What to Do Following a Boating Accident

Getting into any kind of a vehicle accident can be scary and stressful, especially when the accident is on a boat. After getting into a boating accident, the first step to immediately take is determine if anyone needs medical attention and if anyone has fallen overboard. Depending on the severity of the accident, you may need to attempt to move the boat out of the way of other vessels in the water. After getting into a boating accident, it is important to take the following steps. 

  1. Gather as much information as possible about the accident: After determining that everyone involved in the accident is accounted for and alright, it is important to gather as much information about the accident as possible and write it all down. This includes the name and contact information of the boat operators, passengers, and any witnesses who were on shore or on other boats, and can attest to what happened. Those who were involved in the accident should also exchange insurance and registration information.
  2. Report the accident to the proper authorities: While it is always a good idea to report a boating accident to the Coast Guard, it is required by federal law in some cases, depending on the severity of the accident. Boating accidents must be reported if someone is killed, one of the vessels is completely destroyed, or someone that was a passenger on one of the vessels has disappeared.
  3. Make an insurance claim: If you owned or operated one of the boats that was involved in the accident, your next step is to make a claim with your insurance company for damages to your vessel or any injuries sustained.
  4. Hire an experienced personal injury attorney: Depending on the circumstances surrounding your boating accident, it is in your best interest to hire an attorney to represent you, especially if you were severally injured or alcohol use was a factor.

Have you recently been involved in a boating accident near Boca Raton? Contact Glotzer Law to schedule a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney.