Boating can be a great way to enjoy some of what Hawaii has to offer, but it can also be dangerous. If you’ve been hurt in a boating accident, whether you live here or were a tourist at the time of the wreck, you need to find a way to heal, reclaim your life and find accountability for the harm that’s been caused to you.
Taking legal action in the form of a personal injury claim may be your best avenue for achieving those outcomes, but the process can be somewhat convoluted. And if you don’t properly navigate the litigation process, then your boat accident claim can be put at risk.
With that in mind, it’s imperative that you know what you should and shouldn’t do when building your boating accident claim. Let’s take a closer look so that you know where to get started in building your case.
What you should do to build your boat accident personal injury case
There’s a lot of work to be done when you embark on a personal injury case related to a boating accident. Here are some steps that you’ll want to be sure to take:
- Gather evidence at the scene: If possible, before leaving the scene of the accident, take pictures of any damage that was caused to the boats involved in the wreck, gather GPS data, and secure witness accounts. If you’re unable to gather this evidence, consider asking someone who was with you at the time to assist.
- Secure needed medical treatment: While you’ll need to prove causation to win your personal injury case, you’ll also have to demonstrate that you’ve suffered compensable damages. Seeking medical treatment is one way to start creating a record of your injuries and your need for ongoing treatment.
- Track your losses: You’re going to suffer other damages in the aftermath of your boat accident. Make sure you keep a record of them so that you can argue for them when you try to settle or otherwise litigate your claim.
What you shouldn’t do after a boat accident
Although you’ll want to be proactive in building your boating accident case, you’ll need to be careful that you don’t make certain mistakes that could cost you your case. This includes:
- Discussing your case on social media in a way that could result in you being blamed for the accident or your accident injuries being downplayed.
- Making a recorded statement to an insurance company.
- Failing to make a police report.
- Accepting the initial settlement offer made by the insurance company.
If you’re unsure about whether you should or shouldn’t take a certain action after your boating accident, then you might want to consider discussing the matter with your attorney. That way you can avoid making errors that put your claim and your recovery at risk.
Do you have lingering questions about your boating accident case?
If so, then write them down and diligently seek out the answers you need. After all, you need to be fully informed heading into the legal process so that you can make the decisions that are right for you. Although the process can be stressful, particularly as you’re trying to recover from your injuries, you can find the guidance you need to successfully navigate your claim.
As you proceed with your case, don’t be afraid to stand up and advocate for yourself. This is your opportunity to fight for what you deserve and to protect your future.