Recent boating statistics demonstrate that boating accidents are on the rise.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, from 2013 to 2014, deaths increased from 560 to 610, an 8.9% increase, injuries increased from 2,620 to 2,678, a 2.2% increase and the total number of accidents increased from 4,062 to 4,064, a 0.05% increase. Where the cause of death was known, 78% of fatal boating accident victims drowned; of those drowning victims, 84% were not wearing a life jacket. The most common types of vessels involved in reported accidents were open motorboats, personal watercraft and cabin motorboats. The vessel types with the highest number of fatalities were open motorboats, canoes and kayaks. Go here to read the entire USCG report.

How and when to file a boating accident report after a boat crash in Washington, D.C.

Federal law requires the operator – or owner, if the operator is deceased or unable to make the report – to file a boating accident report with the State reporting authority when, as a result of an occurrence that involves a boat or its equipment:

• A person dies;
• A person disappears from the vessel under circumstances that indicate death or injury;
• A person is injured and requires medical treatment beyond first aid;
• Damage to vessels and other property totals $2,000 (lower amounts in some states and territories) or more;
• The boat is destroyed.

Go to this site to learn about filing a boating accident report.

Boating laws in the District of Columbia

Learn about the specific boating laws in the District of Columbia by going to this site. Topics covered in the reference guide include boating education, operator age, water skiing, boat noise, numbering & titling, personal watercraft, boating under the influence, personal flotation devices and more.

Common causes of Washington, D.C. boating accidents include:

• operator inexperience;
• operator inattention;
• passenger/skier behavior;
• weather;
• equipment failure;
• reckless operation;
• failure to yield;
• excessive speed and alcohol use.

When someone is injured in a Washington, D.C. boating accident, what needs to happen next?

When someone is injured, it is crucial to get appropriate medical treatment, regardless of the financial cost. The major hospitals in the area include:

George Washington University Hospital;

Howard University Hospital;

Sibley Memorial Hospital.

As soon as possible, an injured person should contact their insurance company to find out how medical treatment is covered under their insurance policy.

Personal injury lawyers offer a no-cost claim evaluation to help you.

Since there is no cost to speak with a lawyer, it is a good idea to learn more about your potential claim. Accident Data Center can connect you with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can provide you with information about your rights and options.