1 - Your medical condition: Seek appropriate medical attention immediately. Many injuries and their symptoms do not show up right away, so you must be thoroughly examined.

2 - Your evidence: Always call the police and gather information, as there could be important evidence at the scene that needs preserved. Examples include photos of damage and debris, videos of witnesses providing statements and photos of the positioning of the boat. It’s also important to note any useful information including how fast you were going, where the accident took place, who you were with, what the weather was like, descriptions of the water traffic conditions, the full names, addresses, and phone numbers of passengers, witnesses, and drivers, insurance information from other drivers involved, and any other details you can remember. Do not give recorded statements to the other party’s insurance company or investigator without having your law firm involved.

3 - Your position: Answer all appropriate questions pertaining to your loss. Did you have to take off work a few weeks to recover? Are you now permanently disabled? Did you have to change jobs? Have you endured prolonged physical pain? Did you lose a loved one? The answers to these questions will help in building your case. Even if you are unsure if the accident was your fault, it is important not to admit guilt until an attorney investigates your case.