What to do if you’re Involved in a Boat Accident
Maryland’s boat accident reporting regulations require boat opertors to:
- Stop their boat at the scene.
- Render assistance to any person who has been injured or who is in danger so long as they can do so without risking their safety or their passenger’s safety.
- Provide their name, address and boat information in writing, to any person who was injured, and to the owner of any property that was damaged as a result of the accident.
Reporting Requirements
A report must be filed with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) if:
- A person is killed or disappears from the boat (must be reported within 48 hours).
- A person requires medical treatment beyond first aid, loses consciousness or is disabled more than 24 hours (must be reported within 48 hours).
- There is property damage in excess of $2,000 (must be reported within 10 days).
Additionally, if a boat with Maryland registration is involved in an accident which results in the death, disappearance or injury of a person, or in property damage exceeding $2,000, the accident must be reported to the MDNR within 30 days.
Boating Accident Report Forms are obtainable from the MDNR Police. The operator of the boat or boats involved in the accident must submit the report to the MDNR Police. Information from individual reports will not be publicly disclosed and cannot be used in court.