Boating accidents in Alabama are on the rise. No matter what precautions you take, there is always a chance that an accident may occur.
Thus, it is important to be prepared in the event this happens to you. But where do you start?
If you or a loved one has sustained injuries in a boating accident in Alabama, keep reading to learn what steps you should take.
Then contact our team of Alabama boat accident lawyers to discuss your case and see how we can help you recover.
Steps to Take Immediately After Your Accident
Being involved in a boating accident in Alabama can be a scary experience. But it is important to try your best to stay calm and take appropriate action. Doing so is essential to both your safety and your potential recovery moving forward.
Immediately after an accident, your safety and that of your passengers should be your first concern. Check for injuries and ensure that everyone is okay.
After you have done so, the next step is to begin collecting evidence and information at the accident scene.
Examples of evidence and information you should gather and take note of include:
- Registration numbers and names of any vessels involved;
- Identifying information of the owners of each vessel involved;
- The date and time the accident occurred;
- The approximate location on the water in which the accident occurred;
- The estimated air and water temperature; and
- The visibility, weather, and water conditions at the time of the accident.
Most of this information will also be required when you report your accident, so it will be helpful to have it ready.
Reporting Your Accident
After a boating accident in Alabama, don’t delay. It is important to start taking the necessary steps as soon as possible.
In fact, Alabama law requires that you submit an accident report within 10 days from the date of the accident if any of the following result:
- Death;
- Disappearance of any person;
- Injury causing any person to remain incapacitated for over 72 hours; or
- Property damage in excess of $2,000.
You must report your accident to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Marine Police Division. This is the first step in the process, so make sure to report within the 10-day period.
How to Obtain a Copy of Your Alabama Boating Accident Report
To obtain your Alabama boating accident report, you can send a written request directly to Alabama Marine Patrol. Written requests must include the following information:
- The date of the crash;
- The body of water on which the accident occurred; and
- Names of any people involved.
The cost of obtaining your boat crash report is $10, and it can take a few weeks to process depending on the specific circumstances. Thus, it is important to get the process started quickly to get a copy of your report as soon as you can.
Contact an Attorney Today
If you have questions about what to do after a boating accident in Alabama, reach out to the Dagney Johnson Law Group today.
Our team has the experience and resources necessary to help you with your boating accident claims. But more than that, we also know this can be a tough process to navigate on your own. We want to make sure you feel comfortable and cared for during this difficult time.
Contact us online or by phone at (205) 937-6564 today to discuss your case and see what we can do for you.
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