How to File a Boat Accident Claim Boating can be exciting and enjoyable, but if you are not careful it could quickly turn dangerous Just like cars, boats must adhere to strict safety rules to prevent injuries If you've been injured in an accident while on the boat, you could be eligible for compensation for medical expenses as well as property damage Contact a New York boat accident lawyer to increase your odds of winning 1 Gather Evidence The most important thing to do following an accident on the water is to gather evidence and speak with an attorney You should seek medical attention as soon as you notice any injuries Medical records and other evidence is needed to support an action for damages such as current and future medical expenses and loss of income or earning potential, property damage and non-economic damages like pain and suffering Videos and photos are valuable in preserving physical evidence at the scene of an accident Eyewitness testimony is another vital element of evidence, since it can provide important information about the cause of the collision that may be overlooked Police and incident reports can also be used to establish a time line of what happened during the investigation A lawyer who is knowledgeable can scrutinize the evidence to determine which parties may be responsible for the victim's injuries or losses https//vimeocom/709835730 for a boating accident usually involves multiple liable parties, including the boat's operator as well as the manufacturer or owner of the watercraft A reputable lawyer will handle all communication with insurance companies who will be involved in a claim of a victim for compensation An attorney can prevent victims from revealing information that could be used against their case in court they can also assist victims to get fair settlements for their losses 2 Report a crime In the event of a boating crash the first thing to do is make sure that everyone is secure The next step is to contact the police at the scene and file a report According to the laws of the state and regulations, you may have 48 hours to file a report in case of serious injury or death needing medical attention above first aid You may also be able to file a report within 10 days to file if incapable of finding the boat or if the accident causes more than 2,000 in damage You should also stay at the scene of the accident to help other boats or people if possible without endangering your safety or that of the victims This will help the law enforcement officer to record important information, such as how the accident happened and who was in the boat at the time of the crash and the reason for the crash Even experienced and well-trained boaters could be involved in an accident on the water due to negligence of another A skilled attorney can identify the responsible party for your injuries and help you seek compensation Property damage, medical expenses and financial losses are all recoverable damages A lawsuit against the party responsible may also result in monetary compensation for your discomfort and pain and loss of quality of life, and emotional stress due to the accident 3 Inspect 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 essential to take a closer look at the damage that has been done to the boat This is the time to start contemplating your insurance policy and what it covers A surveyor will be assigned to your claim and will go out to examine the damage caused by the accident The surveyor will evaluate the initial report to the damage, and then begin to determine the value of the damages It is impossible to control every aspect that could cause a boat accident If there was a manufacturer defect within the vessel itself, it may be possible to make a claim for product liability against the company that produced the boat In these cases, you need an attorney with experience in boating claims They can create a strong case to prove that the manufacturer is responsible for the accident It is important to remember that different types are covered by insurance policies differently For instance, homeowner's insurance, which covers home owners typically only covers small boats with engines below 50 HP Homeowner's insurance does not cover jet skis, larger vessels, or airboats 4 Contact an attorney Once you're secured and have seen an medical professional for 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 crucial to be aware of your information as the insurance companies are often trying to attempt to assign blame for the incident This can limit the amount of compensation you are awarded The NYC lawyers who handle boating accidents at Mirman Markovits amp; Landau work to prove and limit these claims If you're able to you, it's a good idea to collect information about the other boat owners or operators who were involved in the crash Included in this data are their names, addresses and telephone number as well as any insurance information It is also beneficial to have a copy the accident report that has been filed Boat accidents can be a nightmare and cause serious injuries They can lead to significant medical bills along with lost wages and other damage Those who are responsible must be held accountable for the harm they have caused you You won't get the compensation you deserve if you don't consult an experienced New York injury lawyer as quickly as is possible This will help even the playing field and allow you to concentrate on healing