As the weather warms, many local residents use all types of boats and watercraft to enjoy the Columbia River and the other local waterways. The enjoyment of basking in the sun, catching some trout, enjoying the scenery, water-skiing, or just floating around does come with some risks. Boat operators need to understand how to operate their boats. They need to understand the regulations of any rivers, lakes, or ponds where they navigate. Failure to follow the applicable rules can cause deaths, drowning, catastrophic injuries, and serious injuries.
At Telaré Law, our Kennewick boat accident lawyers are boating enthusiasts ourselves. Our knowledgeable personal injury attorneys represent people hurt in all types of vehicle accidents, including canoe, kayak, motorboat, jet-ski, sailboat, and all types of boating accidents. We understand the rules of navigation, the proper safety protocols, and who is liable for watercraft accidents. We’ve helped numerous victims and families obtain strong just settlements and verdicts. We’re ready to handle your boating accident case today.
Kennewick residents have easy access to the Columbia River for boating and other watercraft activities. According to Best Fishing in America, the Columbia River, Yakima River, and Snake River, along with numerous lakes and reservoirs, are popular places to find trout, bass, salmon, channel catfish, and other types of fish. Some of these lakes and reservoirs include:
Our Kennewick boating accident lawyers are skilled at showing how a boating accident happened and why the defendants should be held responsible. Some of the common causes of boating accidents in the region include:
The weather here can change in an instant. Rain, wind, sun glare, and fog can make steering and vision very difficult. Lighter boats may flip over. It’s critical that boaters check the weather before they start their journey and understand how to get to shore safely when the weather turns bad.
At Telaré Law, we represent both boat operators and passengers in the boat. We also represent swimmers and anyone else who is injured while outside the boat. Our Kennewick boat accident lawyers handle the following types of watercraft accidents:
We also represent swimmers, SCUBA divers, and anyone else in or near the water who is injured or dies.
Boating accidents cause many different types of injuries, depending on whether the victim was struck by another boat, fell, was hurt by any objects or debris, or other events. We represent watercraft accident victims who suffer:
Electrical shock and burn injuries are also common.
Sadly, one of the most common consequences of a boating accident is that someone dies – often, by drowning.
Our Kennewick boating accident lawyers file personal injury claims and wrongful death claims against all responsible defendants. These may include:
In some cases, multiple boat operators may be liable. Even unruly passengers may be liable.
We also work with the local Coast Guard, who are often called in to investigate when boating accidents occur.
Each boating accident case in the region is unique. We work with your doctors to fully understand what injuries you have, what treatments you will need, and all the ways your injuries are making your life difficult. We demand compensation for all your current and future damages, including:
In some Kennewick boating accident cases, we seek punitive damages.
We file wrongful death claims on behalf of the families of the victim when someone dies due to a boating accident.
Generally, boating accident victims must file their claim within three years of the accident date. Don’t wait. We need to investigate the accident site, speak with you and any witnesses, and talk to your doctors as soon as possible. The sooner we review your claim, the faster we can prepare for settlement discussions with the insurance companies or list your case for a jury trial.
Telaré Law maintains an office in Kennewick at 819 South Auburn St. Our boating accident lawyers also meet clients at our office in Richland. We do make home and hospital visits for clients when necessary. Video conferences by appointment are also a possibility.
Our boating accident lawyers have the experience, resources, and tenacity to move your case toward a just resolution.
There are unique challenges to filing and pursuing boating accident claims that are different from car, truck, and other vehicle accident claims. Our Tri-Cities attorneys understand those unique challenges. Telaré Law represents boating accident victims and families in and around Kennewick. Contact a Kennewick boat accident lawyer now to schedule a free consultation.