The beauty of the open water can quickly become dangerous when a maritime accident occurs. According to, Coast Guard’s published 3,844 recreational boating accidents in 2023 report, shows 564 deaths, 2,126 injured, and about $63M in property damages caused by recreational boating accidents. These numbers shows the risks that are naturally involved with boating and the significance of being ready.
Whether it is a ship-to-ship, a person-overboard collision, or a sudden storm, knowing what to do in the aftermath is important for safety and for legal security. Here is a step-by-step guide covering the most vital dos and don’ts after a maritime accident.
What to do After a Maritime Injury:
- Ensure Safety First: The safety of everyone right at the moment is your top priority. First, aid those who have been injured. If the situation allows, put your vessel into a safe zone so that there will be no other crashes. Immediately report the accident to the Coast Guard or local authorities, especially if any injuries, significant damage, or any other missing persons exist.
- Gather Information: Other than yourself, approach the other vessel(s) and collect their name, registration number, and owner’s contact information. You also need to capture the pictures or videos of damage to all vessels, the surrounding area of the accident. You can also create a list of witnesses have their names and contact information.
- Report the Accident: Reporting boating accidents is the responsibility of law when it involves injuries, death, or significant property damage. Even for slight damage accidents, reporting is a good idea.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries might seem minor, it’s important to go for the medicines first. Some injuries like concussions don’t show direct symptoms. The early medical requirement will help you to claim expenses and probably go for court proceedings.
- Contact a Maritime Injury Attorney: Maritime law, also known as admiralty, is quite challenging. As Ryan Zehl, a skilled Houston maritime attorney suggests, a lawyer is to support in the legal process, to protect your rights, and follow right compensation for your damages. This covers medical costs, lost earnings, and property damage. They are to advise you on negotiating with insurance companies and other parties concerned.
What not to do After a Maritime Injury:
- Don’t Admit Fault: Even if you are guilty, you have to take time before admitting your guilt. The question to determine who was at fault in a maritime accident requires detailed research and investigation. Your lawyer and the authorities are the best people to take over the entire investigative process and the responsibility to determine the party at fault. Remember that over half of all accidents and injuries, and more than a third of the deaths, were due to violations of the navigation regulations, indicating that the issue of assigning blame is a complex one. It should also be noted that the majority of accidents and injuries, about 50%, and the majority of deaths, occurred due to mass collisions that, involve multiple contributing factors.
- Don’t Leave the Scene: Leaving the place if there is an accident, especially in a severe case where someone is injured or there is property damage, can put you in trouble. Just stay there until the time when the authorities come and you are given liberty.
- Don’t Refuse a Breathalyzer or Drug Test: You should not refuse to take either of these tests because not only can it hurt your case, but punishment may also be the outcome. As of 2023, the issue of alcohol has been the leading one in fatal accidents, which has been stated to have caused 17% of the deaths where the cause was identified. You just have to cooperate with the investigators to give them a fair report.
- Don’t Sign Anything Without Legal Counsel: Even before you sign anything, you must have a legal adviser. Insurance companies or other parties may come up with documents that seem to undermine your rights.
- Don’t Neglect Documentation: The details of an accident can become complex as time passes. A well-kept file of all the happenings from the time of the accident, including things like medical documents, communication with insurance companies, and witness statements, are very valid. Such reports and documents will serve as a great support to your legal representative.
Remember, it’s important to be ready and aware of the proper steps to take following the maritime accident; that’s important for your physical and financial recovery. You have a legal right to consult with a lawyer. Along with protecting your rights, they can guide you through the complex laws of a maritime claim.
