Steps You Should Take After a Boating Accident

Boating is a popular activity throughout Illinois during the summer months. Unfortunately, a day of boating can quickly turn catastrophic when an accident occurs. Even though you likely do not expect to become involved in a crash while on the water, it is important to prepare for the aftermath of a boating accident. Whether your boat capsizes, you fall overboard, or you crash into another boat, it is critical to know the most important steps to take afterward.

Call the Authorities

You should call 911, the Coast Guard, or another law enforcement agency as soon as possible after the crash. If there are other people or boats nearby, you can also ask them for help. When possible, one person should focus on obtaining the necessary help while another should try to keep the vessel out of further harm’s way. When a third person is onboard, they should also check everyone involved for injuries.

Get Medical Help

Your safety and well-being should be your most important priority after an accident and so, it is important to receive medical attention as soon as possible. Help may arrive at the scene, in the form of firefighters or paramedics and if so, you should allow them to examine you. Even if emergency care is available at the scene, you should still see a doctor afterwards. Not only will this make sure that you receive the treatment you need, but it will also help support any future claim you file.

Collect Evidence

Just like in other personal injury claims, you will have to collect evidence after a boating accident to prove another person was negligent. Important evidence after a crash on the water includes photos, videos, registration numbers of the vessels involved, insurance policy information, and the details of the crash. This evidence is critical to proving how the crash occurred, and determining who is responsible for it.

Report the Accident

You must report any boat accident that results in injury requiring more than first aid, loss of life, or more than $2,000 in property damage. If your accident involved any of these, you should report the crash to the Department of Natural Resources. However, if you are fairly certain that someone else caused your crash, you should also report the crash to another law enforcement agency, such as the police. Law enforcement will write and file a report, which could indicate another party was negligent, which can greatly help your claim.

Call a Boat Accident Lawyer in Illinois

Boating accidents are extremely serious and result in catastrophic injuries. If you have been injured and someone else was to blame, our Illinois boat accident lawyer at Brassfield & Krueger, Ltd., is here to advise on your case. Our knowledgeable attorney will review the facts of your case, advise you of your rights and the laws that apply to your claim, and help you recover the full settlement you deserve. Call us today or fill out our online form to schedule a free case review.