Each year thousands of people are injured in boating accidents. Accidents can occur in a variety of situations ranging from ocean-going commercial and cruise line vessels to small pleasure craft on our navigable waterways.
When speaking of a motor vehicle accident, we often refer to the "Rules of the Road" in order to determine what each person's responsibilities are regarding the safe operation of their vehicle. Similarly, there are rules established by the Coast Guard and various state agencies that outline the rules for safe boating.
If you're involved in a boating accident, you will usually be required to file a report with either the state agency regulating boats, to the United States Coast Guard, or both. If an operator is involved in a collision with another boat or an "allision" (which means striking a fixed object or a non-moving vessel), he or she should immediately contact the state agency regulating boats to ascertain if any type of report is required.
Failure to remain on the scene, render aid, and report the boating accident to an appropriate law enforcement agency in a timely manner is a crime. If someone was injured or extensive property damage was incurred, be sure to contact your insurance company. If someone else was responsible for the collision, contact Betras, Maruca, Kopp, & Harshman, LLC as soon as possible.
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