What to Do After a Boating Hit and Run

Below is a list of the do’s and dont’s in the case you are a victim of a boating hit and run:

DO

1. Make sure all passengers are safe and uninjured.
2. Make sure your vessel is not taking on water or at risk of catching fire.
3. Try to get the registration number of the at-fault vessel.
4. Remember the make and relative length of the at-fault vessel.
5. Get information on any property damage to the at-fault vessel.
6. Know what direction the at-fault vessel was headed.
7. Call FWC, the Coast Guard and/or your local policing agency to report the event.
8. Stay at the scene until the investigating agency comes in order to complete a report.
9. Ask any witnesses if they can add any additional information about the accident and if they would be willing to stay to give a statement to the investigating agency.
10. Ask any witnesses for their contact information.
11. Take photos of the damage to your vessel and any personal property.
12. Take a note of the location, time, weather conditions and tide conditions while at the scene.
13. If you are injured, seek medical attention.
14. Protect your rights by finding a qualified maritime personal injury attorney from South Florida.

DON’T

1. Follow a fleeing boater.
2. Hire a personal injury attorney that does not practice maritime personal injury claims.