In the moments after a boating accident, it’s normal to feel confused and overwhelmed. The physical pain, emotional stress, and confusion in the aftermath of a watercraft wreck can unsettle even the most composed person.
However, in these stressful moments, pausing to address the situation as calmly as possible can have a positive impact on the outcome of a personal injury claim. That’s why we’ve assembled this guide detailing what to do after a boating accident in Colorado:
- Step 1: Check for Injuries and Get Medical Help
- Step 2: Report the Accident
- Step 3: Gather Evidence at the Scene
- Step 4: Don’t Talk to Insurance Companies
- Step 5: Keep Track of All Costs and Losses Associated with the Crash
- Step 6: Contact a Colorado Boating Accident Attorney
- Why Acting Quickly Is So Important
Step 1: Check for Injuries and Get Medical Help
Before you do anything else, make sure everyone is safe, including yourself. Call 911 and let them know there has been an accident, then check yourself and your passengers for injuries.
Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s still a good idea to get checked by a medical professional. Some injuries—like head trauma or internal bleeding—aren’t obvious at first. Getting help right away can prevent problems from getting worse. Receiving medical attention can also help your eventual legal case by providing documented evidence of the injuries you sustained.
Step 2: Report the Accident
You should always contact local law enforcement to report a boating accident. The officer who responds to the crash will gather witness statements that your lawyer can use to bolster your case. Additionally, you are legally required to report a boating accident in Colorado if:
- Someone is hurt or dies
- There is property damage of $500 or more
- A boat disappears in a way that might mean someone was hurt or killed
Keep in mind that the local law enforcement may be a member of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) office rather than a police officer if you are in a state park. This will affect who you need to call after a crash.
Step 3: Gather Evidence at the Scene
If you are able, use your phone’s camera and note-taking app to collect basic evidence, such as:
- Photos of the boats, damage, and injuries
- Pictures of the weather and water conditions
- Names and contact info for everyone involved
- Contact info for any witnesses
Additionally, you should try to write down everything you remember about the accident while it’s still fresh. These details can be very helpful to your Colorado boating accident attorney.
Step 4: Don’t Talk to Insurance Companies
Shortly after your boating accident, insurance companies will likely reach out to you. They may ask for a statement or offer a quick settlement. However, you shouldn’t speak to them.
Insurance adjusters work for the company—not for you. Their goal is to pay as little as possible. Saying the wrong thing or accepting a low offer can hurt your chances of getting fair compensation. Always let your lawyer handle any conversations with the insurance company. A Colorado boating accident attorney will know how to protect your rights and make sure you don’t get taken advantage of.
Step 5: Keep Track of All Costs and Losses Associated with the Crash
Start a file to keep all records related to the accident. This should include:
Medical bills and doctor’s notes
- Receipts for boat repair or replacement
- Photos of your injuries
- A journal of how you feel and how the injuries affect your daily life
- Records of missed work or lost income
These details can help your attorney figure out how much money you might be owed for your injuries and losses.
Step 6: Contact a Colorado Boating Accident Attorney
The sooner you contact a Colorado boating accident lawyer, the better. A skilled attorney can:
- Investigate the accident
- Collect important evidence before it disappears
- Deal with the insurance companies for you
- Help you file a personal injury claim, if needed
- Put you in touch with medical professionals who specialize in crash-related injuries
Watercraft accident cases can be tricky, especially when compared to car crashes. There are far fewer cameras available to capture real-time footage of the accident, leaving lawyers to do the footwork of sifting through witness statements and physical evidence. Fortunately, a Colorado boating accident attorney is well-equipped to find the most relevant evidence for your case.
Why Acting Quickly Is So Important
There is a deadline, known as the statute of limitations, for filing personal injury lawsuits in Colorado. If you miss the deadline, you could lose your chance to get compensation.
Also, evidence of boating accidents can disappear quickly. Witnesses forget what they saw. Photos get deleted. Boats are repaired. The faster your attorney can start working, the better chance you have of building a strong case.
Let Us Help You After a Boating Accident in Colorado
You don’t have to fight for compensation by yourself. Our team knows how difficult it can be to recover from your injuries while fighting a legal battle, which is why we fight for the most compensation possible as quickly as we can to help you regain peace of mind.
If you or a loved one were badly injured in a watercraft accident, schedule a free consultation with us. One of our Colorado boating accident lawyers will help you determine if you have a solid case.
