4 Things You Need to Know if You’re in a Boat Accident
If you’ve ever been involved in a boating accident, you know how dangerous and scary the situation can be. An accident on the water adds a whole other level of danger, but it’s important to remain calm to avoid further injury. We have a few tips for you if you ever find yourself in this situation, including how to find the best boating accident lawyer. Here are 4 things to know if you’re in a boat accident:
1. How to Assist Your Fellow Passengers After an Accident
Your first priority after a boating accident should be the safety and wellbeing of yourself and your fellow passengers. In the event of a disaster, check all passengers for injuries. If anyone is in need of medical attention, locate the boat’s first aid kit. Make sure you or someone else has called the Coast Guard so that medical professionals can arrive on the scene to help anyone who may need further assistance. With boating accidents, there is always risk of someone falling overboard and needing further assistance. If this happens, we recommend throwing them a buoy or rope, but if you have to go into the water yourself, always make sure you’re wearing a life jacket.
2. What to Tell the Coast Guard
Contacting the Coast Guard or local TWRA isn’t only an incredibly important step after a boating accident, it’s actually required by law. In the case of a fatality, missing person, an injury requiring more than first aid, over $2,000 in property damage, or a destroyed vessel, reporting the crash is required. The responding authorities will be able to assist with any medical issues and return all passengers safely to land. Reporting the accident will also help ensure the facts surrounding the incident are properly documented.
3. What Information to Gather on the Accident
After everyone is safe, you need to start gathering all the information on the details of the accident. This includes the accident report which should have been filed post-incident and all the necessary information about those involved in the crash, as well as evidence. Make sure you obtain all the basic information of involved parties, like name, address, contact information, and boat identification and registration. It is also important to ask for insurance information and policy numbers. Try to take pictures of the incident yourself and interview any potential witnesses of the boat accident. When you document everything yourself, it ensures you’ll have all the essential information if needed.
4. Who to Call After the Accident
Promptly report the incident to your insurance carrier after the accident. Regardless of who is at fault for the accident, you may have to turn to your insurance to pay for damages, so it is important they know all the information of the incident early. We also recommend you contact your doctor to obtain a medical examination after the accident, even if you feel fine. Sometimes symptoms of your incident don’t show right away or small injuries can result in bigger problems later, so make sure you’re examined early. Lastly, call one of our expert personal injury lawyers and let us help you obtain compensation. Consulting a boating accident lawyer is a key step in ensuring you’ll be taken care of after your boat accident.
If you’ve been involved in a boat accident, give our law office a call and we can help you deal with the stressful aftermath and help you obtain what you’re owed. Contact us today and let us get started on your case!
