According to Statista, in 2019, 613 people died and over 2,500 suffered injuries because of boating accidents. Property damages ranged in the millions of dollars. In 2018, there were only eight accidents in Hawaii that resulted in two fatalities.
Boating accidents happen, and it is essential to remember what to do in case of an emergency. Here are the steps you need to take.
What is a boating accident?
Hawaiis Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation defines a boating accident as a collision, accident or other casualty involving:
- Disappearance or death of someone
- Loss of consciousness, medical treatment or disability of a person for over 24 hours
- Damage to property of more than $200
- Loss or disappearance of a vessel
What are the steps?
If you become involved in a boating accident, take the following steps:
- Stay calm and check yourself for injuries. Ensure the boat engine is off and attend to the other passengers if you can. See a doctor following the accident
- Gather as much information as possible at the scene. The information should include:
- Names, phone numbers and addresses of the boat operators and passengers involved
- Contact information of any eyewitnesses from other vessels or the shore
- Registration and insurance names and policy numbers
- According toHawaii state law, boat operators must file a recreational boating accident report. Under federal law, you must file a boating accident report if:
- Loss of life
- Badly injured enough to need medical care
- Damage to vessel or property over $200
- Complete loss or destruction of a vessel
Contact your insurance carrier after the accident, no matter who is to blame. Keep documents such as medical bills, police reports and doctors notes for proof if you must go to court.
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