
Seattle Boat Accident Lawyers Make Wrongs Right When Negligent Boat Operation Causes Harm
The natural beauty of Puget Sound entices recreational boaters from all over the world to visit. That makes for very busy waterways, and inevitable accidents when boat operators fail to exercise due care. Since 1959, personal injury attorneys at Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC have asserted the rights of injured boat operators and their passengers to full compensation for their losses. From property loss to serious bodily harm to wrongful death, our concerned and capable trial lawyers fight to make wrongs right.
What to Do After a Boat Accident
If you’re involved in a boat accident in Seattle, knowing what to do is crucial for your safety and for building a strong legal case.
Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention: Your priority should be the safety of everyone involved. Seek immediate medical care if anyone is injured.
Report the Accident: Washington state law requires that certain boating accidents be reported. If there are injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage, call the U.S. Coast Guard or local authorities.
Collect Information: Gather information about the accident, including boat registration numbers, insurance details of all parties, witness contact information, and take photographs of the accident scene.
Avoid Admitting Fault or Discussing the Accident: Don’t admit fault or sign anything without speaking to a Seattle boat accident lawyer first.
Contact a Boat Accident Attorney: The sooner you reach out to an experienced attorney, the more effectively your legal rights can be protected.
Why You Need a Seattle Boat Accident Lawyer
Boating accidents can be complex and may involve multiple parties. Unlike car accidents, boat accidents often fall under unique regulations that require specialized legal knowledge. A skilled boat accident attorney will help you understand your rights and legal options, guiding you step by step through the process.
RHHK’s Boat Accident Lawyers Can Help With:
- Investigating the cause of the boat accident
- Identifying liable parties, such as other boat operators, rental companies, or manufacturers of defective equipment
- Navigating maritime laws and Washington state regulations
- Handling insurance claims and disputes
- Securing fair compensation for your injuries, property damage, lost income, pain, and suffering
We recommend starting with a free initial consultation to get your case evaluated at no upfront cost to you.
Washington Boat Operators Must Follow Safety Regulations
The state of Washington has numerous regulations governing:
- Operator age and education
- Safe navigation
- Vessel length and capacity
- Proper fueling
- Properly securing a boat to a trailer
- Boat launching
- Required safety equipment
- Pollution control
- Recreational activities on the water
- Rental vessel safety
When a boat or personal watercraft operator fails to adhere to these regulations, and that failure causes or worsens an accident, the operator will almost certainly be held liable for damages. Proprietors of boat rental companies can also be liable if they do not stock their vessels with proper safety equipment.
Safety equipment companies may be held strictly liable for design defects and manufacturing defects that cause harm to boaters. Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC thoroughly investigates boat accidents to discover regulatory violations and firmly establish liability.
What Are The Major Causes of Boat Accidents in Washington State?
The leading causes of boating accidents are remarkably similar to the causes of traffic accidents. According to U.S. Coast Guard statistics, the top eight contributing factors in recreational boating accidents are:
- Operator inattention
- Improper lookout
- Operator inexperience
- Excessive speed
- Alcohol use
- Mechanical failures and defective products
- Weather and water conditions
- Lack of safety equipment
Alcohol use is the leading contributory factor in fatal boat accidents. When wrongful death occurs through accidental drowning, the overwhelming majority of victims are determined not to have been wearing life jackets.
More Stringent Laws For Boating Under The Influence in Washington
In 2013, Washington State toughened its laws for boating under the influence (BUI), making the violation a gross misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $5,000 and 364 days in jail. Testing for BUI is consistent with testing for DUI and includes alcohol and marijuana testing.
If you suspect that a boat operator’s alcohol or drug use played a role in your boating accident, make sure you express these concerns to the local sheriff when you report your accident. A positive chemical test for BUI can go a long way to establishing that operator’s liability for the accident.
Your Rights to Compensation After a Seattle Boat Accident
Boating accidents can result in serious injuries, including broken bones, spinal cord injuries, head trauma, and even wrongful death. Victims may face medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. If you’ve suffered an injury due to another’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.
Our team will fight to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills and future medical expenses
- Lost income and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage to the boat or personal belongings
- Emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life
Contact Our Seattle and Tacoma Injury Attorneys For Your Boating Accident in Washington State
The seasoned trial attorneys at Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC have the years of experience and resources to successfully prosecute your boating accident case. If you or your loved one has been harmed in an accident in Puget Sound or the state’s coastal waters, we can evaluate your case free of charge.
Call us at 253-383-5388 or contact our office online to get a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need a Lawyer to File a Boating Accident Lawsuit?
While you can technically file a boating accident lawsuit on your own, having a boating accident lawyer will significantly improve your chances of a successful outcome. They’ll guide you through the claims process, deal with the insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve. If you’ve been injured in a boating accident, it’s worth considering a free consultation with an attorney to understand your options.
If you’d like to discuss your case, reach out to us at Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler for a free case evaluation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Boat Accident Claim in Washington?
In Washington state, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including boat accidents, is typically three years from the date of the accident. It’s important to act quickly to protect your rights.
Will My Boat Insurance Cover the Accident?
Boat insurance policies vary. Your insurance may cover certain damages, but if another party is at fault, their liability coverage might be responsible for compensating you. An attorney can help navigate your claim.
How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost?
The great advantage of filing a personal injury lawsuit is that most attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis. That means that rather than charging upfront legal fees or an hourly rate, the attorney works without compensation until the case is resolved through a jury verdict or settlement. At that time, the attorney takes a percentage of the award.
The contingency fee arrangement helps plaintiffs who could not otherwise afford the costs of civil litigation to pursue just compensation without worrying about expenses. It also means that your ability to retain an excellent lawyer does not depend on your ability to pay, but rather on the attorney’s assessment of the strength of your case, or the importance of delivering justice to someone in your particular circumstances.
How do I file a boating accident lawsuit in Washington state?
Disclaimer: This information is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. Each case is unique, and we recommend consulting directly with a qualified attorney for guidance on your specific situation.
We want our clients to have an accurate picture of what a boating accident lawsuit entails. The process is rarely quick and easy; defense counsel and insurance companies often employ delay tactics to wear a plaintiff down. Filing a boating accident lawsuit in Washington State can be a complex process, particularly because it often involves maritime law, negligence claims, and sometimes state or federal laws.
For your consideration, here are the standard steps involved in filing a claim:
- Determine liability: In a boating accident, determining liability involves showing that someone else’s negligence caused the accident. To establish liability, you’ll need evidence such as witness statements, accident reports, and expert testimony. A boating accident lawyer can help build a strong case by investigating the incident and consulting with experts in maritime law.
- File an insurance claim: Before resorting to a lawsuit, you will likely need to file a claim with the insurance company of the at-fault party. Washington is an at-fault state, meaning that the person responsible for the accident is liable for damages. However, insurance companies may try to reduce the amount they pay or deny your claim.
- File the lawsuit: To initiate the lawsuit you will need to file a complaint in the appropriate state court. The complaint outlines your claims, the damages you seek, and the legal reasons for holding the other party responsible.
Once your lawsuit is filed, the other party will have the opportunity to respond. The discovery process will follow, where both sides exchange information, take depositions, and gather evidence. Many cases are settled out of court through negotiation or mediation.
If a settlement cannot be reached, the case may go to trial, where a judge or jury will decide the outcome based on the evidence and arguments presented.
Get Started
Do you have a case?
At Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC we have the skill and experience to take on a wide range of personal injury cases throughout Washington state. From motor vehicle accidents to workplace injuries – our reputation and success rates keep opposing counsel on edge.

Frequently Asked Questions
We have answers to some of the most common Washington personal injury questions. These are resources for injury victims.
Do I need a lawyer to file a personal injury lawsuit?
It is not necessary to retain a lawyer to file your personal injury lawsuit. You should base your decision to involve an attorney on a reasonable assessment of the pros and cons. Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC is a highly reputable personal injury law firm that has served Washington since 1959. We deliver value to our clients that far outweighs the fees we collect. But before you retain any attorney, you have to be satisfied that the benefits exceed the costs. We offer these points for your consideration.
What is the statute of limitations in Washington for personal injury?
A statute of limitations is state law; throughout the country, different states set different time limits for identical causes of action. Within each state, different causes of action have different time limits. In Washington, for personal injury lawsuits, the statute of limitations is three years.
How much does a personal injury lawyer cost?
The great advantage of filing a personal injury lawsuit is that most attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis. That means that rather than charging upfront legal fees or an hourly rate, the attorney works without compensation until the case resolves through a jury verdict or settlement. At that time, the attorney takes a percentage of the award. The contingency fee arrangement helps plaintiffs who could not otherwise afford the costs of civil litigation to pursue just compensation without worrying about expenses. It also means that your ability to retain an excellent lawyer does not depend on your ability to pay, but rather on the attorney’s assessment of the strength of your case, or the importance of delivering justice to someone in your particular circumstances.
How do I file a personal injury lawsuit in Washington state?
At Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC, we want our clients to have an accurate picture of what a personal injury lawsuit entails. The process is rarely quick and easy; defense counsel and insurance companies often employ delay tactics to wear a plaintiff down. We offer this page as a primer for anyone who has a cause of action and is considering a personal injury lawsuit.
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