Pottstown Boating Accident Lawyer

Boating accidents can cause serious injuries, and you deserve to be compensated if your accident was caused by negligence. Kingbird Legal’s Pottstown boating accident lawyer will fight for your rights and pursue compensation for your injuries. Call 484-289-4880 today for a free consultation, and let us help you recover.

Steps to Take After a Boating Accident in Pennsylvania

Boating accidents can be both frightening and overwhelming, especially if there are injuries or significant damage involved. Whether you’re operating a boat or simply a passenger, knowing what to do after an accident can help protect your safety, your legal rights, and your potential for recovering damages.

In Pennsylvania, boating accidents are not uncommon, especially during the warmer months when many people take to the waters. However, it’s essential to handle the situation properly, regardless of the accident’s severity. This post will explain the immediate steps you should take following a boating accident in Pennsylvania, including the legal aspects you need to be aware of.

Ensure Safety First

The most important thing after any boating accident is the safety of all parties involved. Whether you are on a small vessel or a larger boat, the first step is to ensure everyone’s safety.

Check for injuries: Look for signs of injuries among everyone involved, including yourself, passengers, and those on other boats. If anyone is injured, call for help immediately. Do not attempt to move someone seriously injured unless it’s necessary to prevent further harm.
Wear life jackets: If you or others are not wearing life jackets, make sure they are put on right away, especially if the boat has sunk or capsized, or if there is a risk of further accidents in the water.
Prevent further accidents: If the boat is still afloat and operational, try to move it to a safe location away from traffic. If the boat is sinking, try to use any available means to keep everyone afloat, such as life preservers or nearby debris.

Call Emergency Services

If anyone is injured or the damage is significant, it’s crucial to notify authorities immediately. In Pennsylvania, the first point of contact should be 911. Notifying the proper authorities early helps ensure medical professionals arrive quickly and that there is an official report documenting the incident.

Even if there do not appear to be any major injuries, you should still contact the appropriate local authorities to report the accident. Pennsylvania law requires that all boating accidents resulting in injury, death, or significant property damage be reported to the authorities within five days. It is especially important to follow the legal reporting process if the damages or injuries are significant.

Additionally, notifying the authorities as soon as possible can help ensure that the proper investigation takes place and that the details of the incident are documented accurately.

Document the Accident Scene

After calling emergency services, the next step is to gather as much information as possible. Documenting the scene of the boating accident can provide critical evidence for insurance claims and any legal proceedings that might follow.

Take photographs: If it’s safe to do so, take pictures of the boat, any damage, the surrounding area, and any injuries. These photographs can be valuable in establishing the extent of the damage and injuries.
Exchange information: Just like in a car accident, it’s important to exchange contact information with others involved in the boating accident. This includes names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance details. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information as well. Make sure to record the name and registration number of the boat(s) involved.
Note weather and conditions: Record the weather, water conditions, and visibility at the time of the accident. These factors can be important in understanding the cause of the incident.

Avoid Admitting Fault or Blame

It’s natural to want to understand what happened and figure out who is responsible for the accident. However, be cautious not to make any statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault or liability at the scene. Even if you believe you were partially responsible, it’s essential to leave the determination of fault to the authorities and insurance companies.

Avoid discussing details of the accident with others, including any passengers or boat operators, beyond exchanging necessary information. Sometimes, in the heat of the moment, statements made can be misconstrued or used against you later. Stick to the facts and let the investigation reveal the circumstances of the incident.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you do not feel seriously injured after the accident, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as concussions, internal injuries, or soft tissue damage, might not be immediately apparent. If you are experiencing any symptoms like dizziness, headaches, or pain after a boating accident, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor.

Medical documentation will also be essential if you pursue a personal injury claim later on. It’s crucial to have a professional record of any injuries related to the accident. Sometimes, injuries worsen over time, and having a clear medical history will help you establish the full extent of the damage.

Report the Accident to the Proper Authorities

In Pennsylvania, boaters are required to report accidents that result in personal injury, death, or property damage. Failure to report an accident could result in fines or other penalties. As mentioned, accidents that involve injuries or significant property damage must be reported to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission or the local police.

In addition to calling 911, report the accident to the local authorities in writing within five days if it’s required by law. If you are unsure whether this step is necessary, your attorney or insurance provider can guide you through the process. Failure to report could hinder your ability to file claims or take legal action later.

Notify Your Insurance Provider

If you are the owner of the boat involved in the accident, your next step should be to contact your insurance provider. Just as you would with a car accident, you need to notify your insurer of the incident as soon as possible.

They will ask for details about the accident and may also request photos, the police report, and other documentation. Providing your insurance company with all the relevant information allows them to begin the claims process.

If you are involved in a boating accident but are not the boat’s owner, be sure to report the incident to the owner’s insurance company, especially if you were injured.

Consult with an Attorney

After ensuring your safety and notifying the proper authorities, you may want to consult with an attorney who specializes in boating accidents and personal injury law. An attorney can guide you through the process of filing an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit if necessary.

In particular, if you are facing serious injuries, property damage, or other complications as a result of the accident, an attorney can help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. They can also handle communications with insurers and assist with gathering evidence to support your case.

An experienced lawyer can help protect your legal rights and advise you on the best steps to take in pursuit of compensation for damages, medical bills, lost wages, and other costs associated with the boating accident.

Cooperate with the Investigation

After reporting the accident, there will likely be an investigation into what caused the incident. Authorities may interview witnesses, examine the boats involved, and evaluate the conditions of the water at the time of the accident. It is important to cooperate fully with investigators and provide them with any information that could help.

However, it’s also important to consult with your attorney before providing a formal statement. They can help you prepare for any legal questions and ensure your rights are protected during the investigation.

Pottstown Boating Accident Attorney – Helping You Recover After a Water Accident

Boating accidents are serious events, and knowing what to do immediately afterward is essential. By prioritizing safety, documenting the scene, seeking medical attention, and notifying the proper authorities and insurers, you can protect yourself and your legal rights. If you are injured or if the accident resulted in significant damages, consulting with an experienced attorney can provide the guidance needed to pursue a claim for compensation. Kingbird Legal is here to help you get the compensation you deserve. Our Pottstown boating accident attorney will fight for your rights and help you recover from the financial strain caused by the accident. Call 484-289-4880 today for a free consultation, and let us help you navigate the complexities of your case.