Steps to Take After a Boat Accident
Being out on the water can be incredibly centering. Whether on a lake, river, or ocean, it may feel like you have the entire world ahead. Unfortunately, the serenity can be disturbed if you get into a boat accident.
The other driver could have been speeding, not paying attention, or their boat was malfunctioning. Whatever the reason, there are steps you can take after a boat accident to help protect your legal rights. Below, we’ll discuss all you need to know.
Navigating a Boat Accident
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, nearly 3,900 recreational boating accidents occur annually. Boat accidents can lead to property damage, injuries, and even death. They should be taken seriously, and if you are in a boating accident, here is what you should do.
1. Call the Authorities
Boat crashes may feel like they are happening in slow motion. You may be able to see them happening, but the boat cannot pivot fast enough to avoid the collision. Immediately following the accident, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Assess the damage and if you need medical support at the accident scene or on the coast.
Call 911 and report the accident. Share details about where you are located. Your in-boat navigation system can provide specific coordinates to help them find you faster. If the boat is sinking, move to somewhere safe to wait.
2. Gather Evidence
As you wait for the authorities to arrive, you can start to gather evidence. Take photos of the boat accident, including all boats involved. Exchange insurance information with the other boat driver. Take down their name and contact information if you need to get a hold of them later.
Additionally, take down the name and contact information of any witnesses. Their testimony can be helpful if there is a dispute over the boat accident. Speak to the authorities and share your account of the accident when they arrive. Do not admit any fault during the initial interview. Obtain a copy of the report for your records.
3. Seek Medical Attention
Once you get to safety, seek medical attention. The boat accident could cause trauma and physical injuries, even if you feel fine at first. You may experience delayed injuries, and failure to treat them in a timely manner could cause serious complications and may lead to death.
Share the accident details with the doctor, including if you fell, hit anything, or if any of the boat decor injured you. They may refer you to receive additional testing and treatment. Obtain copies of all the reports for your records.
4. Consult with an Attorney
Consult with an attorney after your boat accident. Share the details of the accident, including any evidence you gathered, police reports, medical records, and more. The attorney will advise you of your rights and help you understand the next steps.
If you were in a boat accident on Lake Michigan or the Chicago River, a Chicago boat accident lawyer can advocate on your behalf to ensure you receive a fair settlement from insurance and recover damages for your personal property, medical bills, and more.
5. Report the Accident to the Coast Guard
You are required to report all boat accidents to the Coast Guard, and the time frame you must report it depends on the accident's severity. You have 48 hours to report the accident if a person dies within 24 hours of the accident, if anyone requires medical attention more serious than first aid, or if a person is missing from the boat.
If none of these circumstances apply to your boat accident, you should report the accident to the Coast Guard within 10 days. A boat accident lawyer can help you craft your report to the Coast Guard without accidentally implicating yourself. Keep a copy of this report for your records.
6. File an Insurance Claim
After the boat accident, contact your insurance company to file a claim, sharing the evidence you gathered and copies of all reports. They will conduct their own investigation into what happened during the accident, including engaging with insurance adjusters.
Work with your attorney as you communicate with your insurance company. Insurance companies may try to make a low offer first, and your lawyer will do their best to ensure you get the highest settlement possible. They serve as your advocate throughout the entire process.
Conclusion
Boat accidents are similar to other accident types. You need to report the accident to authorities, seek medical attention, and work with a lawyer to help you get the best settlement. In addition, you have to report the accident directly to the Coast Guard within 48 hours to 10 days, depending on the accident's severity.
A boat accident attorney can help you navigate the incident's aftermath and ensure all your expenses are fairly compensated. You deserve justice for boat accidents and help you return to the open seas quicker.
