If you are in a boating accident, it's important to file a report as soon as possible to get the proper compensation. Reports must be made within 24 hours of the accident. You need to notify the police, a sheriff or the closest conservation office as quickly as you can. By making a report as close to the time of the accident as possible, you will be able to make sure all parties are accounted for, the proper information is gathered by the law enforcement officials, and the reports from each witness are given in full.

If you are in an accident with another boat, it's important to make sure that you fill out the proper accident form if someone is injured, missing or dead, or if the damage to the boat or boats exceeds $750 in value. The form to file this claim is available on the Department of Natural Resources of Indiana website. When you're in a collision, you want to exchange all contact information with the other boater, and you also want to make sure that everyone stays on the scene until every passenger and driver is accounted for and uninjured or given medical treatment.

A collision with another boat is not the only time to call the law enforcement agency and a lawyer regarding your boat. If your boat capsizes, catches fire or is stolen, you should also notify the proper authorities and an attorney to obtain the insurance money or hold the thief responsible for any damage that may have occurred to your boat when you were not present.