What to Do After a Boating Accident

The United States Coast Guard estimates that there are over 4000 boating accidents every year. These accidents cause hundreds of injuries and fatalities as well as millions of dollars in damages. Many of these accidents are caused by negligence, alcohol use, or speeding. If you are involved in a boating accident, you might be entitled to compensation according to the law. Before we look at the legalities of handling boating accidents, we will first look at what you need to do should you, unfortunately, be involved in one.

Get and Provide Medical Treatment

It is essential to ensure the safety of everyone on board at the time of the accident. The first thing to do is call for help. Once you do so, you should examine yourself to find out if you have been injured. If you are, you need to note the extent of your injuries.

If you are not seriously injured, you can provide medical assistance to others who are injured as well. You should not attempt to do this if you are seriously injured because you might end up jeopardizing everyone, including yourself.

It is always best to seek medical treatment as soon as you leave the scene of the accident. In many cases, you will be transferred to a hospital. This is for two reasons. First, some injuries can take some time to show even if you feel perfectly fine at the time. A doctor will ensure you are not at any risk or keep you overnight if they are concerned. Second, you will need these medical records should you decide to seek compensation.

Get Out of Harm’s Way

If emergency help does not arrive right away, it is vital to get yourself to safety. If the boat is still afloat, help everyone who might have been thrown overboard. Additionally, ensure everyone has safety and flotation devices which you can throw overboard for them to hang on to as they await help or as you help them.

For boats that can still move, move them to a safe location and away from the paths of other boats. This will help avoid a cascade of accidents that can make things a lot worse, especially at night or in low visibility.

Get In Touch with the Coast Guard

The coast guard will not only provide assistance where it is needed, but they will also start the process of gathering evidence and creating reports. They will need to know everything that happened before the accident. To do this, they will talk to you and other passengers, take photographs, and even inspect the damaged vessel. This report will be crucial for the next step.

Get in Touch with a Boating Accident Lawyer

Boating accident attorneys can help you get monetary compensation by holding the person or organization at fault responsible. Contact a boating accident attorney with extensive experience to ensure the best outcome.

Boating accidents are very serious and if you are in a boat often, you need to know what to do in the unfortunate event you are in one. Apart from getting medical attention, you might also need to collect evidence in case you need monetary compensation for physical or emotional distress.

These accident lawyers will help to negotiate, and help you get compensated for all the damaged marine equipment.