The 9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Boat Accident Lawyer
How to File a Boat Accident Claim
Boating can be fun and thrilling, but it could quickly turn deadly if not careful. Like cars, boats must follow strict safety rules to avoid 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; for beginners, to increase your chances of winning.
1. Gather Evidence
The most important thing you can do following an accident on the water is to collect evidence and contact an attorney. Also, seek medical attention immediately for any injuries. Medical documents and other evidence are required to prove a claim for damages such as future and present medical costs as well as loss of income or earning potential, property damage and other non-economic damages such as suffering and pain.
Video and photographs are useful in preserving evidence from the scene of an accident. Eyewitness testimony can be an invaluable piece of evidence since it provides details about the accident that might otherwise remain unnoticed. You can also utilize police and incident reports to create the timeline.
A skilled lawyer can analyze the evidence and determine who might be liable for a victim's injuries and other expenses. A successful negligence claim for an accident on the water usually involves multiple parties liable, including the boat's owner and the owner or manufacturer of the watercraft.
A reputable lawyer will manage all communication with insurance companies who are involved in a victim's claim for compensation. An attorney can prevent victims from saying anything that could be used against them in court. Additionally, they can also assist victims to receive fair settlement offers for their losses.
2. Report a crime
If a boating accident happens, the first thing you need to do is make sure that everyone involved is safe. You should then contact the police in your area and file a formal report. According to the laws of the state and regulations, you could only have 48 hours to file an account in the event of death or serious injury that requires medical attention beyond basic first aid. Additionally, you may be given ten days to file a report in the event that the accident causes more than $2,000 in damage or the boat is damaged.
If you can, stay at the site of the accident to assist other boats or persons without risking your safety or that of the victims in danger. This will enable the police officer to record important information like how the accident occurred and who was on board at the time of the crash and the cause.
Even well-trained and experienced boaters can get into accidents on the water because of someone else's negligence. A skilled attorney will help you identify the responsible party responsible for your injuries and 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 into monetary compensation for your discomfort and pain and loss of quality of life, and emotional stress due to the accident.
3. Examine the damage
After medical professionals have evaluated all the injuries sustained by everyone and determined that they are all in a safe spot It is imperative that you take a thorough look at the damage that has been done to the boat. This is the time to start thinking about your insurance policy and what it covers.
A surveyor will be assigned to your claim. They will come out to assess the damage caused by the accident. The surveyor will then compare the damage with the ones originally stated by you. They will then begin to figure out how much the damages might be worth.
Most boat accidents are the result of a mix of factors and it's impossible to control all of them. If there was a defect by the manufacturer within the vessel itself it could be possible to bring a claim of product liability against the company who manufactured the boat.
In these instances, you need a lawyer with experience in boating claims. They can put together an argument that is strong and proves the manufacturer is responsible for the accident.
It is also important to keep in mind that various types of boats are covered in different ways by an insurance policy. Homeowners insurance, for instance, will usually only cover small boats that have engines less than 50 HP. This means that jet skis, airboats, and larger vessels won't be covered by homeowner's insurance.
4. Contact an attorney
As soon as you are secure and have visited a medical professional regarding injuries, make sure to notify your insurance company. Even if there is no police report, you'll still have to inform your insurance company. It is essential to be cautious with your information because insurance companies will often try and assign blame for the incident. This could limit the amount of compensation given. The NYC lawyers for boating accidents at Mirman, Markovits & Landau will be determined to prove these claims and limit the amount of blame assigned to you.
If you can then it's a great idea to gather information about the other boat operators or owners who were involved in the crash. This includes their address, name along with their phone number and insurance information. It is also helpful to have a copy the accident report filed.
Boat accidents can be scary and can cause serious injuries. They can cause significant medical expenses, lost wages and other damages. The responsible party should 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 and it is therefore essential to consult an experienced New York injury attorney as in the earliest possible time. This will allow you to concentrate on improving and leveling the playing fields.