What to Do After a Boating Accident in Cape Cod Water

Boating in Cape Cod offers beautiful scenery, but accidents can happen unexpectedly. Knowing the proper steps to take immediately after a boating accident is crucial for your safety and properly navigating the legal process. This guide provides clear instructions on what to do if you are involved in a boating accident in Cape Cod waters and how our Massachusetts personal injury lawyers can help.

Immediate Steps After a Boating Accident

Your first priority should be the well-being of everyone involved.

• Check for Injuries: Assess yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call for emergency medical assistance immediately.
• Move to Safety: If possible, move your boat to a safe location to avoid further collisions or hazards.
• Assist Others: Provide reasonable assistance to anyone injured in the accident, as long as it doesn’t endanger you or your vessel.

Reporting and Investigating the Accident

You’ll need to correctly report and document the incident to file any legal claims with Massachusetts personal injury lawyers.

Who to Report To

You must report the accident to the appropriate authorities, which may include the U.S. Coast Guard, local police, or the Massachusetts Environmental Police.

Gathering Evidence

Collect as much information as you can at the scene:

• Take photos and videos of the boats, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries.
• Exchange contact and insurance information with the other boat operator.
• Get contact details from any witnesses.
• Write down everything you remember about the accident as soon as possible.

Understanding Your Legal Options

If you sustained injuries, you might be entitled to compensation.

Personal Injury Claims

A personal injury claim can help you recover costs for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. To succeed, you must prove that another party’s negligence caused the accident. An experienced Cape Cod, MA, attorney can help establish fault.

Workers’ Compensation

If your injury occurred while you were working on a vessel, you might be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can cover medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages.

Protecting Your Rights and Seeking Justice

Navigating the legal aftermath of a boating accident can be complex. The insurance companies involved will have legal teams working to protect their interests, which often means minimizing your compensation.

The Massachusetts personal injury lawyers at The Law Offices of John C. Manoog III have over 150 years of combined experience helping accident victims. We can manage the legal process, from investigating the accident to negotiating with insurers, so you can focus on your recovery.

If you have been injured in a boating accident, contact our lawyers in Cape Cod for a free consultation.