13 Things About Boat Accident Lawyer You May Not Have Considered

How to File a Boat Accident Claim

Boating can be thrilling and enjoyable, however when you’re not careful it could quickly turn dangerous. Like cars, boats must follow strict safety guidelines to avoid injuries.

If you have been injured in a boating accident you could be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses and for property damage. To increase your chances of success, contact a qualified New York boat accident attorney.

1. Gather Evidence

The most important thing to do after an accident on a boat is to collect evidence and contact an attorney. It is also crucial to seek medical attention immediately in the event of any injuries that could have occurred. Medical records and other proof are required to prove a claim for damages such as current and future medical expenses as well as loss of income or earning potential, property damage and other non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.

Videos and photos are valuable in preserving physical evidence at the scene of an accident. Eyewitness testimony is a crucial evidence source, as it can provide valuable details about the causes of a collision that would otherwise be overlooked. Police and incident reports can also be used to establish a chronology of what transpired in the particular case.

A skilled lawyer can analyze the evidence and determine who are responsible for victim’s injuries or losses. A successful negligence case for a boating accident usually involves multiple parties that are liable, including the bay harbor islands boat accident attorney‘s operator as well as the manufacturer or owner of the watercraft.

A reputable lawyer is able to manage all communications with insurance companies who are involved in a person’s claim for compensation. An attorney can deter victims from saying anything that could be used against them in court. In addition, they can also assist victims get fair settlements for their damages.

2. Make a Report

When a boating accident occurs the first thing to do is ensure that everyone involved is safe. After that, you need to contact the local law enforcement agency and submit a formal report of the incident. Based on the laws of your state and regulations, you may have 48 hours to submit an account in the event of death or serious injury that requires medical treatment beyond basic first aid. You may also be able to file a report within 10 days to file a report if you are not able to locate the boat or if the incident causes more than $2,000 in damage.

If possible, you should stay at the accident site to help other boats or people, without placing your safety or that of the victim in danger. This will allow the law enforcement officer to note important details like the manner in which the accident happened and who was on board at the time of the collision and what caused it.

Unfortunately, even well-trained and experienced boaters can get involved in accidents on the water because of the negligence of someone else. A knowledgeable lawyer can assist you in identifying the negligent party who caused your injuries and seek compensation. Medical expenses, property damage and financial losses are all recoverable damages. A lawsuit against the responsible party may also result in monetary compensation for your discomfort and pain and loss of quality of life, as well as emotional distress associated with the incident.

3. Examine the damage

After medical professionals have examined all the injuries sustained by everyone and determined that they are all in a safe area It is crucial that you take a thorough review of the damage to the boat. It is now time to think about your insurance policy.

A surveyor will be assigned to your claim and will be sent out to inspect the damage caused by the accident. The surveyor will then compare what you originally reported to the damage and begin calculating the value of the damages.

Most boat accidents are the result of a mix of causes and it’s impossible to control all of them. If there was a defect by the manufacturer in the vessel it is possible to bring a claim of product liability against the company that manufactured the boat.

In these cases it is vital to have a lawyer who has experience in handling boating claims as they can create an airtight 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. 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

As soon as you are secured and have seen a medical professional regarding injuries, make sure to notify your insurance company. It is likely that you will need to do so even in the absence of a police report filed. You should be careful when you give information to insurance companies, because they are likely to try to blame someone else for an accident. This could reduce the amount of compensation awarded. The NYC lawyers for boating accidents at Mirman, Markovits & Landau will fight hard to debunk these claims and reduce the amount of fault given to you.

It is recommended to gather as many details as you can about the other boat owners and operators involved in the incident. This includes their name, address along with their phone number and insurance information. It is also useful to keep a copy of the accident report filed.

Boat accidents can be terrifying and can result in serious injuries. They can cause massive medical expenses, loss of wages and damages. The parties responsible must be accountable for any harm they caused. The at-fault parties as well as insurance companies will not provide you with the compensation you deserve willingly and it is therefore essential to consult a seasoned New York injury attorney as early as you can. This allows you to concentrate on improving your situation and level the playing field.