August 5, 2025
What to Do After a Boating Accident in Michigan: Legal Guidance from Elia & Ponto
Michigan boating accidents spike each summer as thousands of vessels crowd Detroit’s waterways. From Lake St. Clair and the surrounding rivers. In 2024, Macomb County alone logged 27 reportable incidents—from sinkings and on-board fires to emergency rescues. Statewide boating fatalities have held stubbornly steady, and investigators repeatedly cite preventable factors such as boaters failing to wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, drinking while operating a watercraft, and inadequate safety training. Knowing the local statistics and steps that save lives can help every Michigan boater stay safe on the water.
If you or a loved one is involved in a boating accident, knowing the right legal steps to take is crucial. Elia & Ponto is here to help you navigate every part of the process.
Step 1: Ensure Immediate Safety
After a crash, first check for injuries. Assist others on board, call emergency services, and ensure everyone has access to flotation devices. If your vessel is sinking or unsafe, abandon ships carefully while wearing a life jacket.
Step 2: Exchange Information & Document the Scene
Much like a car accident, you should collect:
- Names and contact details of all involved
- Boat registration numbers
- Photos or videos of damage and injuries
- Witness statements (if any)
This information can be critical in future insurance claims or legal actions.
Step 3: Know When You’re Legally Required to Report
In Michigan, you must file a boating accident report with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) if:
- Someone is injured and needs medical treatment beyond basic first aid
- Someone dies or goes missing
- There is $2,000 or more in property damage
- The vessel is completely lost or destroyed
You have 48 hours to report if there’s a death or serious injury, and 10 days for property damage incidents.
Failing to report a qualifying accident can result in penalties and may limit your ability to recover damages later.
Step 4: Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
Boating accidents often involve complicated liability issues. Was another boat operator reckless? Was the vessel properly maintained? Were safety laws ignored?
At Elia & Ponto, we investigate every angle: preserving evidence, consulting maritime experts, and working directly with insurance companies so you don’t have to.
We also help clients pursue compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
Whether the accident occurred in the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, or an inland Michigan lake, you deserve clear legal guidance and strong representation.
Stay Ahead of the Risks
Boating is meant to be relaxing, not life-altering. Sadly, many serious injuries and fatalities stem from operator inattention, alcohol use, and lack of safety equipment, especially flotation devices. Michigan law requires one life jacket per passenger, and all children under 6 must wear one on deck.
If another boater’s negligence caused your injury or loss, don’t wait. Talk to a legal team that understands local laws and knows how to fight for what’s right.
We Fight for Boating Accident Victims Across Michigan
Boating accidents in the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, Macomb County and around Michigan can quickly turn a day on the water into a life-changing event. Whether the crash involved another vessel, equipment failure, or operator negligence, knowing what to do next is critical.
At Elia & Ponto, we’ve helped victims across the state recover compensation for medical costs, property damage, lost wages, and more. Our legal team understands the complexities of maritime law and fights to protect your rights after a boating injury.
Don’t navigate this process alone. If you’ve been injured in a boat crash, contact Elia & Ponto today for free legal consultation. Call us now at 855-75-EPLAW!
