Boating can be fun and exciting. Unfortunately, it can also involve accidents leading to injuries. The most common causes of boating accidents include equipment failure, harsh weather conditions, and operator error. If you get injured in a boating accident, you need to take the right steps to ensure your safety and others around you. It will also help you get compensation if you suffered injuries or property damage as a result of someone else’s fault. Here is what you need to do if you get injured in a boating accident.
Get Medical Attention
As is the case with all types of accidents, your first priority should be to ensure your safety and the safety of everyone involved in the accident. If you need medical attention, don’t hesitate, as other things can wait. If you are in stable condition, but others are hurt, you need to contact emergency services to get the medical attention they need. Once everyone is safe, it is time to focus on other steps.
Notify the Authorities
You need to notify the relevant authorities about the boating accident. This could be the coast guard, police, or other types of law enforcement personnel. They will arrive at the scene and assess the damages to make a report. They might also take witness statements. This step ensures you have documented the accident and can present the accident report as evidence in your claim or lawsuit. The police can also document factors that contributed to the boating accident. This has to be done on the spot, as the device may no longer be available later.
Start Collecting Evidence
Along with the medical records and police report, you may need other types of evidence to support your case. For example, if you can take photos or videos of the accident site, it can help establish liability for the accident. It can also help you get full and fair compensation for the damage to the boat. If you find witnesses that are ready to provide a statement about the accident, you need to gather their contact information.
Call Your Insurance Company
While not all states require boating insurance, if you have a policy, you need to notify the insurance company about the accident. Generally, boating insurance covers injuries and property damage in accidents. If you have insurance on your boat, you need to initiate a claim to recover compensation for your suffering.
Hire and Maritime Injury Attorney
According to boating accident lawyers Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, you need to get an attorney involved as early as possible. This will allow the attorney to have a maximum positive impact on your case. They can help you gather evidence and guide you on the best course of legal action. If your injuries have left you incapacitated, the attorney can take some burden off your shoulders so that you can focus on recovery. In addition, an attorney can help identify who is at fault in the accident to help you with an insurance claim or lawsuit.
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