Spending a day on the water with friends and family is a great way to share memories and enjoy a fun activity together. But even the most experienced boaters can encounter accidents due to mistakes or unforeseen circumstances. If you are in a boating accident, then it’s essential that you seek appropriate medical support and also reach out to a personal injury attorney for assistance.
There are things that you can do in the moment when the accident occurs. Also, the steps you take in the following days, weeks, and months can influence the long-term outcome after a boating accident. Here are a few tips to help as you are navigating this situation.
Boating Accident Texas: Staying Safe on the Water
The top priority when a boating accident occurs is to be proactive about taking care of everyone’s safety. Stop the boat immediately and check on the group. Not only are you inquiring about possible injuries, but also do a headcount to make sure that you are accounting for everyone.
It’s important to have a first-aid kit on board so you can take care of any immediate issues. Fast action can be necessary to stop the bleeding and stabilize someone who might have serious, life-threatening injuries. Call 911 without delay so that first responders are on the way.
Even though a Texas boat accident is a stressful situation, do your best to stay calm and alert. Maintaining composure during this time helps to reduce the risk of impulsive decisions and diffuse the intensity of the situation. Watch the changing dynamics and conditions, such as weather patterns, leaks, other boats in the area, and possible hazards.
In addition to calling 911, it’s also good to alert the authorities. You can use your radio or cell phone to reach out to the area services so they know about the situation. Be prepared to offer applicable information, such as:
- Your name
- The boat name and description
- Type of emergency or accident
- Your location
- How many people are involved
Documenting and Gathering Information
If possible, document the boating accident. It might be challenging to gather information, so you might ask someone for assistance if you are injured. The goal is to collect photos, videos, and anything else that might help to build your personal injury case.
Also, take time to write down the details while your memory is fresh. The timeline and details of the event can be valuable resources as you are navigating insurance claims and dealing with possible legal disputes down the road. Record anything you can think of, including weather conditions, the time, location, people involved, and the events that led up to the accident.
Make sure to exchange information with everyone involved, as well as any witnesses who saw the accident happen. Similar to if you are in a car accident, you want to get the names, phone numbers, and insurance information from people in other boats. Document damage to the other boat and also write down the make and model, as well as registration information.
Boating Accident Reporting
Accurate and timely accident reporting is essential. Not only do you need to file a report with the authorities, following local regulations, but there are also steps that must be filed to file reports with insurance companies. While you always have the option to file a report on your own, the best solution is to enlist the help of an experienced personal injury attorney.
The details within the report and the way the report is filed can influence the settlement that you receive. An attorney will offer advice and assistance to build a strong case, ensuring that all relevant information is included in this report. Make sure the reporting is complete, clear, and accurate. This process sets the foundation to ensure that you receive a fair and sufficient settlement.
Keep in mind that if you neglect reporting or delay the filing, then it can cause complications. For example, you might be dealing with fines, legal issues, or other problems with your claim and settlement. Timely reporting is crucial.
What to Do After a Boating Accident
There are many financial implications after a boating accident. Not only are you dealing with many medical bills and ongoing treatments, but victims often experience financial challenges because of the loss of wages. You deserve compensation for your injuries, including pain and suffering for the way the accident impacts your lifestyle now and in the future.
Hiring a personal injury attorney is one of the most effective solutions to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Not only will they help you gather evidence and navigate the legal regulations, but you also have someone who will advocate for your rights.
The quality of your legal services can have a direct impact on the amount of compensation that you receive. Never accept an insurance settlement without first talking to an attorney. Remember that the insurance companies are working to minimize their out-of-pocket expenses, which means that they will likely give you a low-ball offer in the beginning in an effort to reduce the costs. Your attorney can help you review the offer and negotiate the terms of the settlement.
An experienced personal injury attorney will help with negotiating the settlement out of court. It’s often in the best interest of everyone involved to avoid court proceedings. But suppose the insurance company and the perpetrator are unwilling to find a fair settlement. In that case, your personal injury attorney can assist as you go through the in-court legal processes.
Call the Legal Experts for Boating Accidents
While the goal is avoiding boating accidents, you need to know what to do if you’re involved in a boating accident in Austin. Our legal team is here to assist every step of the way. We invite you to reach out without delay to learn more about the ways we can help.
Call Gainsburgh, Benjamin, David, Meunier & Warshauer, L.L.C. to learn more about available legal services: (504) 522-2304.
