How to File a Boat Accident Claim
Boating can be fun and thrilling, but it can quickly turn deadly if not careful. Just like cars, boats must adhere to strict safety rules to prevent injuries.
If you’ve suffered injuries 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 lawsuit accident lawyer (http://kinglish.com/bbs/board.php?Bo_table=review&wr_id=325133) to increase your chances of winning.
1. Gather Evidence
When someone experiences an accident while on a boat, the most important step is to gather evidence and get in touch with an attorney. It is also crucial to seek medical treatment immediately for any injuries that might have occurred. Medical records and other evidence are required to prove the claim for damages like future and current medical expenses and loss of income or earning potential, property damage and non-economic damages like suffering and pain.
Videos and photos are useful in preserving evidence from the scene of an accident. Eyewitness testimony can be an invaluable evidence source since it gives details regarding the collision that otherwise would be ignored. You can also utilize police and incident reports to establish a time line.
A lawyer with expertise can review the evidence to determine who is responsible for the victim’s injuries or losses. A successful negligence claim for a boating accident usually involves multiple liable parties, which includes the boat’s operator and the owner or manufacturer of the watercraft.
A trusted lawyer can manage all communication with insurance companies that will be involved in a person’s claim for compensation. A lawyer can help victims not to say anything that could be used against them in a court of law, and can also aid victims in obtaining fair settlement offers for damages.
2. Report a crime
When a boating incident occurs the first thing to do is make sure that everyone is safe. Then, you must contact local law enforcement officials and fill out a report about the incident. Depending on state laws and regulations, you might be given 48 hours to submit a report if the accident results in injury or death that requires medical attention above basic first aid. Additionally, you may be given ten days to file a claim if the accident causes more than $2,000 worth of damage or the boat is lost.
It is also recommended that you remain at the scene of the accident to assist other boats or individuals when possible, without putting your own safety or that of the victims. This will allow the law enforcement officer to note important details such as how the accident occurred and who was onboard at the time of the crash and the cause.
Even well-trained and experienced boaters can be involved in accidents on the water due to negligence of another. A knowledgeable attorney can determine the responsible party for the damages you suffered, and assist you seek compensation. Medical expenses, property damage and financial losses are all recoverable damages. In addition, a lawsuit against the responsible person could result in monetary compensation for your pain and suffering, as well as loss of quality of life and other emotional pains that can be associated with the crash.
3. Check for damage
Once medical professionals have checked everyone’s injuries and they are secured It is essential to look at the damage to the boat. This is when you start contemplating 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 assess the damage with the ones originally reported by you and will then begin figuring out what the damages could be worth.
Most boat accidents are caused by a combination of causes which means it’s impossible to control all of them. If there was a defect on the boat, you might be eligible to file a claim for product liability against the company that manufactured the boat.
In these instances, you need an attorney who has experience in boating claims. They can create an argument that is strong and proves the manufacturer is accountable for the accident.
It is important to remember that different types are covered by insurance policies differently. For example homeowners insurance will generally only cover smaller boats with an engine with less than 50 HP. Insurance for homeowners does not cover jet skis, larger vessels or airboats.
4. Contact an Attorney
Notify your insurance company immediately after you feel safe and have seen the doctor for any injuries. Even if there’s no police report, you’ll still have to inform your insurance company. Be careful when you give information to insurance companies, because they are likely to attempt to blame someone else for an accident. This can decrease the amount of compensation that you receive. The NYC lawyer for boating accidents at Mirman, Markovits & Landau will do their best to disprove these claims and limit the amount of fault given to you.
It is recommended to collect as all information you can on the other boat accident lawyers owners or operators involved in the incident. This includes their name, address telephone number, and insurance information. It is also useful to keep a copy of the accident report that has been filed.
Boat accidents can be terrifying and can cause serious injuries. They can result in significant medical bills, lost wages and other damage. Anyone responsible for the injury are accountable for the harm they have caused you. The at-fault parties and insurance companies won’t provide the compensation you deserve It is essential to speak with an experienced New York injury attorney as early as you can. This will allow you to concentrate on getting better and level the playing fields.
