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Five Things to Do After a Boating Accident

The state of Nevada is not exactly well known for its lakes. But as a Nevada resident, you will know that Nevada’s lakes are the hot spot for summertime fun. These local bodies of water are a mecca for boating, swimming, water-skiing, and so much more.

But, of course, any combination of speed, heavy machinery, and water means a risk of serious accidents. Just as you would do on the roadway, boating responsibly means carrying insurance and following the rules and best practices. It also means that when an accident does take place, you need to know what to do to minimize harm and to have the best chance that everyone walks away in one piece.

Here, we will discuss the five things you should do immediately after being involved in a boating accident.

5 Things to do After a Boating Accident
Some of these tips are going to seem obvious. However, when a potentially life and death boating emergency arises, it can be tough to think clearly. In such instances, it’s what we practice both mentally and physically and train ourselves to do which we will be able to do in the heat of an emergency.

1. Check on Everyone’s Safety
Your first job is to set eyes on everyone involved. You need to see them literally and physically to ensure everyone is above water. No matter how minor the incident might seem, even a small collision can cause someone to fall overboard unexpectedly. Once you see that everyone is above water, check with others to make sure they agree with you that all persons are accounted for. Until everyone is accounted for, you cannot move beyond this step, except to call 911 if needed.

After that, you need to check for injuries. Get everyone who is or could possibly be injured out of the water and back to shore. Then, if and when all persons are free of imminent danger, move on to the next step.

2. Phone for Help
The next step is to contact emergency services if necessary. Any injuries or missing persons require the immediate attention of first responders. If no one is missing or hurt, you need not dial 911. Simply call for help if needed and notify the police just as you would do after an automobile accident. If anyone has been hurt and you believe you are not at fault, call Nobles & Yanez after the immediate needs of the incident are dealt with.

3. Check for Evidence
Once everyone is safe and out of the water, it’s time to take photos of the damage just as you would do in an auto accident. Make notes about how the incident happened, since the accuracy of your memory is likely to fade quickly.

4. Report the Incident
Next, you will need to report the incident to your insurance provider and make your insurance information available to the other party/ies. If you are contacted by an insurance adjuster representing the other party’s insurance provider, you do not need to talk to them before you have spoken with your own lawyer. If you believe you or anyone else you are responsible for has any injuries, it is a good idea to get checked out by a doctor at the earliest possible opportunity to plan care and document any
injuries. Any injuries that are immediately visible after the incident should be photographed as soon as possible.

5. Consult a Boating Accident Lawyer
Finally, if you have not done so already, get in touch with Nobles & Yanez. We can help protect your interests during negotiations with your insurance provider, in determining fault, and in court proceedings. If you have been injured and are not at
fault, consulting us is critical if you are to be made whole.

We can help you deal with any of the legal implications of a boating accident. This includes determining whether you are owed damages, filing paperwork, and dealing with court officials. If you are injured, we can help make sure you have the time and energy you need to devote to rehabilitation.

To learn more about how an attorney can help in these type of accidents, get in touch with Nobles & Yanez today.