What to Do When You’re Injured in a Boating Accident

If you own a boat, the warm summer weather is the perfect time to hit the water. Unfortunately, boating accidents can be just as deadly as vehicle collisions. Last month, two people were killed in a tragic boating accident on the Hudson River when an overloaded boat may have gotten caught in the wake of another passing boat.

If you’re injured in a boating accident, it’s important to seek medical attention and call an attorney. Here’s what to do:

• Call for help: First, call 911 or make a distress call through your VHF radio. While you’re waiting for assistance, provide first aid to other injured passengers if possible.
• Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, visit an emergency room or urgent care center. Some injuries aren’t immediately obvious.
• Gather information: If your medical condition permits, take photos of the accident. Note the time, date and location. If eyewitnesses were present, ask for their contact information.
• Notify the state: You are required to notify the state “whenever an accident results in the loss of life, disappearance, injury requiring treatment beyond first aid, or property damage of one vessel in excess of $1000. Cases of death or injury shall be reported to the police immediately and to OPRHP within 48 hours. All other reports must be submitted within 5 days.”
• Notify your insurance company: Next, notify your insurance company about the accident (if you are the boat owner).
• Call a personal injury attorney: Finally, call a personal injury attorney. If negligence, defective equipment or recklessness was responsible for your injuries, you may be able to recover compensation.

The experienced personal injury attorneys at Jakubowski, Robertson, Maffei, Goldsmith & Tartaglia, LLP can help you recover compensation for your boating accident injuries. Reach out today to get started.