Boat hit by Car

[Ron M]

Last night a drunk driver lost control of his f350 and smashed into my 77 17 Mckee Craft cc and 82 roll off trailer which was secured in my driveway. I love this boat it was a x-police boat with radar arches, tow bar, and large console, the baot sustained two 3inch large holes in the gunnel above the water line and mult deep scrathes, the motor 150 Evinrude seems to be Ok, the trailer is completly crushed, I carry no boat or renters insurance. Thank God the driver had valid Ins. <br />I was wondering if any-body has had any expeirence with insurance adjusters ?<br />Is a lawyer needed?<br />Thanks in advance for your info.

 

[Ranger354]

Re: Boat hit by Car

Make sure they fix the boat and give you a new trailer. In todays world everyone is "sue crazy". If you have a laywer friend that would be good, but to just contact a laywer for this would dig into your own pockets too much. Most Insurance companies are nice and want to take care of things without getting the laywers involved. The more people involved the more time and money lost.<br /><br />Although the sight of your boat makes you sick to your stomach find a qualified person to make repairs needed and most insurance companies will go with them. Adjuster don't kow much about boats. Trust me. <br /><br />Trailer will never pull staight again. Remember that if they want to repair instead of replace. <br /><br />This is JUST my ADVICE.

 

[Pursuit2150]

Re: Boat hit by Car

I agree w/Ranger,I am also from NJ, LBI and I have heard of some "Good" f/g shops, call around, & push the Ins. Adj. For a new trailer. When all is done get your own insurance.

 

[scottvs]

Re: Boat hit by Car

I work for a company that has a body shop. Past experience with insurance companies shows if you get a couple of your own estimates it will help tremendously. Have a couple of boat dealers/repair shops come out and write estimates for you.<br /><br />good luck

 

[suzukidave]

Re: Boat hit by Car

Ouch, that sounds nasty. I had a recent less serious accident with a boat on my trailer (see stupid trailer tricks post) -- the insurance company paid out based on one quote from a fiberglass shop. They weren't used to boats and appreciated all the help I could give them.<br /><br />A word of warning, if the driver was drunk his insurance may be invalidated under his policy conditions... Also, are you sure you don't have any incidental coverage on your house insurance? Don't call a lawyer but maybe call an insurance broker for some advice.

 

[gunkas]

Re: Boat hit by Car

Do the insurance route with several repair quotes from the biggest most expensive boat shops around, although they are great and adequate dont do the mom and pop shops for this case. ANOTHER thing you can consider is going to the district attorney and even the judge who will handle this guys D.U.I. case. Trust me Ive done it (my brother is a former D.A.) and you can pettition them to make it as a part of his punishment, to cover damages to you. He can go to jail if he doesnt do what they say and generally they love donig this sort of thing....an eye for an eye baby. Mark

 

[DP]

Re: Boat hit by Car

The only answer to cover this kind of a problem is your own boat owners insurance policy. If he has insurance you may get payment for repairs, if he doesn't you will probably never see a dime. Your home owners policy may cover part of the damage but not much. No one should operate a boat without a boat owners insurance policy, do you drive your car without insurance?<br />The same liability factors apply to boats as to automobiles if an accident happens.