How to File a Boat Accident Claim Boating can be fun and thrilling, but it could quickly become deadly if not cautious. Just like cars, boats need to adhere to strict safety guidelines to avoid injuries. If you've been injured as a result of an accident while on the boat, you may be eligible for compensation for medical expenses and property damage. To increase your chances of winning you should speak with a reputable New York boat accident attorney. 1. Gather Evidence When someone experiences an accident while boating the first step is to collect evidence and contact an attorney. You should seek medical treatment immediately for any injuries. Medical records and other proof are needed to support an action for damages such as current and future medical costs in addition to loss of income earning potential, property damage, and non-economic damages like suffering and pain. Video and photographs can help preserve evidence from the scene of a boating accident. Eyewitness testimony can be an invaluable evidence piece as it provides details about the incident that could otherwise remain unnoticed. You could also rely on police reports and incident reports to create a time line. A knowledgeable lawyer can review the evidence and determine which parties might be accountable for victim's injuries as well as the associated expenses. A boating accident negligence case typically involves multiple parties including the boat's driver as well as the owner or manufacture of the watercraft. A reputable attorney can handle all communication between insurance companies and victims involved in the victim's compensation claim. An attorney can impede victims from saying anything that could be used against them in court, and they can assist victims get fair settlements for their losses. 2. Report a crime When a boating accident occurs, the first thing you should do is ensure that everyone involved is secure. After that, you need to contact local law enforcement officials and complete a report on the incident. Depending on state laws and regulations, you might have 48 hours to file a report if the accident results in death or injury which requires medical treatment above basic first aid. You may also have 10 days to file a claim if you're unable to find the boat or if the incident causes more than $2,000 of damage. If you are able, stay at the site of the accident to help other boats or people, without risking your own safety or that of the victims at risk. This will enable the law enforcement officer note important information, such as the circumstances of the accident and who was on the boat at the time of the crash and the reason for the crash. Even experienced and well-trained boaters can get into accidents on the water because of negligence of another. An experienced attorney can help you identify the responsible party responsible for the damage and seek compensation. Property damage, medical expenses and financial losses are all recoverable damages. A lawsuit against the responsible party could also result into monetary compensation for your pain and discomfort and loss of quality of life, and emotional stress associated with the accident. 3. Examine the damages After medical professionals have examined all the injuries sustained by everyone and determined that they are all in a safe spot It is crucial to take a careful look at the damage that has been done to the boat. This is when you start thinking about your insurance policy and what it will cover. A surveyor will be assigned to your claim and will come out to examine the damage caused by the accident. The surveyor will then compare the damage to the original stated by you. They will then begin to figure out how much the damage could be worth. Most boat accidents are caused by a combination of causes, and it is not always possible to control all of them. However, if there was a manufacturer defect in the vessel, it may be possible to bring a claim of product liability against the company that produced the boat. In these cases you require an attorney who has experience in boating claims. They can create a strong case to prove that the manufacturer is responsible for the accident. It is important to keep in mind that different types of boats are covered by insurance policies in different ways. Homeowners insurance, for instance, will usually only cover 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 When you are secure and have been examined by a medical professional regarding injuries, make sure to inform your insurance company. Even if you don't have a police report, you'll still have to inform your insurance company. It is essential to be cautious with your information because insurance companies will often try and assign blame for the accident. This can limit the amount of compensation awarded. The NYC lawyers who handle boating accidents at Mirman, Markovits & Landau will work hard to disprove these claims and limit the amount of fault assigned to you. If you're able to you, it's a good idea to get information from the other boat owners or operators that were involved in the crash. Included in this list are their address, name, and telephone number along with any insurance information. It is also beneficial to have a copy the report of a boating accident which is filed. Boat accidents can be a nightmare and can result in serious injuries. They can lead to significant medical expenses, lost wages and damages. The responsible parties should be accountable for any harm they have caused. The at-fault parties and insurance companies won't give you the compensation you're entitled to, so it is important to consult a seasoned New York injury attorney as early as possible. This allows you to concentrate on gaining more and level the playing field.