Boating accidents can be chaotic and frightening. The calm of the open water is shattered, and you’re left wondering what to do next. But if you know the steps to take, you can regain control, protect yourself, and navigate the aftermath with confidence.

Let’s break down what you need to do after a boating accident so that you can protect your safety, health, and legal rights.

 

Prioritize Immediate Safety

The first thing to do after a boating accident is to secure the safety of everyone involved. If the situation feels chaotic, stay calm and focus on the basics.

Account for Everyone: Make sure all boaters are accounted for. If anyone has fallen overboard, assist them back onto the boat or to safety.

Check for Injuries: Administer first aid to those who need it and assess the severity of any injuries. Even if someone appears fine, it’s important to get medical attention as soon as possible.

Call for Help: Depending on the accident’s severity, you may need to contact the U.S. Coast Guard or local law enforcement to assist in the rescue and control of the situation.

 

Gather Important Information

Much like after a car accident, you want to collect contact information and other evidence after a boating accident. Once immediate safety concerns are addressed, gather contact information and evidence that will help with any insurance or legal claims down the road. Here’s what type of information you should try to get:

Exchange Information: Just like in a car accident, you’ll need to exchange insurance information with the other parties involved. Gather names, boat registration numbers, and details of the accident.

Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, the boats involved, weather conditions, and any visible injuries. These details will be vital in filing an accident report or an injury claim.

Witness Accounts: If there are any witnesses to the accident, make sure to collect their contact information. Their statements could prove valuable later.

 

Seek Medical Attention—Even for Minor Injuries

Not all injuries are immediately apparent after an accident. Conditions like concussions, internal injuries, and whiplash may not show symptoms right away. That’s why it’s critical to seek medical attention even if you feel fine.

• Concussions or internal injuries might not show immediate signs.
• Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries could manifest hours or days later.

Getting a full medical check-up ensures that you’re not only safe but also creates essential documentation for any personal injury claims that might come later.

 

Report The Boating Accident

Under federal law, certain boating accidents must be reported to the authorities. Specifically, if there are any serious injuries, fatalities, or property damage exceeding $2,000, you are required to file a boating accident report.

Failure to report the accident may result in legal penalties, so it’s important to know when and how to make this report.

If you’re not sure how to go about reporting, a boating accident attorney can help guide you!

 

What Went Wrong During The Boating Accident?

At this point, you’re probably wondering what went wrong and how the boating accident could have happened. Boating accidents can happen for many reasons, but understanding the common causes can help determine fault and build a strong case.

Weather Conditions: Sudden changes in the weather can turn a calm day into a dangerous situation. Storms, heavy winds, or fog can lead to accidents if boaters aren’t prepared.

Operator Error: Similar to car accidents, negligence or inexperience is a major cause of boating accidents. Failure to follow navigational rules or reckless behavior can quickly lead to disaster.

Mechanical Failure: A faulty engine, malfunctioning steering, or other equipment failures can lead to accidents, just like a car with brake problems.

Understanding these causes not only helps you prevent future accidents but also helps you and your attorney determine who is at fault and how to proceed with your case.

 

See If You Have A Case

If the boating accident occurred due to boat operator error or mechanical failure, it’s likely you can build a strong case. But the legal waters following a boating accident can be murky. Between insurance companies, property damage claims, and potential lawsuits, it can feel overwhelming to navigate.

That’s where a boating accident lawyer can give you expert legal advice so you can take action.

Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurers might try to minimize your claim. A boating accident attorney can negotiate on your behalf, ensuring that you receive fair compensation for medical expenses, property damage, and any other costs you’ve incurred.

Handling Legal Options: If there’s personal injury or even wrongful death involved, a lawyer will help you understand your legal rights and pursue compensation.

Building Your Case: An attorney will gather evidence, including witness statements, the accident report, and medical documentation, to ensure you have a strong case.

Our law firm can help you get started with a free case evaluation. There’s no risk in reaching out to an attorney to explore your legal options!

 

Regaining Control After a Boating Accident

A boating accident can be overwhelming, but by following the right steps, you can protect yourself physically, financially, and legally. If you follow each step above, you can make a big difference in your recovery and compensation.

At Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler, we’re here to help you through the aftermath of a boating accident. Our experienced attorneys can guide you through the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for a free consultation—we’re ready to fight for your story and justice.