who is accountable 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 owner or manufacture of the watercraft.

A trusted lawyer can handle all communication with insurance companies who are involved in a victim’s claim for compensation. A lawyer can help victims not say anything that could be used against them in the courts, and can also assist victims in obtaining fair settlement offers for damages.

2. Report a crime

The first thing you should do following a boating accident is to make sure everyone is safe. You should then call the police at the scene and file a formal report. Based on the laws of your state and regulations, you might only have 48 hours to submit an official report in the event of serious injury or death that requires medical attention beyond basic first aid. You may also be able to file a report within 10 days to file a claim if you’re incapable of finding the boat or if the incident results in more than $2,000 worth of damages.

If possible, you should be at the scene to assist other boats or people, without risking your safety or that of the victim in danger. This will allow the law enforcement officer note important information, such as the circumstances of the accident and who was in the boat at the time of crash, and what it caused.

Unfortunately, even well-trained and experienced boaters could be involved in water-related accidents because of the negligence of someone else. A knowledgeable attorney can help you identify the responsible party responsible for your damages and pursue compensation. Medical expenses, property damage and financial losses are all recoverable damages. Furthermore, filing an action against the accountable party could lead to monetary reimbursement for your pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, and other emotional traumas that are associated with the crash.

3. Inspect the Damages

After medical professionals have evaluated all injuries and ensured that everyone is secured it is crucial to look at the damage to the boat. This is the time to start thinking about your insurance policy and what it covers.

A surveyor will be assigned to your claim and will go out to look at the damage caused by the accident. They will compare the initial report to the damage and then begin calculating the value of the damage.

Most boat accidents are the result of a mix of causes which means it’s not always possible to control all of them. If there was a manufacturer defect in the vessel itself, it may be possible to pursue a product liability claim against the company who manufactured the boat.

In these cases, you need an attorney with experience boating claims. They can create a strong case to prove that the manufacturer is responsible for the accident.

It is also important to keep in mind that various types of boats are covered in different ways by an insurance policy. Homeowners insurance, for instance generally only covers small boats with engines less than 50 HP. This means that jet skis, airboats as well as larger vessels will not be covered by homeowner’s insurance.

4. Contact an attorney

Notify your insurance company when you feel secure and have seen an emergency room for any injuries. You will likely need to do so even if no police report is filed. It is crucial to be cautious with your information because insurance companies will often attempt to assign blame for the accident. This can reduce the amount of compensation you are granted. The NYC lawyers who handle boating accidents at Mirman, Markovits & Landau will work hard to disprove these claims and limit the amount of blame attributable to you.

tulsa boat accident attorneys is beneficial to gather as many details as you can on the other boat owners and operators involved in the accident. This includes their address, name telephone number, and insurance information. It is also helpful to have a copy of the report of a boating accident that has been filed.

Boat accidents can be terrifying and can result in serious injuries. They can cause substantial medical bills as well as lost wages and other damages. The parties responsible have to be held accountable for the harm they have caused you. The at-fault parties and insurance companies are not likely to give you the compensation you deserve willingly Therefore, it is crucial to consult an experienced New York injury attorney as in the earliest possible time. This will allow you to concentrate on gaining more and level the playing field.