How to File a Boat Accident Claim It is imperative to seek medical attention if you are injured in an accident on the water. It is also essential to record the scene of the accident as well as injuries that you've sustained by taking pictures and compiling a journal entry. Proving negligence is the most important step to a successful claim in an accident on the water. You'll require as much evidence as possible to prove your claim. Reporting an accident In addition to making sure that all passengers on the boat and all those on shore are protected the first step following an accident on the water is to notify authorities of what transpired. This is done by submitting an accident report to the appropriate local authority. State and territorial laws vary when it comes to specifics of reporting on boat accidents requirements. It is important to consult an attorney immediately to ensure that your rights are protected and to make sure that you satisfy any legal requirements. A boating accident report is required if there is any of the following deaths (which has to be reported within 48 hours) injuries that require medical intervention beyond first aid or the disappearance of a person on the boat in circumstances which could suggest that they were injured or killed. If the accident causes property damage that exceeds $2,000, then it must be reported. The operator must remain at the scene to render assistance, whenever possible, and without placing their safety or the safety of their passengers at risk. They must also provide their name, address and vessel information in writing to any people who are injured or to the owner of any property damaged. Many victims of boating accidents suffer from long-term psychological and physical problems. These include head and spinal injuries as well as broken bones, bruises, and cuts. In many instances an accident that killed someone on the boat could have easily been avoided if the boat's operator had taken more care or if someone else on the boat hadn't acted recklessly. Seeking Medical Attention The next step after a boating accident should be seeking medical attention. This will determine any injuries, provide treatment, and gather important evidence for your case. In the event of delay, it can worsen your condition. It is important that if you go to a hospital or another medical facility as a result of an injury, the nurses and doctors keep a record of every complaint, no however minor they appear. Insurance companies will use your medical records to prove your injuries in negotiating settlements. If you don't mention any injury or discomfort in your medical documents, the insurance company may claim that you did not suffer the injuries you claim to have suffered during the accident. Serious injuries range from neck and back pain to broken bones or even paralysis. These injuries can have a major impact on your life, and can make it difficult to work. They may require costly surgeries, long hospital stays, and ongoing treatment. Like the case of a car crash, the person who caused a boating accident could be held at fault if they acted negligently. Negligence is when you fail to adhere to all safety guidelines and measures a reasonable person might take in similar situations. This includes obeying the directions and observing signage, looking at the weather conditions, maintaining your vessel and checking it, not operating your boat when drunk, and maintaining the distance between you and other vessels. Contacting an attorney While a boating crash can be frightening, it can also be confusing and overwhelming. This is especially true if you're injured. It is essential to have all the information you need to file a claim after an accident to receive the compensation you deserve. It is also advisable to have an attorney by your side. Your lawyer can help you in the event that you've been injured in a boating accident. They first make sure that all parties and authorities are aware of the accident. Then, they will gather evidence to prove the negligence and responsibility. This could include video footage, witness testimonies and physical evidence. Once they have gathered all this information and have gathered all the information, they are competent to file a lawsuit against the responsible operator or owner. They will seek compensation for your expenses and losses such as medical bills as well as loss of earnings and property damage. Serious injuries that happen in boating accidents are common and can have a devastating effect on your life. They could include neck and back injuries and brain injuries, as well as broken bones, and paralysis. These kinds of injuries can make you miss work, need long-term care and may affect your life quality. A New York boating accident lawyer can help you recover compensation for these injuries. How to File a Claim Regardless of the way you were injured and how you were injured, filing a boating injury claim could help you receive compensation for the costs and losses you have incurred. You could be entitled to compensation damages to cover medical bills, property damage and lost wages. You can also be awarded noneconomic damages, which are more subjective, and can include compensation for psychological and emotional pain you have suffered. If you file a boating accident claim it is essential to record as many details of the incident as possible. If you can, it is best to speak to witnesses and record their names along with their numbers and other information regarding the insurance company. Take pictures of the scene of the accident as well as any damage. All of this can be used in the future to support your claim. In cases that involve the government, it is especially crucial to consult an attorney since there are strict limits in these kinds of lawsuits. Contact an New York firm that understands the state and federal laws governing boating accidents, and how they might impact your case. There are a variety of reasons boating accidents occur, but most are caused by operator inattention and inexperience, machinery failure or speeding up, as well as alcohol consumption. Weather conditions can also play a role. If you decide to go on a boat in bad weather and end up in an accident, it could be considered negligence as well.