Boating accidents are often the cause of serious and expensive injuries. If you’ve been injured in a boating accident, there are many steps you need to take right away to ensure that you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.
Below, you’ll learn what to do if you’re injured in a boating accident and why taking these steps is important to getting fair compensation for your injuries.
Step One: Seek Medical Attention
The most important thing to take care of after an accident is your health. Even if you think your injuries are minor or you aren’t sure if you’re injured at all, it’s crucial to seek medical attention. For one, many injuries like concussions and whiplash may not be noticeable right away but can be uncovered during a medical examination. In addition, if you decide to file a lawsuit in the future, it’s essential to demonstrate that you acted right away to treat your injuries. Make sure you follow your physician’s instructions and attend every doctor’s appointment. If you don’t follow instructions, it can cause problems with compensation.
Step Two: Get in Touch With a Personal Injury Lawyer
After a boating accident injury, you always want to consult with a personal injury lawyer. Ideally this will be someone who has handled boating injury cases in the past, as they will have specific experience to contribute to your case. If you’re unsure whether or not you’ll file a lawsuit, it’s still worth it to get a free consultation and learn whether you have a case.
Before you hire a lawyer, ask how long they have practiced personal injury law in your area, how fee structures and payment work, and whether they have worked on boating injury cases similar to yours.
Step Three: Gather Evidence
Evidence serves as the crux of your case and is essential to showing that the other party is at fault. Taking pictures at the accident scene, providing medical records and police reports, and getting statements from passengers and witnesses are all important. Also gather mariner logbooks, records of your income showing lost wages, and other documents and evidence that your lawyer determines necessary.
Step Four: Don’t Offer too Much Information
While it’s important to be honest about your accident, what you say and do can have a negative impact on your case if you say too much. Avoid speaking with an insurance adjuster until after you’ve discussed the incident with your lawyer. It’s possible that your lawyer may want to speak to your insurance company instead.
At the accident scene, don’t apologize or say anything that suggests you were at fault. Also avoid discussing your accident on social media.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a boating accident, book a free consultation with a boating accident lawyer to understand your rights.
