Boat Accidents

Below is a list of things you should keep in mind. However, nothing in real life works as smoothly as a neat little list. The trauma of the moment may require doing several things at once…which means that priorities may be have to be decided on the spot…under emotional stress…using common sense, or maybe acting so fast you don’t have time to think.

Call the local policeand tell them you were involved in a boating accident. Immediately
tell them about the need for emergency medical care if necessary. Give them your
location and a physical description of the boats.

Render assistance to the other vessel if you are able to do so.

Once it appears that things are under control so far as urgent medical attention and
the safety of the occupants of the vessels, exchange information with the other
operator.

 Ask for, and provide:

Operator name - including address and telephone numbers
Names of the passengers - including addresses and telephone numbers
Names of eyewitnesses who witnessed the event from shore or another vessel.
Name of vessel
Registration number or other identification number of vessel (i.e. documented vessel)
Insurance company for the vessel
 Insurance policy number

If everyone’s medical needs have been met, and no one is in immediate danger, take
photographs of both vessels if possible.

After getting ashore, file a boating accident report with the local police. A report must be filed if someone dies, someone is injured and requires medical treatment beyond first aid, damage to vessels and property meets or exceeds $2,000 (or there is a complete loss of a vessel), or someone disappears from a vessel under circumstances indicating death or injury. 

Depending on where you live, you may need to file a boating accident report with the appropriate state agency also, such as a recreation and parks department, or other such entity.

Notify your insurance carrier of the accident as soon as practicable. Give them copies of paperwork or reference numbers issued by the Coast Guard or law enforcement vessels, including citations issued, if any. Fill out their questionnaires and return them in a timely manner.