A Look At The Ugly Real Truth Of Boat Accident Lawyer
How to File a Boat Accident Claim
Boating can be thrilling and enjoyable, however when you're not careful it could quickly turn deadly. Just like cars, boats need to adhere to strict safety guidelines 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. Contact a New York boat accident lawyer to increase your chances of winning.
1. Gather Evidence
The most important thing to do following an accident on the water is to collect evidence and speak with an attorney. You should also seek medical attention as soon as you notice any injuries. To support a claim, medical documents and other evidence are needed. This includes current and future medical expenses in addition to loss of earnings or earning potential, damage to property and other non-economic damages, like suffering and pain.
Videos and photos can help preserve evidence from the scene of a boating incident. Eyewitness testimony is another vital evidence source, as it can provide important information regarding the cause of a collision that would otherwise be overlooked. Police and incident reports can be used to establish a chronology of what transpired during the investigation.
A lawyer with experience can analyze the evidence to identify the parties that could be responsible for the victim's injuries or losses. A successful negligence claim for an accident on the water usually involves multiple liable parties, including the boat operator and the owner or manufacturer of the watercraft.
A reputable lawyer is able to manage all communications with insurance companies who will be involved in a person's claim for compensation. A lawyer can stop victims from revealing information that could be used against them in court. In addition, they can also help victims receive fair settlements for their damages.
2. Report a crime
When a boating accident occurs, the first thing to do is make sure that everyone is secure. Then, you should call local law enforcement and submit a formal report of the incident. Based on the laws of your state and regulations, you may be given 48 hours to file a report in case of death or serious injury that requires medical attention beyond basic first aid. You could also have 10 days to file a report in the event of more than $2,000 in damage or if the boat accident lawsuits gets lost.
If you are able, stay at the site of the accident to help other boats or people, without risking your safety or that of the victims at risk. This will allow the law enforcement officer to record important information like the manner in which the collision took place and who was on board at the time of the crash, and what caused it.
Unfortunately, even highly trained and experienced boaters can be involved in accidents on the water due to someone else's negligence. A knowledgeable lawyer can help you identify the negligent party responsible for the damage and seek compensation. Damage to property, medical expenses and financial losses are all recoverable damages. A lawsuit against the party responsible could also result in monetary compensation for your pain and discomfort, loss of quality life, and emotional trauma caused by the incident.
3. Examine the damage
After medical professionals have evaluated all injuries and ensured that everyone is in a safe area it is crucial to take a good look at the damage to the Boat accident law firms. Now is the time to start thinking about your insurance policy.
A surveyor will be assigned to your claim and will go out to examine the damage caused by the accident. He or she will evaluate the damage to the one originally recorded by you. He or she will then begin to figure out how much the damage could be worth.
Most boat accidents are the result of a mix of factors, and it is impossible to control all of them. However, if there was a manufacturing defect within the vessel itself, it may be possible to bring a claim of product liability against the company who manufactured the boat.
In these instances, you need an attorney who has experience in boating claims. They can put together an argument that can prove the manufacturer was responsible for the accident.
It is also important to note that different kinds of boats are protected differently by insurance policies. For instance, homeowner's insurance, which covers home owners generally only covers small boats with engines under 50 HP. This means that jet skis, airboats, and larger vessels won't be covered by homeowner's insurance.
4. Contact an attorney
Notify your insurance company whenever you feel safe and have visited the doctor for any injuries. It is likely that you will need to notify them even there is no police report filed. You should be careful when you provide details to insurance companies, as they may attempt to determine who is responsible for an accident. This can reduce the amount of compensation that you receive. The NYC lawyer for boating accidents at Mirman, Markovits & Landau will fight hard to debunk these claims and limit the amount of blame that you are liable for.
It is recommended to gather as many details as you can about the other boat owners or operators that were involved in the incident. Included in this information are their name, address and telephone number along with any insurance information. It is also beneficial to keep a copy of the accident report filed.
Boat accidents can be terrifying and may cause serious injury. They can cause massive medical expenses, loss of wages and damages. The parties responsible have to be held accountable for the harm they have caused you. The at-fault parties and insurance companies won't provide the amount you are due It is essential to consult an experienced New York injury attorney as early as you can. This will allow you to focus on gaining more and level the playing fields.