A boating accident can be one of the most devastating crashes you experience. It’s vital to stay as safe as possible after a crash and protect your rights. Similar to a car accident, you should know what steps to take after a boating accident. The things you do help you move forward as you recover from your injuries and seek compensation for your damages.
Assess the Situation
Boating accidents can include an individual boat or other ships. Consider how your boating accident occurred and if someone else may be responsible for causing the crash. Along with determining how the accident happened, you should also check to make sure everyone is okay if you can.
One of the most common causes of fatal boating accidents is drowning after the boat is capsized in a crash. If you’re able to, gather information from the person you believe to be responsible. However, your safety is first and assessing the situation means making sure you and your crew are healthy.
Get Information from the Responsible Party
If someone else is responsible for the boating accident, get information. At the very least, you want to ensure that the person provides you with their contact information, so your legal team can help you start your claim.
Seek Medical Care
Being out in the middle of the water can make things more difficult. As soon as you can, seek medical care to learn what injuries you may have sustained, what treatment options are available, and how you can treat your injuries. Getting to a doctor quickly can help you when filing a claim.
Call a Lawyer
If someone else is negligent in a boating accident, you want to have a lawyer help you seek compensation for damages you may sustain. A lawyer can utilize evidence that supports your claim throughout the process. A lawyer knows boating laws and can help prove negligence.
At Crane Flores, LLP, we know how severe boating accidents can be. Because we serve Oxnard, Ventura County, Santa Barbara County, and Southern California, we know just how popular boating is and the dangers. Our boating accident lawyers are here to help when you need it most.