Boating accidents are becoming more common as people discover the joy of spending time on the water in a personal watercraft. In some instances, individuals involved in boating accidents may suffer injuries that impact other areas of their life. Setareh Law specializes in helping those involved in such collisions get the compensation they need to recover fully. As California boating accident lawyers, we know the dangers of boating when individuals are negligent or careless when operating on the water.
Understanding the steps to take after a boating accident is crucial to minimizing further damage and injury and preserving your right to file a claim after the collision.
Five Steps to Take After a California Boating Accident
In the moments after a boating accident, your safety should be top of mind, especially if you are still on the water. If you cannot get to a safe place right after the collision, ensure that your flotation devices are adequately secured on your person. If you have already gotten to dry land, you need to take a few additional steps to protect yourself moving forward.
Step 1: Contact Law Enforcement
If someone has not already done so, reach out to the appropriate law enforcement agencies to report the accident. This is essential to ensure that you can obtain a copy of the police report. Moreover, reporting the accident allows the responding law enforcement entity to help establish the facts of the collision. This, in turn, will be essential for you in filing a claim down the road.
Step 2: Reach Out to a California Boating Accident Lawyer
Your next step is to reach out to a California boating accident lawyer. We will help you navigate the process of cooperating with law enforcement and any other pertinent agencies responding to the incident. We will also apprise you of the best way to preserve your rights so that you can effectively seek compensation later.
Step 3: Take Pictures (If You Can)
If you are not severely injured, take pictures of the boat, your injuries and anything else that you think might be relevant to the specifics of your case. Use your phone and snap as many pictures as you can, but don’t share them with anyone but your legal team.
Step 4: Get Checked Out at an Area Hospital
You may not think you are injured, but sometimes, the adrenaline of the moment may mask any internal injuries you might have. Get checked out at an area hospital to be on the safe side.
Step 5: Write Everything Down
As you get further removed from the incident, remembering every detail might become more challenging. Therefore, while it is fresh in your mind, write down everything you can remember about the accident. This will help you later once you proceed with a compensation case for any injuries or emotional distress you may have experienced.
Schedule a Case Review With a California Boating Accident Lawyer
The injuries and emotional trauma you might experience after a California boating accident can stick with you for a long time. Setareh Law has worked with countless clients who have had their lives turned upside down after a boating accident. As a result, we understand why it is essential to pursue compensation to help with your incurred costs after such an incident. We will aggressively pursue compensation on your behalf so that your finances are not adversely impacted by a boating accident in which you were involved.
Start by reviewing your case with a member of our legal team. Call us today to learn more at (310) 659-1826, or reach out online to schedule an appointment. We also speak Spanish.