10 Tell-Tale Signs You Need To Get A New Boat Accident Lawyer
How to File a Boat Accident Claim
Boating is often fun and thrilling, but it can quickly turn deadly if you're not careful. Like cars, boats must follow strict safety rules to avoid injuries.
If you've been injured in a boating incident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses as well as for property damage. To increase your chances of success get in touch with a professional New York boat accident attorney.
1. Gather Evidence
The most important thing you can do following an accident on a boat is to gather evidence and get in touch with an attorney. It is also essential to seek medical attention right away for any injuries that may have occurred. Medical records and other evidence are needed to prove an action for damages such as future and present medical costs as well as loss of income or earning potential, property damage and non-economic damages like suffering and pain.
Videos and photos are useful in preserving evidence from the scene of an accident. Eyewitness testimony can be a valuable evidence piece as it gives details regarding the accident that might otherwise go unnoticed. You could also rely on police reports and incident reports to create a time line.
A lawyer with expertise can analyze the evidence to identify the parties that could be accountable for the victim's injuries or losses. A successful negligence claim for a boating accident typically involves multiple parties that are liable, including the boat accident lawyer's owner and the manufacturer or owner of the watercraft.
A reputable attorney will handle all communication between the insurance company and the victim involved in the claim for compensation of the victim. A lawyer can assist victims not to say anything that could be used against them in the court of law, and also assist victims in obtaining fair settlements for damages.
2. Report a crime
In the event of a boating crash, the first thing to do is make sure that everyone is safe. You should then call the local police and file a report. Based on the state's laws and regulations, you might be given 48 hours to submit a report if the accident resulted in injury or death that requires medical treatment beyond basic first aid. You could also get ten days if you are not able to locate the boat or if the incident results in more than $2,000 worth of damages.
If possible, you should remain at the scene of the accident to assist other boats or persons without placing your safety or that of the victims in jeopardy. This will enable the law enforcement officer to note crucial details, including the circumstances of the accident and who was on the boat at the time of the crash and what caused it.
Even well-trained and experienced boaters could be involved in an accident on the water because of someone else's negligence. An experienced attorney can pinpoint the negligent party responsible for your injuries and help you seek compensation. Damages that can be recovered typically include medical expenses, property damage and financial losses. A lawsuit against the responsible party could also result in financial compensation for your discomfort and pain, loss of quality life, and emotional distress associated with the incident.
3. Check for damage
Once medical professionals have assessed all injuries and ensured that everyone is secured it is crucial to take a good look at the damage to the boat. This is when you start considering your insurance policy and what it will cover.
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 the one originally described by you. They will then begin figuring out how much the damages might be worth.
Most boat accident law firm accidents are caused by a combination of causes which means it's impossible to control all of them. If there was a defect on the boat, you could be able to file a claim for product liability against the company that made the boat.
In these cases, you need an attorney with experience boating claims. They can create a strong case that proves the manufacturer is accountable for the accident.
It is also important to note that various types of boats are governed differently by insurance policies. Homeowners insurance, for example typically covers small boats that have engines less than 50 HP. Homeowner's insurance will not cover jet skis, larger vessels, or airboats.
4. Contact an attorney
Once you're secured and have seen a medical professional regarding injuries, be sure to inform your insurance company. You will likely need to notify them even when no police report has been filed. It is crucial to be cautious with your information because insurance companies will often attempt to assign blame for the accident. This can limit the amount of compensation given. The NYC lawyers for boating accidents at Mirman, Markovits & Landau will work hard to disprove these claims and limit the amount of fault given to you.
If you are able to, it's a good idea to gather information about the other boat owners or operators involved in the crash. Included in this information are their name, address and telephone number, as well as any insurance details. It is also helpful to have a copy of the boating accident report which is filed.
Boat accidents can be frightening and can cause serious injuries. They can cause significant medical expenses, lost earnings and damages. The responsible party have to be held accountable for the harm they caused you. The at-fault parties and insurance companies are not likely to offer you the compensation you're entitled to and it is therefore essential to consult an experienced New York injury attorney as in the earliest possible time. This can help level the playing field and allow you to concentrate on healing.