Taking the proper procedures following a boating accident is critical to your physical and mental well-being. There are also legal obligations to report to law enforcement. Furthermore, what you do following a boating accident may affect your legal claim and the amount of money you might collect. In light of all of these important considerations, we’d like to share what we recommend you do right after a boating accident.

Of course, your safety should be your #1 priority once you’ve been involved in a boating accident. Boating accidents can cause serious injuries, so the first to-do we recommend is to assess the situation and determine whether anyone is injured. If so, call for emergency medical help as soon as possible. In addition, law enforcement should be contacted to create a documented report. You want some documentation from the other party (if applicable) for sure. Such documentation includes: party names, addresses, identifications, and photographs. When you are taking photographs of the accident, be sure to get detailed photos of both vessels and/or other property.

Steps to take right after your boating accident:

1. Stop the boat and render help

The Arizona Game and Fish Department (“AZGFD”) requires you stop your boat immediately and render assistance to anyone injured or at least minimize any danger caused by the accident (unless rendering assistance or minimizing danger would endanger the vessel itself or any one of your passengers).

2. Provide documentation and submit required paperwork

The AZGFD also requires you to give your name, address, and boat identification to anyone injured or, if property is damaged, to the owner of that property.

You must send a boating accident report to the following address:

Boating Law Administrator, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ, 85086

  • If a person is injured or dies from the accident, you have 48 hours to submit this report.
  • If damage to the vessel and/or other property exceeds $500, you have five days to submit this report.

Here is a link to the Arizona Boating Accident and Casualty Report

3. Contact a boating accident attorney ASAP

The state of Arizona has its own set of rules regarding boating accidents. As a result, if you were involved in a boating accident, immediately contact a reputable Arizona boating accident attorney. An Arizona law firm that is experienced in boating accidents will be familiar with Arizona’s current rules and regulations and will be able to guide you through the complex process of making a claim and ultimately securing the compensation you deserve.

Following a boating accident, knowledge is key to the understanding of boating accident regulations and how they apply to your unique case. With the help of an attorney, you’ll be able to effectively assess your case to determine how much your claim may be worth and what steps you need to take to receive compensation. You may be relieved to learn that the majority of cases are resolved without a trial. However, you must seek a fair amount through effective negotiation or by bringing suit.

Arizona Boating Accident Lawyers Helping You Navigate the Post-Accident Waters

You are probably dealing with several expenses that you would not have faced otherwise in the aftermath of a boating accident: hospital bills, surgeries, medical visits, and loss of work, not to mention the non-economic consequences of the accident. A boating accident attorney will help you navigate the overwhelming and choppy waters of demanding the compensation you deserve. We have a compassionate and understanding legal team that is skilled in aggressively and assertively safeguarding our clients and their interests. Contact us here by filling out a case review form. We look forward to speaking with you.