As summer kicks off and Colorado’s lakes come alive with outdoor enthusiasts, the risk of water-related accidents rises. Whether you’re navigating a powerboat on Lake Dillon or riding a jet ski at Blue Mesa Reservoir, accidents can happen in an instant. Knowing what to do after a boating or jet ski accident can protect your health, your rights, and your potential injury claim.
Here are the Top 5 Things to Do After a Boat or Jet Ski Accident in Colorado, straight from a boat accident lawyer who’s helped many clients navigate these difficult waters.
1. Get to Safety and Seek Medical Attention
Your first priority after a boat or jet ski accident is safety. If you’re in the water, make sure you and others are out of immediate danger. Move to a secure area if possible and call 911 immediately if anyone is injured.
Even if you feel fine, get checked by a medical professional. Many serious injuries—including concussions, internal trauma, and whiplash—may not show symptoms right away. Medical records also create critical documentation for your injury claim.
2. Report the Accident to the Authorities
In Colorado, boating accidents that result in death, serious injury, or property damage exceeding $500 must be reported to Colorado Parks and Wildlife within five days. If the accident involved a personal watercraft (PWC) like a jet ski, the same rule applies.
Failing to report the accident could result in fines and may also hurt your chances of receiving fair compensation later. A knowledgeable lake accident attorney in Colorado can help guide you through the reporting process.
3. Gather Evidence at the Scene
If you are physically able, gather as much evidence as possible:
- Take photos of the damage to all vessels and the surrounding area
- Document injuries sustained
- Get names and contact info of all parties involved
- Record witness statements if possible
- Note weather and water conditions
The more evidence you preserve, the stronger your case will be if you pursue a claim for a jet ski injury or boating accident.
4. Do Not Admit Fault or Make Statements to Insurers
After the accident, you may be contacted by an insurance adjuster or another party’s lawyer. Do not admit fault, speculate about what happened, or provide a recorded statement without speaking to your attorney.
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims. A skilled boat accident lawyer can handle communications on your behalf and protect your rights from the start.
5. Speak with a Lake Accident Attorney in Colorado
Boating and jet ski injury cases can be complex. Liability may fall on a negligent operator, boat rental company, or even a manufacturer. Colorado lakes draw crowds, especially in June and July, increasing the risk of collisions and overcrowding accidents.
Working with a lake accident attorney in Colorado ensures you:
- Understand your legal options
- Preserve evidence and meet filing deadlines
- Pursue maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
Many attorneys offer free consultations, so there’s no risk in getting professional advice tailored to your case.
Final Thoughts
A boat or jet ski accident can quickly turn a fun day on the water into a painful and confusing ordeal. By taking these five steps, you can prioritize your safety, protect your rights, and position yourself for the best possible legal outcome.
If you or a loved one has been injured on a Colorado lake, speak to a trusted boat accident lawyer today. The team at Veritas Injury Lawyers understands the unique laws that govern lake accidents and personal watercraft injuries in Colorado—and we fight to make sure truth wins.
