[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.injury-attorneys.com\/blog\/what-should-i-do-after-a-boating-accident\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.injury-attorneys.com\/blog\/what-should-i-do-after-a-boating-accident\/","headline":"What Should I Do After a Boating Accident?","name":"What Should I Do After a Boating Accident?","description":"Boating is a prized California pastime. The Sacramento area is home to stunning lakes and rivers for recreational boating and water sports. However, it\u2019s important to remember that boating comes with risks. Even the most experienced and cautious boaters can suffer serious injuries if someone fails to act responsibly on the water. Individuals who suffer […]","datePublished":"2022-08-01","dateModified":"2025-08-08","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.injury-attorneys.com\/blog\/author\/injury-attorneys\/#Person","name":"Demas Law Group, P.C.","url":"https:\/\/www.injury-attorneys.com\/blog\/author\/injury-attorneys\/","identifier":7,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/2d2d1dc668da653fd25c47bc01fca53aff1d3e1f6971487d8eb8e56cf2bae38c?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/2d2d1dc668da653fd25c47bc01fca53aff1d3e1f6971487d8eb8e56cf2bae38c?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Demas Law Group, P.C.","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.injury-attorneys.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/demas-logo.png","url":"https:\/\/www.injury-attorneys.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/demas-logo.png","width":158,"height":141}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.injury-attorneys.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/boating-accidents-1.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.injury-attorneys.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/boating-accidents-1.jpg","height":200,"width":300},"url":"https:\/\/www.injury-attorneys.com\/blog\/what-should-i-do-after-a-boating-accident\/","about":["Boating Accidents"],"wordCount":549,"keywords":["boat accident lawyer","boating accidents","when should you report a boating accident"],"articleBody":"Boating is a prized California pastime. The Sacramento area is home to stunning lakes and rivers for recreational boating and water sports. However, it\u2019s important to remember that boating comes with risks. Even the most experienced and cautious boaters can suffer serious injuries if someone fails to act responsibly on the water.Individuals who suffer injuries in California boating accidents may be entitled to compensation for their medical bills and other losses. Knowing what to do in the aftermath of an accident can protect your legal rights. Here are some tips from Demas Law Group.What to Do After a Boat AccidentSteps to take after a boat accident include:Take photos of the scene. Get pictures of the damage to vessels, where the accident occurred, weather conditions, visibility in the area, and your injuries.See a doctor right away. You need to treat visible injuries and get checked for hidden injuries that may present with no obvious symptoms.Follow your doctor\u2019s treatment recommendations. Failure to comply with your doctor\u2019s orders can damage your future injury claim.Keep records of your expenses and lost income. Document all of your accident-related costs.Speak to a boating accident lawyer. Boat accidents can be legally complex. A knowledgeable attorney can identify what went wrong and help you pursue maximum compensation for your injuries.Reporting a Boating Accident in SacramentoUnder California law, a boat owner or operator must report an accident that resulted in:Death or disappearance of a personInjury requiring attention beyond first aidDamage to any vessel or property with a repair or replacement cost exceeding $500Loss of any watercraft, regardless of valueAccidents must be reported to the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways. Reports must be filed within 48 hours of an accident resulting in:Death that occurs within 24 hours of the accidentA person\u2019s disappearanceAn injury requiring treatment beyond first aidHowever, individuals have 10 days to file a boat accident report if the accident:Involved the complete loss of a vesselCaused property damage exceeding $500Resulted in death more than 24 hours after the incidentCompleted and signed boat accident forms should be mailed to:California Division of Boating and WaterwaysAttn: Boating Accident UnitPO Box 942896Sacramento, CA 94296-0001You can also file a report online.Who is Responsible for a Boating Accident?Numerous parties could be liable for a boat accident, including:The boat or watercraft operatorAn adult supervising a minor operating a boat or watercraftThe boat\u2019s ownerVessel lookoutsThe boat rental or charter companyMechanicsThe boat manufacturerManufacturers of parts or equipment used on the vesselWho Can Operate a Boat in California?An operator must be at least 16 years old and possess a California Boater Card (CBC) to drive a motorized vessel with 15 or more horsepower. Individuals between the ages of 12 and 15 may operate a motorized vessel so long as they are supervised by someone 18 or older who holds a CBC.How a Lawyer Can Help with Boating Accident Claims in SacramentoYou shouldn\u2019t have to pay for someone else\u2019s recklessness on the water. A boat accident lawyer from Demas Law Group can help you pursue maximum compensation for your losses. Call or contact us today for a free consultation."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.injury-attorneys.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"What Should I Do After a Boating Accident?","item":"https:\/\/www.injury-attorneys.com\/blog\/what-should-i-do-after-a-boating-accident\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]