Many Alaskans use boats for both transportation and recreation. Unfortunately, when proper safety precautions are not taken, accidents can arise resulting in serious harm or even fatality to those onboard. In the event your injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to file a lawsuit to recover your damages. While the aftermath of a boating accident in Alaska can feel overwhelming and stressful, it’s important to have an idea of the steps you should take to protect your rights.

Here are several steps to take after you’ve been injured in an Alaska boating accident:

1. Report the Accident

Under Alaska law, the owner or operator of a non-commercial boat is required to report a boating accident that results in loss of life, an injury which requires more than just first aid, and property damage beyond $500. Reports involving death, injury, or disappearance must be submitted within 48 hours to the State of Alaska Office of Boating Safety.

2. Obtain the Contact Information for Any Witnesses at the Scene

After a boating accident, it’s essential to obtain the names and contact information for any witnesses at the scene of the accident. These individuals can support any personal injury claim you might file in the future by helping to establish liability. They can provide details about the actions of the parties involved in the accident and corroborate your version of the events. It’s also essential to gather the names, contact information, boat registration numbers, and insurance policy numbers for any other boats that were involved in the accident.

3. Take Photos or Video of the Accident Scene and Your Injuries

If you are able, take photos or video with your cell phone camera of the boating accident scene and any injuries you sustained. Document the accident location, the position of the boats involved, and any other relevant evidence. The photos and video can be helpful to demonstrate evidence of liability and damages in any personal injury case you file.

4. Get Medical Attention

It’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately after a boating accident in Alaska. Even if you don’t think you’ve been seriously injured, it’s important to understand that certain injuries do not become apparent until weeks or months later. By getting the medical care you need, you are not only protecting your health, but you are also helping to safeguard your right to compensation in a personal injury lawsuit. Your medical evidence will be crucial evidence to demonstrate the extent of your injuries and the costs associated with your accident-related treatment.

5. Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney

It’s best to consult with an experienced personal injury as soon as possible after a boating accident. They can advise you regarding your legal rights and options — and ensure you avoid any pitfalls that could impact your claim. In addition, they can also start collecting the evidence you need to support your claim and ensure you adhere to the applicable statute of limitations.

6. File a Personal Injury Lawsuit

Once you have obtained legal counsel for your boating accident case, your attorney can assist you with filing a lawsuit or negotiating a settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company. While insurance adjusters will attempt to devalue or deny your claim, your attorney will know the tactics that will be used and how to combat them.

A personal injury lawsuit for a boating accident in Alaska will typically go through the following stages:

• Filing pleadings
• Collecting evidence through the discovery process
• Conducting depositions
• Filing motions
• Negotiations
• Settlement or trial

A boating accident case can settle at any time up until a verdict is rendered at trial. However, if the insurance company refuses to settle for a fair amount, a personal injury attorney will know whether you are more likely to maximize your compensation by bringing your case to trial.

7. Recover Your Damages

A boating accident can result in serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment and time out of work. If you were hurt in a boating accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to recover your economic and non-economic damages in a personal injury action. Economic damages can include compensation for unreimbursed medical expenses, lost wages, out-of-pocket costs, and other pecuniary losses in connection with your accident-related injuries. Non-economic damages are meant to cover non-financial losses, such as your pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, scarring, disfigurement, and emotional distress.

Contact an Experienced Alaska Personal Injury Attorney

If you suffered injuries in a boating accident in Alaska, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your losses in a personal injury action. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney can protect your rights, help you build your claim, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Proudly serving accident victims throughout Alaska, The Trial Guy, Eric Derleth, represents clients for a broad scope of personal injury matters. Call 907-262-9164 to schedule a free consultation at our Anchorage or Soldotna office, or contact us online. Our phone lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.