Just like any other accident, personal injury, or death claim, there are a few guidelines to follow to begin the claim process:
First and foremost, the most important step is to get appropriate medical care. Do not hesitate to call for help. This includes for yourself, your passengers, or people on the other boat or vehicle. Even if injuries appear to be minor, you need a medical professional to check everyone over. Sometimes injuries don’t appear serious until the adrenaline wears off. If you, your passengers, or anyone else involved in the crash is injured or even potentially injured, the priority has to be on the health of human beings. Sometimes immediate treatment is the difference between a small treatable injury and a more serious one down the road. Your health and the health of your passengers and others involved is the most important thing to focus on.
Call 911 and report the accident to the emergency operator. The operator will make sure that the appropriate emergency services are contacted and/or dispatched to the accident location, as well as ensure that a full report of the accident is documented. This report is necessary for many parties, including insurance companies, court reporting, attorneys, and police.
Exchange contact information with the other water travel vehicle operator involved in the accident. Also, be sure to get the names and contact information of all passengers involved in the accident.
Get the contact information of any witnesses that may have observed what happened. Witnesses can be crucial in proving fault through the legal process.
Examine the physical damage to your property and document any damages that occurred from the accident. Take good photos of damages to your boat or vessel and to any other water vehicles involved.
Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as you are safe and able to do so.
Per Illinois state law, file a government report with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) if there was an injury that required more than first aid, a death, or the total property damage is $2,000 or more. This report must be filed within 5 days of the incident.
Hold off on repairing any damage to your property until the attorneys and insurance companies have all of the information it needs. Wait to perform any repairs.
Contact a reputable law firm to discuss the appropriate steps in the claims process. We can help you through this confusing process.