Kennewick Personal Injury Lawyers

Kennewick Boating Accident Lawyers

Strong advocacy for Tri-Cities boating accident victims and families

As the weather warms, many Tri-City 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 lawyers are boating enthusiasts ourselves. We represent personal injury victims 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 in Southeast Washington. We’ve helped numerous victims and families obtain strong just settlements and verdicts. We’re ready to handle your boating accident case today.

What are popular waterways in the Kennewick area?

Kennewick, Richland, and Pasco residents all 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:

  • Columbia Park Pond
  • Dalton Lake
  • Marmes Pond
  • Mesa Lake
  • Powerline Lake
  • Scooteney Reservoir

Why do boating accidents happen in Kennewick?

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 Tri-Cities region include:

  • Negligent and reckless operations of the boat. Accidents often occur because boaters speed, fail to understand or follow the rules of navigation, operate their boats while intoxicated or distracted, or fail to appreciate the dangers of boat operation, including the proximity of other boats and swimmers.
  • Not having the proper education. All boat operators are required to have the credentials and experience necessary to operate the boats safely. Operators of boats powered by a motor of 15 hp or more or a private watercraft (PWC) are required to complete an approved boater education course. Other licensing requirements may apply.
  • Operating while intoxicated. Some boat passengers enjoy drinking while out on the water. However, boat operators must be sober or serious accidents or deaths can occur.
  • Defective boat equipment. Defective boat equipment may include defective engines, fuel systems, electrical components, and batteries. Defective equipment can lead to steering dangers, carbon monoxide poisoning, fires, and other dangers. Defective life jackets and other accessories may lead to tragic consequences.

The weather in Southeast Washington 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.

What types of boating accidents do your Tri-Cities lawyers handle?

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:

  • Vehicles that capsize
  • Any type of collision between a boat and another vessel
  • Accidents involving canoes, houseboats, sailboats, kayaks, speedboats, motorized boats, cargo boats, party boats, pontoons, racing boats, riverboats, and cruise ships
  • Accidents involving kiteboards, water skis, jet skis, parasailing, grounding, kneeboards, and wakeboards

We also represent swimmers, SCUBA divers, and anyone else in or near the water who is injured or dies.

What types of injuries occur in boating accidents?

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:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Traumatic amputation/loss of limb
  • Fractures/broken bones
  • Nerve damage
  • Tissue, ligament, or muscle damage
  • Neck, shoulder, or back pain
  • Internal bleeding and organ damage
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Other serious injuries

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.

Who is responsible for my Kennewick boating accident?

Our Kennewick boating accident lawyers file personal injury claims and wrongful death claims against all responsible defendants. These may include:

  • The boat/watercraft operator
  • The boat/watercraft owner
  • A manufacturer of a defective boat equipment item or safety item
  • A company that rents boats
  • A company that provides rides to boats
  • Other defendants

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.

What’s the value of my boating accident claim?

Each boating accident case in the Tri-Cities 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:

  • Your medical expenses
  • Your pain and suffering
  • Your lost income and benefits
  • Any scarring and disfigurement
  • Loss of function of a body part
  • Loss of consortium
  • Any property damage

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.

What’s the time limit for filing a boating accident claim in Washington?

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.

Do you have a boating accident lawyer near me?

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.

Speak with a Kennewick boating accident lawyer now. Contact Team Telaré today

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 Kennewick, Richland, Pasco, Walla Walla, Pullman, Othello, Moses Lake, Ritzville, and all of Southeast Washington. Call our Kennewick attorneys now or use our contact form to schedule a free consultation.

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