How to File a Boat Accident Claim Boating can be thrilling and fun, but when you're not careful it can quickly become deadly Just like cars, boats need to adhere to strict safety rules to prevent injuries If you've suffered injuries in a boating accident, you may be eligible to receive compensation for medical expenses as well as property damage To increase your chances of success get in touch with a professional New York boat accident attorney 1 Gather Evidence When someone experiences a boating accident, the most important step is to gather evidence and then contact an attorney You should also seek medical attention as soon as you notice any injuries To support a claim medical records and other evidence are needed This includes current and future medical expenses, loss of earnings or earning potential, property damage and other non-economic damages, like suffering and pain Video and photos are useful in preserving evidence from the scene of an accident Eyewitness testimony can be an invaluable piece of evidence as it gives details regarding the accident that might otherwise be ignored You can also utilize police and incident reports to establish a time line A lawyer with experience can review the evidence to identify the parties that could be liable for the victim's injuries or losses A boating accident negligence claim typically involves multiple parties including the boat's operator and the owner or manufacture of the watercraft A reputable lawyer will handle all communication with insurance providers who are involved in a person's claim for compensation A lawyer can help victims avoid saying anything that can be used against them in the court of law, and also assist victims in obtaining fair settlements for damages 2 Report a problem The first thing to do after a boating incident is to make sure everyone is secure After that, you need to contact local law enforcement agencies and complete a report on the incident In accordance with the state laws and regulations you may only be given 48 hours to file reports in the event of serious injury or death that requires medical treatment beyond basic first aid You could also be granted ten days if you are incapable of finding the boat or if the incident causes more than 2,000 of damage It is also recommended that you remain at the site of the accident to help other boats or people if you can, without putting at risk your own safety or that of the victims This will enable the law enforcement officer to note important details, like what caused the accident, who was aboard at the time of the crash, and what it caused Even experienced and well-trained boaters can get into accidents on the water because of someone else's negligence A knowledgeable lawyer can assist you in identifying the negligent party who caused the damage and seek compensation Property damage, medical expenses and financial losses are all recoverable damages A lawsuit against the party responsible could also result into monetary compensation for your discomfort and pain as well as loss of quality of life, and emotional distress caused by the accident 3 Inspect the Damages Once medical professionals have checked everyone's injuries and they are in a safe location It is essential to look at the damage to the boat This is when you begin thinking about your insurance policy and what it covers A surveyor will be assigned to your claim and will come out to assess the damage caused by the accident They will compare what you initially reported to the damage, and then begin to calculate the value of the damages It is impossible to control every element that can lead to a boating accident If there was a defect in the boat, you may be eligible to file a claim for product liability against the manufacturer who produced the boat In these cases, you need a lawyer with experience in boating claims They can build 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 different insurance policies For instance, homeowners insurance will typically only cover smaller boats with engines with less than 50 HP Homeowner's insurance will not cover jet skis, larger vessels or airboats 4 Contact an attorney Once you're safe and have seen an medical professional for injuries, be sure to notify your insurance company Even if there's no police report, you will still have to inform your insurance company It is essential to be cautious with your information as the insurance companies will often try and determine who is responsible for the accident This could decrease the amount of compensation you receive The NYC lawyers for boating accidents at Mirman Markovits amp; Landau work hard to disprove and limit these claims It is recommended to collect as all information you can about the other boat owners or operators who were involved in the incident This includes their address, name as well as their phone number and insurance details It is also beneficial to have a copy the report of a boating accident that has been filed Boat accidents can be frightening and can cause serious injuries https//vimeocom/709833215 can cause significant medical bills along with lost wages and other damages The responsible parties must be held accountable for any harm that they cause The at-fault parties and insurance companies are not likely to provide you with the compensation you deserve willingly It is essential to consult a seasoned New York injury attorney as in the earliest possible time This will allow you to concentrate on getting better and level the playing field