How to File a Boat Accident Claim Boating can be thrilling and fun, but when you're not careful it could turn dangerous Boats must also adhere to strict safety regulations to avoid injuries If you've suffered injury in an accident on the water, then you may be eligible to receive compensation for medical expenses and 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 an accident while on a boat the first step is to gather evidence and then contact an attorney It is also essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible for any injuries that may have occurred To prove a claim, medical records and other evidence are required This includes current and future medical expenses and loss of earnings, earning potential, damage to property and non-economic losses such as suffering and pain Videos and photos are valuable in preserving physical evidence at the scene of an accident Eyewitness testimony can be a valuable evidence source since it can provide details about the collision that otherwise would remain unnoticed Police and incident reports can also be used to determine the chronology of what transpired in the particular case A lawyer with experience is able to review the evidence and determine which parties could be accountable for the victim's injuries or losses A boating accident negligence case typically involves multiple parties including the boat's operator and the owner or manufacture of the watercraft An experienced lawyer can handle all communication between the insurance company and the victim involved in the victim's compensation claim A lawyer can assist victims to avoid saying anything that could be used against them in a court of law and can also aid victims in obtaining fair settlements for damages 2 Report a crime The first step after a boating incident is to ensure that everyone is safe Then, you should call local law enforcement officials and submit a formal report of the incident According to state laws and regulations, you could have up to 48 hours to file an official report if the incident causes injury or death that requires medical attention beyond basic first aid Additionally, you may be given 10 days to file a claim in the event of more than 2,000 in damage or if the boat gets lost If you can, stay at the accident site to help other boats or persons without risking your safety or that of the victim in danger This will let the law enforcement officer note important information, such as how the accident occurred and who was in the boat at the time of the crash and the cause of the crash However, even the most well-trained and experienced boaters can be involved in water-related accidents due to someone else's negligence An experienced attorney can pinpoint the negligent party accountable for your injuries, and assist you seek compensation Medical expenses, property damage and financial losses are all recoverable damages A lawsuit against the responsible party could also result into monetary compensation for your discomfort and pain and loss of quality of life, and emotional stress that is caused by the accident 3 Inspect the Damages Once medical professionals have checked the injuries of everyone and are in a safe area It is essential to take a good look at 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 the damage to what was originally reported by you and will then begin to figure out how much the damage could be worth Most boat accidents result from a combination of factors that are not always possible to control all of them However, if there was a manufacturing defect on the boat itself, it may be possible to bring a claim of product liability against the manufacturer of the boat In these cases you require an attorney with experience in boating claims They can put together an argument that is strong and proves the manufacturer is accountable for the accident It is important to remember that different types of boats are covered by insurance policies in different ways For example homeowners insurance is typically only cover smaller boats with engines which is less than 50 HP Homeowner's insurance will not cover jet skis, larger vessels, or airboats 4 Contact an attorney Notify your insurance company when you feel safe and have been to a doctor in case of any injuries https//vimeocom/709657227 to do so even in the absence of a police report filed Be careful when you provide information to insurance companies as they may attempt to determine who is responsible for an accident This could reduce the amount of compensation you receive The NYC boating accident lawyers at Mirman Markovits amp; Landau work hard to challenge and limit these claims It is a good thing to collect as the information you can about the other boat owners or operators involved in the accident This includes their address, name telephone number, and insurance information It is also helpful to keep a copy of the accident report filed Boat accidents can be terrifying and can result in serious injuries They can lead to significant medical expenses, lost wages, and even damages The responsible parties should be accountable for any harm they may have caused The at-fault parties and insurance companies are not likely to provide the compensation you deserve and it is therefore essential to speak with an experienced New York injury attorney as in the earliest possible time This will help level the playing field and allow you to concentrate on getting well