What should I do if I am involved in a boating accident?

When you are involved in a boating accident, you may be required to report the accident to your local marine police or relevant state authority. You may also be required to report the accident to the U.S. Coast Guard under certain conditions. A boat accident can also lead to personal injury or wrongful death actions, so contacting an attorney who specializes in maritime law and boating accident cases may be advisable. 

Boat Accident Reporting Requirements

The United States Coast Guard is a branch of the armed services that is vested with law enforcement powers. Coast Guard members enforce federal maritime law on all navigable waters of the United States. They also respond to waterway accidents and have the authority to investigate or take action in many boat accident cases.

The rules that determine when a boating accident must be reported to the Coast Guard can be found in a federal law entitled "Report of Casualty or Accident". According to this law, a boating accident must be reported if:

• Anyone dies as a result of the accident;
• Any person involved in the accident requires treatment beyond basic first aid;
• More than $2,000 worth of damage occurs to property or to any vessel involved in the accident;
• Any vessel is completely destroyed as a result of the accident;
• Anyone disappears from the scene of the accident and is suspected to be injured or dead.

When an accident must be reported to the Coast Guard, the report must be made within 24 hours if a death occurred or 48 hours otherwise. 

State Reporting Requirements after a Boating Accident

In addition to notifying the Coast Guard, you may also be obligated to notify the local law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing maritime law. Many states have more stringent reporting requirements than the Coast Guard, mandating that accidents must be reported when more than $500 in damage occurs to property or vessels.

State and local laws vary by location, so you should always err on the side of caution when it comes to reporting or speak to an experienced attorney who specializes in maritime law and boating accidents. An attorney can provide you with specific details about your obligations. 

In addition to reporting the boat accident, you should also get the medical assistance you need as soon as possible, in part so you can prove the extent and cause of your injuries if you need to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim. If you wish to file a claim for damages arising from the boat accident, an attorney can help you navigate the complexity of maritime law.