According to the U.S. Coast Guard, there are 134 boating accidents each year in Washington state. Most of those accidents occur because the operator makes an error. Over 1.1 million dollars in property damage was attributed to boating accidents in Washington in 2004.
Collisions with boats or other watercraft is the most common type of accident; over one third of accidents involve collisions. There are other causes such as reckless or drunk driving, capsizing, boat malfunctions, and falling.
Any accident that occurs on a boat, ship, ferry, or jet ski is considered a boating accident. Drivers are required to exercise the highest level of care to prevent injuries, but many of them do not realize how powerful and dangerous watercrafts really are.
The owner or operator of a boat or ship is required to fill out a boating accident report any time there is loss of life, injury requiring professional medical care, property damage, or if any person disappears. There is a statute of limitations on the report. One of the best things you can do,
if you were the victim of a Washington boating accident, is consult with a qualified boating accident lawyer. That way your rights are protected.
If you or someone you know have been injured in a Washington area boating accident, call the
Washington personal injury attorney, Todd Peterson. We know how to make sure your rights are protected in the event of a boating accident. We work in both Oregon and Washington State. Contact Peterson Law Offices by phone at (503) 280-0888 to discuss your boating accident claim.
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