CHAPTER 4. WATERCRAFT ACCIDENTS
IC 14-15-4
Chapter 4. Watercraft Accidents
IC 14-15-4-1
Duties of operators
Sec. 1. The operator of a boat involved in an accident or a
collision resulting in injury to or death of a person or damage to a
boat or other property shall do the following:
(1) Stop the boat immediately and as close as possible to the
scene of the accident.
(2) Return to the scene of the accident and remain there until
the operator has complied with this section.
(3) Give:
(A) the operator's name and address;
(B) a full identification of the boat operated; and
(C) the name and address of the owner;
to the operator of each other boat and each person injured.
(4) Upon request, exhibit the operator's license to the operator
of each other boat and each person injured.
(5) Provide reasonable assistance to each person injured,
including carrying or arranging for carrying each injured person
to a physician, surgeon, or hospital for medical or surgical
treatment if:
(A) it is apparent that treatment is necessary; or
(B) the injured person so requests.
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8.
IC 14-15-4-2
Notice; reports
Sec. 2. (a) The operator of a boat involved in an accident or a
collision resulting in:
(1) injury to or death of a person; or
(2) damage to a boat or other property to an apparent extent of
at least seven hundred fifty dollars ($750);
shall provide the information required under subsection (b).
(b) An operator of a boat subject to subsection (a) shall do the
following:
(1) Give notice of the accident to:
(A) the office of the sheriff of the county;
(B) the nearest state police post; or
(C) the nearest conservation office;
immediately and by the quickest means of communication.
(2) Mail to the department a written report of the accident or
collision within twenty-four (24) hours of the accident or
collision.
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.210-2001, SEC.3.
IC 14-15-4-3
Duties of other occupants
Sec. 3. (a) If the operator of a boat is physically incapable of
performing a duty imposed by sections 1 and 2 of this chapter, each
other occupant of the boat shall perform the duty or see that the duty
is performed.
(b) If a person to whom the operator of a boat is required to
furnish information under section 1 of this chapter is physically
incapable of receiving the information, the operator shall furnish the
information to another occupant of the same boat.
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8.
IC 14-15-4-4
Violations
Sec. 4. A person who violates this chapter commits a Class C
misdemeanor. However, the offense is:
(1) a Class A misdemeanor if the accident or collision results in
an injury to a person;
(2) a Class D felony if:
(A) the accident or collision results in serious bodily injury
to a person; or
(B) within the five (5) years preceding the commission of the
offense, the person had a previous conviction of any of the
offenses listed in IC 9-30-10-4(a) or IC 14-15-8-8; or
(3) a Class C felony if the accident or collision results in the
death of a person.
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.97-2002, SEC.1.