During the summertime here in Texas, when the weather gets hot, going to the lake to go boating is a very common and loved activity. There are, however, risks that come alongside boating that one should be careful of. The more crowded the lake is with boats, the higher the risks are for accidents.
How boating accidents occur
Boating accidents often occur because of negligence from one of the parties. Commonly, alcohol has been consumed when boating accidents occur. Other contributing factors can include heat exhaustion, weather conditions, or inexperienced boat operators. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, 70 percent of fatalities from boating accidents result from the victims drowning. It is for this reason that life jackets are so important when you engage in boating activities.
What you should do if a boating accident occurs
Boating accidents are commonly on the severe spectrum and often result in traumatic outcomes and injuries. The recovery process can be long and tedious; however, the immediate steps you take following a boating accident can either generously aid the outcome or potentially drastically worsen it. It is for this reason that certain guidelines should be followed if one finds themselves involved in a boating accident.
Step #1 Check yourself and your passengers for injuries
Firstly, you should check yourself for any injuries. Remember that after such a situation, your adrenaline levels will be high which can cause an illusion in one’s well-being by masking pain or physical discomfort. Be thorough in your examination. Next, quickly make sure that everyone is on board. After confirming every passenger is present, you should ensure none of them have suffered serious injuries that call for immediate medical attention. If so, you should call 911 immediately. Many injuries only show up in the aftermath of a boating accident. Common boating accident injuries that people are treated for include:
- Concussions
- Neck injuries
- Sprains and strains
- Lower back injuries
- Knee injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Whiplash
- Shoulder injuries
- Hip injuries
Step #2 Alert the authorities of the accident
You should also make sure to report the accident to the Coast Guard. This will be helpful and necessary for insurance purposes and any potential liability questions that become raised later on.
Step #3 Take pictures of the accident (property and persons)
You should document the accident by taking pictures of any property involved, including the boats or jet skis, surroundings, etc., as well as any injuries that resulted from the boating accident.
Step #4 Gather information from others involved
Following the documentation of the accident, you should gather contact information from all the people involved in the accident. This includes names, phone numbers, and addresses. As for the other boating operators/owners involved, you will also need to gather their registration, as well as their insurance information. If there were any witnesses other than passengers it is smart to also gather their contact information.
Step #5 Contact your insurance provider
Finally, you will need to contact your insurance provider to make a claim. It is best to do this as soon as you can after the accident occurs so that you will be able to adequately answer all the questions your insurance may have regarding the accident.
Pain can be present for an extended period following a boating accident. Here at Premier Injury Clinics of DFW, our experienced and knowledgeable chiropractic team will be able to address the injuries that come as a result of a boating accident properly and efficiently to decide the best treatment plan for you.
Here at Premier Injury Clinics of DFW, our experienced team works alongside other specialists to ensure that the medical attention you require is given. Don’t hesitate to contact us or stop by one of our 5 DFW locations today.