Most people don’t understand how common it is for drunk people to get into boating accidents. A lot of these accidents seriously injure or kill people. If you’ve been hurt in such an accident, knowing what to do is very important. What you do in the first few hours can affect your recovery and any legal cause you may have.
As soon as you can, you should contact an experienced boat accident lawyer. A good lawyer will tell you what your rights are and help you figure out what to do next. In this article, we’ll guide you on what to do if you’ve been hurt in a boating under the influence accident.
Get Medical Attention Immediately
You should go see a doctor soon, even if you think you’re okay. Sometimes when you get hurt, you might not even feel it because you’re shocked or all pumped up with adrenaline. If you get treated early, it can stop problems from getting worse and help you prove that you were right later on. Make sure that you record the medical care you receive.
Report the Accident to Authorities
Tell law enforcement what happened. Request an official accident report from the officers at the scene. Don’t forget to mention if the boater seemed drunk. Police can test for drugs or alcohol, which is useful evidence.
Take Pictures and Gather Evidence
Take pictures of everything with your phone. Take pictures of the damage to all the boats, the water conditions, and your injuries. Try to include things like bottles or cans that show alcohol use. Ask witnesses to write down what they saw or speak with the police.
Ask Witnesses for their Contact Information
Find out who saw the accident and get their names and phone numbers. Eyewitnesses can back up what you say happened. Tell them to speak to the police and give a written or recorded statement. This will help if the liable party later says they weren’t at fault.
Make Sure the Boater is Tested
Law enforcement should test the boater for drugs or alcohol. Ask them to do it if they don’t. DUI testing is a key piece of evidence in BUI cases. It can prove the other party was under the influence at the time of the crash.
Keep Records of Everything
Create a folder for documents about the accident. Add pictures, the police report, and the medical bills. Add any notes from witnesses or conversations you had with law enforcement. Keeping records in order helps build a stronger legal case.
Don’t Talk to Insurance Companies Alone
The insurance company for the other boater might try to get in touch with you. Don’t talk to them without first talking to a lawyer. They might try to get you to say something that will hurt your case. Therefore, let your lawyer talk to those people.
Watch for Long-Term Symptoms
Some injuries might not be visible from the start. That’s why you should keep track of any pain, dizziness, or other symptoms that come up later. Keep track of all the changes and tell your doctor about them. These symptoms can support your claims for long-term care or time off from work.
