How to File a Boat Accident Claim

Boating can be exciting and fun, but if you are not careful it can quickly turn deadly. Just like automobiles, boats must abide by strict safety guidelines to avoid injuries.

If you've been injured in a boating accident you could be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses and for property damage. Contact a New York columbia heights boat accident lawyer accident lawyer to increase your odds of winning.

1. Gather Evidence

If someone is involved in a boating accident the first step is to collect evidence and get in touch with an attorney. It is also important to seek medical attention right away for any injuries that might have occurred. Medical records and other evidence is needed to support claims for damages, such as current and future medical costs as well as loss of income or earning potential, property damage and non-economic damages like suffering and pain.

Photos and video footage can be useful in preserving evidence from the scene of an accident. Eyewitness testimony can be an invaluable evidence piece as it gives details regarding the incident that could otherwise remain unnoticed. Police and incident reports can also be used to establish a timeline of what happened in the particular case.

A lawyer with experience can review the evidence to determine which parties could be responsible for the victim's injuries or losses. A boating accident negligence claim usually involves multiple parties, including the boat's operator and the owner or manufacture of the watercraft.

An experienced attorney is able to manage all communications between insurance providers and victims involved in the victim's compensation claim. A lawyer can assist victims not to say anything that could 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 you must do is make sure that everyone is secure. Then, you should contact the local law enforcement agency and submit a formal report of the incident. Based on the laws of your state and regulations, you might only have 48 hours to make an official report in the event of death or serious injury requiring medical treatment above basic first aid. You could also be granted 10 days to file if in a position to not locate the boat or if the incident causes more than $2,000 worth of damage.

You should also be at the site of the accident to help other boats or people, if possible, without putting your own safety or that of the victims. This will enable the police officer to record important information like how the accident happened and who was onboard at the time of the collision and the reason for it.

Even experienced and well-trained boaters can be involved in accidents on the water because of negligence of another. An experienced attorney can pinpoint the negligent party responsible for your injuries, and assist you pursue compensation. Damage to property, medical expenses and financial losses are all recoverable damages. Moreover, filing an action against the responsible party could lead to monetary compensation for your pain, suffering, as well as loss of quality of life and other emotional traumas that are associated with the crash.

3. Examine the damages

Once medical professionals have assessed all injuries and ensured that everyone is in a safe place, it is important to look at the damage to the charleston boat accident law firm. Now is the time to start thinking about your insurance policy.

A surveyor will be assigned to your claim and will visit to examine any damage that was caused by the accident. The surveyor will then compare the damage to what was originally described by you. They will then start figuring out the amount of damage that could be worth.

It is impossible to control every single factor that could cause a boat accident. If there was a defect in the boat, you could be eligible to file a claim for product liability against the company who produced the boat.

In these instances, it is essential to hire a lawyer who has experience in handling boating claims since they can construct an air-tight defense that proves that the manufacturer is responsible for the accident.

It is important to keep in mind that different types are covered by insurance policies in different ways. For instance homeowners insurance will generally only cover smaller boats with an engine that is below 50 HP. Homeowner's insurance will not cover jet skis, larger vessels, or airboats.

4. Contact an attorney

Inform your insurance company whenever you feel secure and have seen a doctor for any injuries. It is likely that you will need to do so even there is no police report filed. It is essential to be aware of your information since insurance companies often attempt to assign blame for the accident. This could limit the amount of compensation awarded. The NYC lawyer for boating accidents at Mirman, Markovits & Landau will work hard to disprove these claims and limit the amount of blame attributable to you.

If you're able to to, it's a good idea to gather information on the other boat owners or operators involved in the crash. Included in this list are their name, address and telephone number, as well as any insurance information. It is also useful to have a copy the accident report that has been filed.

easton Boat accident lawyer accidents can be a nightmare and cause serious injuries. They can be a source of massive medical expenses, loss of wages, and even damages. The parties responsible are accountable for the harm they have caused you. You will not get the compensation you deserve if don't speak with an experienced New York injury lawyer as quickly as is possible. This will help level the playing field and allow you to concentrate on healing.