Boating is filled with enjoyment, excitement, and a hilarious adventure. However, boat accidents can occur when you least expect them, or they can occur to you even if you are well-experienced. In this situation, seeking help from Richmond Hill personal injury attorney will be the best option. You will learn what steps you can follow after a boating accident. In this blog, you will learn more about the steps to take after getting involved in a boating accident.
- Prioritize safety first
After getting involved in a boating accident, the first step you must take is to ensure safety. Assess the whole situation and look out for everyone’s safety. If anyone is injured, provide first aid, and if anyone is injured severely, contact medical attention immediately. You should also make sure that you are not injured as well. Check your body for any injuries or pain. If you find your injuries severe, seek medical attention immediately. If your injuries are not severe, move on to the next step.
- Take control of the situation.
After checking for everyone’s safety, try to handle your current situation and prevent further accidents and damage. Start by stabilizing the boat by turning off the engine and using the anchor if needed, and check if there are any leaks or damages. If there are leaks, then try using some resources on your boat to stop the leaks. In addition, notify the authorities, such as marines or the patrolling team, about the accident.
- Document the incident
In the meantime, when the marines arrive, start collecting some pieces of evidence like taking pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, and your property damage, then start clicking photos of the at-fault party, their boat name, and number, and note down their insurance company details. Documenting this whole scene can be helpful for your legal process.
- File a report
As the marines arrive on the scene, file an accident report against the at-fault party. Provide them with a copy of the evidence you have gathered. Filing a boat accident report includes the time and date of the accident, how the accident occurred, in what circumstances, and the involved party.
- Hire a boat accident lawyer.
After filing the report, you may have to face some legal purposes or insurance claims; it is advisable to hire the best boat accident attorney with the best track record and good experience with your type of case. Seeking legal advice from your attorney will help you understand the legal issues, and your lawyer can help you with insurance claims to get you the maximum compensation from your insurance company.
Contact your boating accident lawyer if you find yourself in a severe boat accident.
