A Productive Rant About Boat Accident Lawyer
How to File a Boat Accident Claim
Boating can be thrilling and enjoyable, but should you not be careful, it can quickly become deadly. Boats must adhere to strict safety regulations to prevent injuries.
If you've been injured 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 odds of winning.
1. Gather Evidence
When someone is involved in an accident while on a boat the first step is to gather evidence and contact an attorney. It is also crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible in the event of any injuries that could have occurred. Medical records and other proof are needed to support claims for damages, including future and current medical expenses as well as loss of income or earning potential, property damage, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Video and photographs can be used to preserve physical evidence from the scene of a boating incident. Eyewitness testimony is yet another important evidence source, as it can give valuable information regarding the cause of the collision that may be omitted. You could also rely on police reports and incident reports to create the timeline.
A lawyer who is experienced can scrutinize the evidence to determine which parties could be accountable for the victim's injuries or losses. A boating accident negligence claim typically involves multiple parties including the boat accident lawyers's driver as well as the manufacturer or owner of the watercraft.
A reputable attorney can handle all communication between insurance companies and victims involved in the claim for compensation of the victim. A lawyer can assist victims avoid saying anything that can be used against them in the court of law, and can help victims obtain fair settlement offers for damages.
2. Report a crime
The first thing you should do after a boating incident is to make sure everyone is secure. Then, you should contact the police in your area and file a formal report. According to the laws of the state and regulations, you may have 48 hours to make an official report in the event of serious injury or death that requires medical treatment beyond basic first aid. You could also have 10 days to file a claim if the accident causes more than $2,000 of damage or if the boat is destroyed.
You should also be at the site of the accident and assist other boats or people, if you can, without putting at risk your own safety or the safety of the victims. This will allow the police officer to note important details like the manner in which the accident happened, who was onboard at the time of the crash and what caused it.
Even well-trained and experienced boaters can be involved in accidents on the water because of negligence of another. A skilled attorney will assist you in identifying the negligent party that caused your injuries and seek compensation. Recoverable damages typically include your medical expenses, property damage and financial losses. A lawsuit against the party responsible could also result in financial compensation for your discomfort and pain or loss of quality life, and emotional stress associated with the incident.
3. Inspect the Damages
After medical professionals have evaluated all injuries and found that everyone is in a safe place, it is important 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 look at the damage caused by the accident. He or she will compare the initial report to the damage, and then begin calculating the value of the damages.
Most boat accidents are caused by a combination of causes which means it's impossible to control all of them. If there was a manufacturer defect within the vessel itself it could be possible to bring a claim of product liability against the company who manufactured the boat.
In these situations it is imperative to have a lawyer who has experience handling boating claims since they can construct an airtight case that proves that the manufacturer was responsible for the accident.
It is important to remember that different types are covered by insurance policies differently. Homeowners insurance, for example, will usually only cover small boats with engines under 50 HP. Homeowner's insurance will not cover jet skis, larger vessels, or airboats.
4. Contact an attorney
When you are safe and have seen a medical professional regarding injuries, ensure that you inform your insurance company. You will likely need to do so even there is no police report filed. It is essential to be careful with your personal information because insurance companies will often try and determine who is at fault for the accident. This can reduce the amount of compensation you receive. The NYC lawyer for boating accidents at Mirman Markovits & Landau work to prove and limit these claims.
If you're able to you, it's a good idea to gather information about the other boat accident law Firms owners or operators involved in the accident. This includes their address, name telephone number, and insurance information. It is also beneficial to have a copy of the boating accident report which is filed.
Boat accidents can be frightening and can cause serious injuries. They can result in substantial medical expenses, lost wages, and even damages. The responsible party must be held accountable for the harm they have caused you. The at-fault parties and insurance companies will not provide 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 even the playing field and allow you to concentrate on getting well.