How to File a Boat Accident Claim
Boating can be thrilling and enjoyable, however when you’re not careful it can quickly become dangerous. Just like cars, boats need to adhere to strict safety rules to prevent injuries.
If you’ve been injured in a boating incident you could be entitled to compensation for medical expenses and property damage. Contact a New York boat accident lawyer to increase your chances of winning.
1. Gather Evidence
If someone is involved in an accident while boating, the most important step is to collect evidence and then contact an attorney. You should also seek medical attention as soon as you notice any injuries. To prove a claim, medical records and other evidence are required. This includes current and future medical expenses in addition to loss of earnings or earning potential, damage to property and other non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.
Video and photographs are valuable in preserving physical evidence at the scene of an accident. Eyewitness testimony can be a valuable evidence piece as it reveals details about the collision that otherwise would go unnoticed. You can also utilize police and incident reports to create a timeline.
A knowledgeable lawyer will review the evidence and determine who could be responsible for victim’s injuries as well as the associated losses. A successful negligence claim in an accident on the water usually involves multiple liable parties, including the lansdale boat accident lawsuit‘s owner and the owner or manufacturer of the watercraft.
An experienced lawyer can manage all communications between the insurance company and the victim involved in the victim’s compensation claim. A lawyer can assist victims not to say anything that could be used against them in a court of law and can aid victims in obtaining fair settlement offers for damages.
2. Report a crime
The first step after a boating incident is to ensure everyone is safe. Then, you should contact local law enforcement and complete a report on the incident. Based on the state’s laws and regulations, you could have up to 48 hours to file reports if the accident causes injury or death that requires medical treatment beyond basic first aid. You may also have 10 days to file a claim if you’re incapable of finding the boat or if the incident causes more than $2,000 worth of damages.
You should also remain at the scene of the accident to assist other boats or people, if possible, without putting your safety or that of the victims. This will let police officers to take note of important details, like how the accident occurred and who was in the glen ridge boat accident law firm at the time of crash and what caused it.
Unfortunately, even well-trained and experienced boaters could be involved in water-related accidents because of the negligence of someone else. A knowledgeable lawyer can help you identify the negligent party that caused your damages and pursue compensation. Damages that can be recovered typically include medical expenses, property damage and financial losses. In addition, an action against the accountable person could result in monetary reimbursement for your pain and suffering, as well as loss of quality of life and other emotional issues that come along with the crash.
3. Check for damage
Once medical professionals have assessed all injuries and ensured that everyone is in a safe location It is essential to look at the damage to the boat. This is when you begin looking at your insurance policy and what it will cover.
A surveyor will be assigned to your claim and will come out to look at the damage caused by the accident. The surveyor will then compare the damage to the original stated by you. They will then determine the amount of damage that could be worth.
Most boat accidents are caused by a combination of causes, and it is not always possible to control all of them. If there was a defect by the manufacturer within the vessel itself, it may be possible to bring a claim of product liability against the company who manufactured the boat.
In these situations you require an attorney who has 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 are insured by different policies. Homeowners insurance, for instance typically covers small boats with engines under 50 HP. This means that jet skis, airboats and larger vessels will not be covered by homeowner’s insurance.
4. Contact an Attorney
Inform your insurance company when you feel safe and have been to an emergency room for any injuries. You’ll likely need to do so even there is no police report filed. It is important to be careful with your information as the insurance companies are often trying to attempt to assign blame for the incident. This can reduce the amount of compensation that you receive. The NYC boating accident attorneys at Mirman, Markovits & Landau will be determined to prove these claims and reduce the amount of fault that you are liable for.
If you can you, it’s a good idea to gather information on the other boat owners or operators that were involved in the crash. Included in this data are their address, name, and phone number and any insurance information. It is also beneficial to have a copy the accident report that has been filed.
novato Boat Accident Law Firm accidents can be terrifying and cause serious injury. They can cause substantial medical expenses, lost earnings and damages. Those who are responsible have to be held accountable for the harm they caused you. The at-fault parties and insurance companies are not likely to provide you with the amount you are due Therefore, it is crucial to seek out an experienced New York injury attorney as early as possible. This will help to level the playing field and allow you to concentrate on healing.
