How to File a Boat Accident Claim
Boating can be exciting and enjoyable, however should you not be careful, it could turn dangerous. Boats must also follow strict safety regulations to avoid injuries.
If you’ve been injured as a result of an accident while on the boat, you may be eligible to receive compensation for medical expenses as well as property damage. To increase your chances of winning get in touch with a professional New York boat accident attorney.
1. Gather Evidence
When someone experiences a boating accident the first step is to collect evidence and contact 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 are needed to prove a claim for damages including future and current medical costs in addition to loss of income earning potential, property damage, and other non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
Videos and photos can help preserve physical evidence from the scene of a boating incident. Eyewitness testimony is yet another important evidence source, as it can give valuable information regarding the cause of a collision that might otherwise be missed. Police and incident reports can also be used to establish a timeline of what happened in the case.
A skilled lawyer can analyze the evidence and determine which parties might be liable for a victim’s injuries as well as the associated losses. A boating accident negligence claim usually involves multiple parties, including the driver of the boat accident attorneys and the manufacturer or owner of the watercraft.
A reputable lawyer is able to manage all communication with insurance companies who are involved in a claim of a victim for compensation. A lawyer can assist victims to avoid saying anything that could be used against them in the courts, and can also assist victims in obtaining fair settlement offers for damages.
2. File a report
When a boating accident occurs, the first thing you should do is make sure that everyone is secure. You should then contact the local police department and file a report. Based on the laws of your state and regulations you may only have 48 hours to make an official report in the event of death or serious injury that requires medical attention beyond basic first aid. You may also have 10 days to file if not able to locate the boat accident law or if the accident causes more than $2,000 worth of damages.
If you can, remain at the scene of the accident to assist other boats or people, without putting your safety or the safety of the victims at risk. This will help the law enforcement officer to record important information, such as how the accident happened and who was on board at the time of crash, and what it caused.
Even well-trained and experienced boaters can be involved in accidents on the water due to someone else’s negligence. A skilled attorney can identify the negligent party accountable for your injuries, and assist you pursue compensation. Medical expenses, property damage and financial losses are all recoverable damages. Moreover, filing an action against the responsible person could result in monetary recovery for your pain and suffering, loss of quality of life and other emotional pains that can be associated with the crash.
3. Examine the damage
After medical experts have examined everyone’s injuries, and they are all in a safe location It is imperative that you take a close look at the damage done to the boat accident legal. This is when you start considering your insurance policy and what it covers.
A surveyor will be assigned to your claim. They will come out to assess the damage caused by the accident. He or she will compare what you originally reported to the damage and begin to calculate the value of the damage.
It is impossible to control every element that can cause a boat accident settlement crash. If there was a defect in the boat, boat Accident Claim you may be in a position to file a claim for product liability against the company that created the boat.
In these instances it is imperative to have a lawyer who has experience in handling boating claims as they can create an air-tight case that proves that the manufacturer was responsible for the accident.
It is important to keep in mind that different types are covered by insurance policies in different ways. Homeowners insurance, for instance typically only covers small boats with engines below 50 HP. This means that jet skis, airboats, and larger vessels won’t be covered by homeowner’s insurance.
4. Contact an Attorney
Once you’re secure and have visited a medical professional regarding injuries, you must inform your insurance company. You will likely need to do so even when no police report has been filed. It is important to be aware of your information since insurance companies frequently try and assign blame for the accident. This can reduce the amount of compensation you are awarded. The NYC boating accident lawyers at Mirman Markovits & Landau work hard to challenge and limit these claims.
If you’re able, it is a good idea to get information from the other boat owners or operators that were involved in the crash. This includes their address, name along with their phone number and insurance details. It is also beneficial to have a copy the accident report that has been filed.
Boat accidents can be scary and cause serious injuries. They can result in massive medical expenses, loss of wages and damages. The parties responsible have to be held accountable for the harm they have caused you. The at-fault parties and insurance companies will not provide you with the compensation you deserve Therefore, it is crucial to consult an experienced New York injury attorney as in the earliest possible time. This will allow you to focus on gaining more and level the playing field.