Vehicle Accidents /

Maritime Injuries / Boating Accidents

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.

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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.

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$7.0 M
Client was exposed to ammonia gas by a trucking company that wrongfully released the gas. Client suffered injuries to both eyes, reactive airway disease, significant PTSD and severe depression preventing client from returning to his previous employment.
$1.9 M
Client was the victim of medical malpractice when the emergency room failed to diagnose a bowel obstruction, resulting in severe intestine injury and a colostomy.
$1.3 M
Client was bitten by a dog and suffered C-Diff infection and multiple hospitalizations.
$1.2 M
Client was the victim of a defective product when the coupler unit between his tractor and trailer failed, causing his arm to be crushed.
$1.2 M
Client was involved in a traumatic motorcycle accident. Client underwent multiple surgeries for comminuted fractures of his tibia and fibula resulting in limitations to his ability to work.
$1.05 M
Client was involved in a high speed collision on Interstate 5 when a driver of a Box Truck fell asleep and crossed over several lanes pushing her vehicle over an embankment. Client sustained traumatic brain bleed, fractured shoulder, hip and knees requiring over three months of intensive care and hospital admission
$920,000
Client was involved in a truck accident that caused his wrongful death. He was crushed when the truck hit him from behind as he was unloading items from his vehicle.
$875,000
Client was a pedestrian and was struck by a car while crossing in a crosswalk. Client was transported to the hospital but unfortunately died as a result of the injuries.
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We have answers to some of the most common Washington personal injury questions. These are resources for injury victims.

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  • Our experience with Dan Kyler and Vern Harkins was excellent from the beginning and we were very satisfied with the end results.
  • Dan Kyler and Mike Fisher were professional and dedicated throughout the entire process. I would recommend this law firm to anyone.
  • Vern Harkins perseverance and hard work made it possible to get the maximum settlement from the insurance company. I know he had my interest in mind as demonstrated by his actions.
  • Dan Hannula’s hard work helped to settle my auto accident case.
  • Michael was outstanding. He was always professional, prepared, available for questions, and on top of my case. I highly recommend him and will always consider him to be my first choice for legal matters I need resolved.
  • Mr. Fisher has helped me in the past and is very trustworthy and sincere. I would recommend Michael and of course anyone else at Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler.
  • My father was sick and dying, I needed assistance and I need it fast. With a single call to Mr. Fisher’s office, I was warmly welcomed, swiftly assisted and free of the concerns... I am forever grateful to Mr. Fisher for his exquisite services in my time of need.
  • The office staff were courteous, pleasant and kept me informed as to what was going on throughout the whole ordeal.
  • I am extremely satisfied with the service I experienced with this firm and I would recommend them to anyone that needs legal representation. Michael Fisher and his staff are great people.
  • John Wilson demonstrated his professionalism by keeping us current on our case, explaining our options, giving us realistic expectations and demonstrating the highest level of ethics and integrity beyond reproach. We have the highest confidence that we were well represented.
  • I have been a client of Dan Kyler’s since 1996. Having had numerous car accidents, I rely upon the Tacoma auto accident attorneys at RHHK to help me through them. The most obscure questions have been answered and help is given on all levels.
  • Mr. Fisher has helped me in the past and is very trustworthy and sincere. I would recommend Michael and of course anyone else at Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler.
  • Our experience with Dan Kyler and Vern Harkins was excellent from the beginning and we were very satisfied with the end results.
  • The office staff were courteous, pleasant and kept me informed as to what was going on throughout the whole ordeal.
  • Having a motorcycle accident was bad enough, let alone dealing with insurance companies. John Wilson and his staff made everything easy to understand and hassle free.
  • John Wilson demonstrated his professionalism by keeping us current on our case, explaining our options, giving us realistic expectations and demonstrating the highest level of ethics and integrity beyond reproach. We have the highest confidence that we were well represented.
  • Michael was outstanding. He was always professional, prepared, available for questions, and on top of my case. I highly recommend him and will always consider him to be my first choice for legal matters I need resolved.
  • Mr. Fisher is an outstanding lawyer. He’s knowledgeable, responsive, and kept me informed at all times. I would definitely recommend him to anyone in need of a good attorney.
  • My father was sick and dying, I needed assistance and I need it fast. With a single call to Mr. Fisher’s office, I was warmly welcomed, swiftly assisted and free of the concerns... I am forever grateful to Mr. Fisher for his exquisite services in my time of need.
  • Mike Fisher is an example of a quality attorney who sets high standards in servicing his clients in the highest regard as an attorney and he is part of a great firm.
  • Vern Harkins perseverance and hard work made it possible to get the maximum settlement from the insurance company. I know he had my interest in mind as demonstrated by his actions.
  • I am extremely satisfied with the service I experienced with this firm and I would recommend them to anyone that needs legal representation. Michael Fisher and his staff are great people.
  • Having a motorcycle accident was bad enough, let alone dealing with insurance companies. John Wilson and his staff made everything easy to understand and hassle free.
  • Dan Hannula’s hard work helped to settle my auto accident case.
  • John Wilson demonstrated his professionalism by keeping us current on our case, explaining our options, giving us realistic expectations and demonstrating the highest level of ethics and integrity beyond reproach. We have the highest confidence that we were well represented.
  • I have been a client of Dan Kyler’s since 1996. Having had numerous car accidents, I rely upon the Tacoma auto accident attorneys at RHHK to help me through them. The most obscure questions have been answered and help is given on all levels.
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