What to Do After a Boating Accident in Alabama

Alabama offers some of the best boating in the country. But a perfect afternoon can change in a split second. If you find yourself in a boating accident or emergency, knowing the immediate and legal steps to take is crucial for everyone’s safety and your own protection.

The team at Morris Haynes Attorneys at Law has compiled this guide on what you need to do following a boating accident in Alabama.

Stop Immediately and Check for Injuries

Just like on the road, leaving the scene of a watercraft accident is a serious legal violation. Stop the boat to prevent further danger. Account for all passengers on your boat and ensure no one was thrown overboard.

Check everyone involved for obvious signs of trauma. If someone is severely hurt or missing, call 911 immediately. Even if everyone appears to be okay, calling for medical attention is always important to rule out underlying injuries.

Help the Injured Without Endangering Your Crew

Alabama law requires vessel operators to help anyone injured or in distress, provided you can do so without putting your own passengers or boat at risk. This might mean throwing out a personal flotation device, pulling someone from the water, or rendering basic first aid while waiting for emergency responders to arrive.

Exchange Contact and Vessel Information

Once everyone is secure and stable, you must exchange critical details with the other boat operators. Make sure to write down or take a photo of:

• Full names, phone numbers, and physical addresses of the operators and passengers
• The hull identification number (HIN) and state registration numbers for all boats involved
• Insurance company names and policy numbers

Document the Scene Thoroughly

Memories fade quickly, which is why it’s so important to document the scene thoroughly. If it is safe to do so, use your phone to capture:

• Photos and video: Take close-ups of the damage to all watercraft, wide shots of the surrounding area, the weather conditions, and any visible injuries.
• Witness details: If passengers on other boats or people on nearby docks saw what happened, ask for their names and phone numbers.
• Timeline notes: Jot down the exact time, location, and what the water conditions were like right when the crash occurred.

When you’ve been in a boating accident in Alabama and work with Morris Haynes, our team works to gather and organize all evidence for your case. As Alabama’s Billion Dollar Law Firm, we get results that matter for our clients.

Know the Alabama Boating Accident Reporting Deadlines

In Alabama, you are legally required to file a written boating accident report with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Marine Patrol Division if the incident meets specific thresholds.

The reporting window depends heavily on the severity of the situation. Deaths or disappearance typically have to be reported within 24 to 48 hours. Injuries requiring medical treatment beyond first aid must be reported within 10 days, and any property damage totaling more than $2,000 must usually be reported within 10 days. 

FAQ

Do I legally have to stop my boat after an accident?

Yes. Alabama law requires the operator of any vessel involved in a collision or accident to bring the boat to an immediate stop at the scene. Leaving the scene of a watercraft accident is a serious legal violation.

How does fault work if I was partially responsible for the crash?

Alabama follows a strict legal rule known as pure contributory negligence. This means that if you are found to be even 1% at fault for the boating accident, you are legally barred from recovering any financial compensation or damages from the other party.

Can a law enforcement officer arrest someone at the scene without a warrant?

Yes. In Alabama, a Marine Patrol trooper, county sheriff, or authorized officer has the legal authority to arrest anyone at the scene without a warrant. But they must have reasonable grounds to believe the person’s actions contributed to the accident.

Have You Been in a Boating Accident in Alabama? Contact Us Today

If you’ve been involved in a boating accident in Alabama, contact Morris Haynes today. We have more than 250 years of combined experience, and it shows in every case we take on. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

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