1. If possible, move your boat out of the way of other vessels.
2. Double-check yourself and other passengers to make sure no one is hurt. Even a small accident might have caused an injury that’s not noticeable right away. Summon medical help if there is any doubt.
   
3. Call the Coast Guard or Marine Patrol. Ask for the investigating officer’s name and contact information, and for the accident report number so that you can follow up.
4. Obtain the name, address, telephone number, driver’s license number, vessel numbers and insurance information of any other operators in the accident, along with the names of anyone with injuries and any witnesses.
5. Do not argue over who is at fault or admit blame.
6. Take photographs and video of the scene, the damage to the vessels and people on the scene (a cell-phone camera can come in handy). If you do not have a camera, ask the officer to take photographs and draw a diagram showing the boat’s positions.
7. If you did not seek treatment at a hospital by ambulance, seek medical attention as soon as possible and describe to your doctor the specifics of the accident.
8. Do not sign any documents selling or disposing of your vessel before speaking with an attorney. Your boat may need to be inspected by a marine accident reconstruction expert.
9. Refrain from speaking with the insurance company representatives of the other boat or waverunner operators before seeking the advice of your own attorney.
10. Seek the advice of an experienced Florida maritime injury attorney before speaking with your insurance company.

To speak with one of our boating accident attorneys today call 800-940-8048. If you would like us to contact you, please complete the contact us form. Our attorneys never charge a fee for consultations and are available at night and on the weekends.

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