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Teens Rescued After Dragon Boat Capsizes In Lake Washington...
Posted on 7/26/2011
One Killed When Boat Capsizes In Puget Sound Near Camano Island...
Posted on 5/11/2011
Washington Man Dies In Hydroplaning Race Accident...
Posted on 4/20/2011
Two Injured In Boat Accident Under Evergreen Point Floating Bridge...
Posted on 3/26/2011
Man Dies After Falling Overboard From Sailboat Near Cathlamet, WA...
Posted on 11/25/2010

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Boat and Watercraft Accidents

If you or someone you know has been seriously injured in a boat accident or collision caused by the negligence of the boat driver, call a Washington boat accident attorney at Andrew Kim Law Firm, PLLC for a free initial consultation at 1-800-636-3676.

We live in one of the most beautiful regions in the country, surrounded by the Cascade and Olympic mountains, many rivers and lakes, and the Pacific Ocean. During the summer months, we head out to the water in our boats to cruise around, swim, fish, water ski in Lake Washington in Seattle, Lake Sammamish, American Lake in Tacoma, Lake Chelan, and Moses Lake. Or maybe we set sail in Puget Sound for the San Juan Islands, or go on a fishing trip off the Washington coast near Ocean Shores, Westport, Grays Harbor County.

Unfortunately, accidents happen on the water with boats just like on the roadway with cars, and when they do happen, the injuries can be more serious and sometimes end in tragic death of a boating passenger. The causes of the boat crashes can be reckless speed, inattention, or usually the combination of drinking and driving.

Just recently a man was sentenced to three counts of homicide by watercraft for being under the influence of alcohol when he capsized a boat on the Nisqually River June 12, 2008 causing the deaths of three people who were thrown overboard. In another case on Lake Washington, a motorboat collided with a sailboat that was moored just off the shoreline when it was traveling at a high rate of speed. And in Lake Sammamish, a boater ran over a swimmer in mid afternoon severing the swimmer's limb with the boat propeller.

We can help you sort through and answer the many questions that are probably running through your mind after an accident or loss. For example, do I have a claim, who do I file against, what insurance coverages are available, are there time constraints for bringing an action, can I get my medical bills paid, what about my wage loss, who will investigate the accident and preserve the evidence?

Call a Seattle boat accident attorney, Bellevue boat accident, at 1-800-636-3676 and speak with a boat injury lawyer now.

Blog for Boat and Watercraft Accidents

Library for Boat and Watercraft Accidents:

How To Safety Tow Your Boat On Washington Highways And Interstates
Follow these helpful safety tips to reduce your chances of being involved in a vehicle accident while towing your boat in Washington State.
2011 Washington State Boating Fatality Statistics Reveal Importance of Life Jackets
This summer’s Washington boating accident and fatality statistics are yet another reminder of how important life jacket safety is while out on the water.
Seattle's Seafair weekend is next week! Which means Lake Washington will be packed with thousands of boaters and swimmers enjoying the (hopefully) sunny weather, U.S. Navy Blue Angels show and the famous hydroplane races. Before you hit the waters next weekend, read the Seafair 2011 Notice to Boaters to make sure you and your passengers have a fun and safe experience at Seafair! [PDF]
Seafair 2011 Notice to Boaters for the upcoming Seafair weekend, provided by Seattle boating accident attorney Andrew Kim Law Firm.
Washington Boat Safety: Navigating Around Bridges And Dams
It is important for all boaters to understand the potential dangers surrounding bridges and dams. A Washington State boat accident lawyer explains more.
Washington Boat Accidents And Mechanical Failures
This week a Seattle water taxi crashed into a dock injuring seven people - and initial reports say that a mechanical failure was to blame in the boat accident. Unfortunately, mechanical failures, mechanical issues, and mechanical problems are a common cause of boat accidents in Washington State.
Washington Boating Safety: Importance of Life Vests
Life jackets are called life jackets for a reason - they can be the difference between a minor boating accident injury and a boating accident fatality. Do you know the Washington State life jacket boating laws? Learn more to keep your boating adventures safe and injury-free this summer in Washington.
The Most Common Boating Accident Injuries In Washington State
As you might guess, boating accident injuries are quite different from accident injuries sustained in other types of vehicles. Among the most common boating accident injuries in Washington State are lacerations, head injuries, drowning, and hypothermia.
Boat Accidents And Hypothermia | Washington Boat Accident Injury Lawyer
Hypothermia is an extremely dangerous condition in which your core body temperature drops to unsafe levels - and it is a common consequence of boating accidents during cold Washington State winters. Wearing the proper boating gear, such as a wetsuit, life jacket, and waterproof layers, is key to preventing hypothermia - as is initially avoiding a capsizing incident.
Common Causes of Capsizing Boats | Preventing Boat Capsizing | Washington State Boat Accident Lawyer
Most boat accident injuries and boat accident fatalities involve the water vessel capsizing and throwing the boat's occupants overboard. How does a capsizing incident take place, and what are the common reasons that a boat capsizes? Learn the most common causes of boat capsizing accidents.
What To Do If Your Boat Capsizes | Washington State Boat Accident Attorney
No matter what the reason for your capsizing accident, it is vital to know what to do in the minutes and hours after your boat capsizes. In addition, learning the safety precautions to take before a capsizing incident can save you from boat accident injuries and boat accident fatalities.
Boat Accidents And Speeding | Washington Boat Accident Attorneys
A weekend on a Washington State Lake on your boat can be a fun activity for all involved - but speeding in your boat or racing irresponsibly can lead to serious boat accidents and boat accident injuries. Learn more about the dangers of speeding in your motorboat, speedboat, or cigar boat.
Boater Fatigue And Washington Boat Accidents
Boating under the influence slows your reaction times, impairs your judgment, and increases your chances of a boating accident. But did you know that boating fatigue can cause the exact same things? Learn more about boater's fatigue, why it happens, and how it can make your day on the water more dangerous.
National Boating Statistics
How safe is boating, and how can you make your boat trip safer? One way we can learn to prevent future boating accidents is to read about the most common causes of past boat accidents. What are the most common causes of boat accidents? How many boat accidents happened across the country last year? Find out by reading our boat accident statistics.
Boating Under The Influence
Boating can be great fun for the whole family on the weekends or during vacations. However, drinking and boating can be a potentially deadly mix that could harm you, your family, or others on the water. Learn more about boating under the influence.

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Videos about Boat and Watercraft Accidents:

Boating under the influence

Web Resources for Boat and Watercraft Accidents:

Adventures in Boating Washington Handbook
Description: Boating Basics Section, It's the Law Section, Other Information, Boating Checklist, Washington State Parks Moorage Permits, Washington State Pump-out Locations, Tide Tables for Washington,
Boaters' Reference & Phone Directory, Killer Whale Viewing Guidelines and Laws
Boating Safety Education in Washington
Description: Washington’s mandatory boater education law will eventually require all Washington recreational motorboat operators to carry a Boater Education Card, which shows that they have completed a basic boater education course. This applies to operators 12 years and older operating any type of vessel powered by 15 horsepower or more.
Coast Guard News and Video
It's the Law: Specifically for PWCs
Description: There are additional legal requirements that apply specifically to the operation of PWCs on Washington waters.
It's the Law: Specifically for Skiing
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Boat Safety Course
Description: The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary boat safety course is designed to be an introductory course to meet the boating education needs of recreational boaters.
Who May Legally Operate a Boat or PWC in Washington State
Description: Current requirements are as follows and will remain in effect.

You must be at least 14 years of age to operate a personal watercraft legally.
It is illegal to lease, hire, or rent a personal watercraft to anyone under 16 years of age.