Minnesota Boating Accidents - When To Involve Police And Insurance

Memorial Day weekend is right around the corner, and that means the unofficial start of summer is almost here. It also means that tens of thousands of boaters will take their vessels to boat launches and slips around the state, gearing up for another fun season on the water.

Unfortunately, the boating season doesn’t always go as planned. Accidents and injuries can occur at a moment’s notice, and when that happens, you need to know what steps you should take if police or the insurance need to get involved. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at the steps you’ll want to take if police or an injury lawyer need to get involved after a boating accident in Minnesota.

When To Call Police After A Boating Accident

Similar to a car accident, the authorities do not need to be involved in every single collision or scrape that occurs on the water. However, accidents that meet the following criteria are expected to be reported to Minnesota law enforcement:

Property damage exceeds $2,000.
An individual requires medical attention beyond first aid.
An individual dies or disappears as a result of the collision.

If any of those factors are true, get the authorities involved. It’s also wise to call and report an accident if you have reason to believe the boat’s captain is under the influence or operating the vessel illegally.

Filing A Personal Injury Claim

A boat captain or any passengers can file a personal injury claim in the event they are injured or incur property damage as a result of an accident on the water. Depending on the specifics of the accident, you may be able to file an injury lawsuit against any of the following individuals or entities:

Your boat driver
Another boat driver
A boat or product manufacturer
A boat rental company
The government overseeing the body of water

If you’re involved in an accident on the water, there are two things you’ll want to do right after the accident. First and foremost, assess injuries and damage to the boat and seek urgent medical care if required. Getting medical assistance takes priority over anything else in an emergency situation on the water. If there is no immediate threat to life, take pictures of the damage and the accident scene. It’s also helpful to get the contact information of any witnesses who can verify your claims or speak to the nature of the accident.

From there, you’ll want to get the professionals involved. Report the accident to police if required, seek out professional medical care to have your injuries officially documented and then reach out to a personal injury lawyer like Dean Margolis. He’ll review the facts and can develop a case that holds an individual or a company responsible for your injuries. He knows how to value your claim and get you every type of compensation available for your injuries.

We know that life can get a bit hectic following a boating accident, which is why the personal injury statute allows an individual up to six years to bring a claim following an accident, but we strongly encourage you to move forward with a claim or touch base with an attorney well before this point. Memories can fade, witnesses can become harder to contact and evidence can be lost to time, so don’t wait when compensation is on the line. Connect with a personal injury attorney and start the process right away. We’ll handle all of the requirements behind the scenes while you focus on your health and your family after a boating accident.

We hope you have a lovely time on the water this year, but we know that accidents are bound to happen. If you or someone you know was injured in a boating accident in Minnesota, make sure they reach out to an experienced team to get the compensation they deserve. In the greater Twin Cities area, connect with Dean and the team at Margolis Law Firm today at (952) 230-2700.