Boating is a favorite way to enjoy Maryland’s beautiful waters, whether you’re cruising the Chesapeake Bay or relaxing on a quiet lake. But even the most peaceful trip can take a turn if an accident happens. In those moments, knowing what to do next can help you stay calm, protect yourself, and avoid serious legal problems.
This guide will walk you through the steps to take after boating accidents in Maryland so you know what to expect and how to handle the situation from start to finish.
Step 1: Make Sure Everyone Is Safe
Safety is the most important thing. If you're involved in a boating accident:
Stop the boat right away.
Check on everyone—your passengers and people on other boats.
Help anyone who is injured or in danger, but only if you can do it safely.
Maryland law says you must stop and help after a boating accident. Leaving the scene without helping could get you into legal trouble.
Step 2: Call for Help
If someone is hurt, missing, or in the water, call 911 or the Coast Guard immediately.
You can use a marine radio (Channel 16) or a cell phone if you’re close enough to shore. Be ready to share:
Your location (GPS or nearby landmarks)
How many people are involved?
Any injuries
Whether boats are sinking or damaged
Quick action is especially important in boating accidents in Maryland, where emergency crews can arrive faster if they have the right details.
Step 3: Avoid More Damage
If your boat can still move and it’s safe to do so, steer it to a nearby safe spot. This helps avoid getting hit again or drifting into danger.
If your boat is taking on water, use the pump, life jackets, or anything else to stay afloat until help gets there. Don’t risk it—your safety is more important than the boat.
Step 4: Exchange Information
Once everyone is safe, get basic info from others involved in the accident:
Names and addresses
Boat registration numbers
Insurance details
Contact info for passengers and witnesses
Also take notes about the weather, visibility, and time of day. These details could be helpful later.
Step 5: Report the Accident
You may need to report the accident to the Maryland Natural Resources Police. You must file a report if:
Someone is seriously hurt or killed.
Someone goes missing.
There’s property damage over $2,000.
A boat is destroyed.
Usually, you have 48 hours to report serious accidents and 10 days for minor ones. Not reporting it could lead to fines or other problems.
Step 6: Write Everything Down
Accidents can be confusing. That’s why it's smart to write down everything while it's fresh in your memory. Also:
Take pictures of the damage, your boat, the other boat, and the area where the accident happened.
Note any injuries (only if appropriate).
Save weather or location details.
This info can help if you need to file an insurance claim or take legal action.
Step 7: See a Doctor
Some injuries don’t show up right away. Even if you feel okay, it’s a good idea to get checked out by a doctor. You might have a concussion, whiplash, or internal injuries that aren’t obvious.
Tell your doctor that you were in a boating accident. They’ll know what to look for and will make a medical record, which is helpful if you need to file a claim.
Step 8: Talk to Your Insurance Company
Let your boat insurance provider know about the accident as soon as possible. Give them the facts, and avoid saying anything that could be misunderstood. Don’t guess or admit blame.
Boat insurance may cover:
Repairs or replacement
Medical bills
Damage to other boats or property
Legal fees, depending on your policy
Boating Accidents in Maryland can lead to complicated claims, so it’s important to stay organized.
Step 9: Be Careful About What You Say
You may be contacted by the other party’s insurance company—or even your own—for a statement. Be polite, but don’t give detailed or recorded statements until you talk to a lawyer.
Even simple things like saying “I’m sorry” can be twisted to sound like you’re admitting fault. Play it safe and wait until you’ve had legal advice.
Step 10: Contact a Boating Accident Lawyer
Boating accidents are different from car accidents. They may involve state, federal, or maritime law, and figuring out who’s responsible isn’t always easy.
That’s why it helps to speak with a lawyer who understands boating laws in Maryland. A good lawyer can:
Explain your rights.
Deal with the insurance companies.
Gather evidence
Help you get compensation for injuries or damage
Represent you in court if needed
At Terry Law Firm, we’ve handled many boating accidents in Maryland. We know the law, and we know the waters. If you’re not sure whether you need legal help, you can call us for a free consultation.
Why Boating Accidents Happen
It helps to know what causes accidents so you can avoid them. The most common reasons include
Not paying attention while driving the boat
Speeding
Drinking alcohol
Lack of experience
Equipment problems
Bad weather or low visibility
Not following boating rules
Each year, boating accidents in Maryland are often linked to alcohol or new boaters who don’t know the rules. Always drive carefully, wear a life jacket, and take a safety course if you’re new to boating.
Can You Get Compensation?
If someone else caused the accident, you might be able to get money for:
Medical bills
Lost income if you had to miss work
Pain and suffering
Boat repair or replacement
Ongoing treatment or rehab
Emotional stress
To do this, you’ll need strong evidence, and it helps to have a lawyer on your side to fight for a fair settlement.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?
In Maryland, you usually have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. But it’s best to start sooner.
Waiting too long can hurt your case—witnesses forget what happened, boats get repaired, and photos get lost. The sooner you act, the better your chances of success.
Common Questions
What if the other boat left the scene?
Write down anything you remember—boat color, size, registration number, direction it went—and report it right away.
Can I file a claim if I was a passenger?
Yes. Passengers can take legal action if the driver of the boat was careless or caused the accident.
Do jet ski or personal watercraft accidents count?
Yes. Jet skis, Sea-Doos, and similar watercraft are covered under the same boating laws.
Conclusion
No one expects to be in a boating accident—but if it happens, being prepared can make a huge difference.
To quickly recap, here’s what to do:
Stay safe and check on others.
Call for emergency help if needed.
Move your boat if it’s safe.
Exchange information
File an accident report if required.
Document the scene and damage.
Get medical attention.
Inform your insurance company.
Watch what you say.
Contact a lawyer.
At Terry Law Firm, we’re ready to help you through every step. If you or someone you care about has been involved in boating accidents in Maryland, don’t go through it alone. We’re here to protect your rights and get you the support you need.
📞 Call us today or visit terryatlaw.com for a free consultation.
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