Boating can be a fun and peaceful way to enjoy the waters of Maryland. Whether you're out fishing, relaxing with friends, or enjoying a day with family, spending time on a boat can be a great experience. But accidents on the water can and do happen. From simple mistakes to serious crashes, boating accidents in Maryland can lead to injuries, damages, and even legal troubles. Knowing what to do right after an accident can help protect your rights and make the legal process easier.
In this guide, we will walk you through the legal steps you should take following a boating accident in Maryland. These steps are meant to help you stay safe, follow the law, and get the support you need if you're injured or your property is damaged.
Stay Calm and Ensure Safety
The first and most important thing after a boating accident is to stay calm and check for injuries. Make sure that everyone on board is safe and accounted for. If anyone is hurt, call for medical help immediately. Your safety and the safety of others should always come first.
If the boat is still operable and it is safe to do so, try to move it out of the way of other boats to prevent further accidents. If the boat is sinking or too damaged to move, use life jackets and other safety gear to protect yourself and others until help arrives.
Report the Accident
In Maryland, it's required by law to report certain boating accidents to the authorities. If someone is injured, killed, or if the accident causes damage over a specific dollar amount (usually $2,000 or more), you must file a report with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. This report helps track boating accidents and ensures proper investigation if needed.
Failing to report a serious accident can result in fines or other legal problems. Always report the accident as soon as possible, even if it seems minor at first. The details you provide in the report will be useful later if you need to file an insurance claim or take legal action.
Exchange Information
Just like after a car accident, you should exchange information with the other parties involved in the boating accident. Get their full name, contact information, boat registration number, and insurance details. You may also want to write down a description of their boat, including the make, model, and color.
If there were witnesses nearby, get their contact information too. Their accounts may help later if there are questions about what happened during the accident. Take pictures of the damage, the scene of the accident, and anything else that seems important. These images can be used as evidence during the legal process.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if your injuries seem small at first, it’s important to get checked by a doctor. Some injuries from boating accidents may not show up right away. You could have whiplash, internal injuries, or a concussion without realizing it.
Getting medical care creates a record of your injuries, which is useful if you decide to file a claim later. Delaying treatment could not only harm your health but also make it harder to prove that the injuries were caused by the accident.
Contact Your Insurance Company
After a boating accident, you should contact your insurance company and tell them what happened. Be honest and share the facts clearly. Let them know about the damage to your boat, any injuries, and whether you have already filed a police or accident report.
Your insurance company may ask for documents like photos, medical records, and repair estimates. Providing this information quickly helps speed up the claim process. However, be careful not to admit fault during these conversations. Stick to the facts and avoid guessing what caused the accident.
Understand Liability and Fault
One of the key legal questions in any boating accident is: who was at fault? In boating accidents in Maryland, fault is based on actions such as speeding, boating under the influence, not following navigation rules, or failing to pay attention.
Sometimes, both parties share some level of blame. Maryland follows a strict rule called “contributory negligence,” which means that if you are even slightly at fault, you may not be able to collect damages from the other party. This makes it very important to speak with a lawyer before accepting any blame or signing anything related to fault.
Talk to a Boating Accident Lawyer
Handling the legal side of a boating accident can be confusing, especially if you’re dealing with injuries, boat repairs, or lost time from work. This is where a lawyer can help. A skilled attorney can guide you through your rights, gather evidence, and speak to insurance companies on your behalf.
If you’ve been hurt or your property was damaged, talking to an experienced lawyer like those at the Terry Law Firm can make a big difference. The Terry Law Firm understands the laws around boating accidents in Maryland and can help you build a strong case. Whether it’s negotiating with insurance or going to court, a good lawyer makes sure your voice is heard and your interests are protected.
Know Your Legal Deadlines
In Maryland, there are time limits for filing lawsuits or claims after a boating accident. These limits are called “statutes of limitations.” For personal injury claims, the deadline is generally three years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you might lose your right to seek compensation.
There may be different deadlines for property damage or claims involving government agencies. This is another reason to speak with a lawyer early. They can make sure you meet all deadlines and file the correct paperwork on time.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
If you’ve been injured or suffered property loss in a boating accident, you may be entitled to compensation. This could include money for medical bills, lost wages, boat repairs, pain and suffering, and other related costs. A lawyer can help you figure out what types of compensation you may be eligible for and how to prove your case.
The amount of compensation depends on many factors, including the seriousness of your injuries, the cost of repairs, and how the accident has affected your life. The more detailed your records and evidence are, the better chance you have of receiving fair compensation.
Be Cautious About Settlement Offers
After a boating accident, the other party’s insurance company may offer you a quick settlement. While this might seem like a good way to move on, be careful. Often, early settlement offers are much lower than what you actually deserve.
Never sign anything or accept a payment without speaking to a lawyer first. Once you accept a settlement, you usually can’t go back and ask for more money—even if your injuries turn out to be worse than you thought. Having legal advice ensures you don’t settle for less than you’re owed.
Conclusion
Boating accidents in Maryland can happen in an instant, but the effects can last a long time. Whether you're dealing with injuries, boat damage, or legal questions, taking the right steps after the accident can make a big difference. Always make sure everyone is safe, report the accident properly, and collect as much information as you can.
Most importantly, don’t go through the legal process alone. The Terry Law Firm has experience with boating accident cases and can help guide you every step of the way. With their support, you can focus on recovery while they handle the legal work.
Being prepared and informed helps protect your rights and increases your chances of a fair outcome. If you've been involved in a boating accident, don’t wait—reach out for help and take the steps needed to protect your future.
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