Boating & Personal Watercraft Accidents

Boating and personal watercraft (Jet Skis and Sea Doos) recreation is part of our lifestyle and culture in the northwest. From Puget Sound to Lake Washington to Hood River to Lake Chelan, a multitude of spots in Washington State allow us to use and enjoy the water. Unfortunately, serious injuries and fatalities occur each year on the water due to the negligence and carelessness of some boaters and personal watercraft operators.

We Provide Excellent Representation

If you, a family member or a friend have been involved in a boating or watercraft accident, retain the services of a qualified attorney to ensure that all of your damages are recovered from the negligent boater. We understand the law and, as boat owners, we understand boating and being on the water. Protect your rights and recovery by enlisting our legal skill and expertise in your boating injury claim.

New Legislation Will Require Boaters to Pass a Safety Education Exam

Given the number of boaters in Washington and the current lack of standards for persons operating boats, a new law backed by the Washington Alliance for Mandatory Boater Education requires boaters operating a boat with 15 horsepower or more to understand basic boater safety. Boaters must either take safety education classes or pass an equivalency exam to obtain their mandatory Boater Education Card. Persons born before 1955 are exempt from this requirement, and the law is being phased in for all boaters by January 1, 2008.

Some Relevant Laws

• SMC (Seattle Municipal Code) 16.20.130 prohibits vessels and water sport craft from operating at a speed in excess of seven nautical miles within one hundred yards of any shoreline, pier or shore in Lake Washington and other restricted areas.
• SMC 16.28.030 requires that any watercraft pulling a skier, wakeboarder or surfboarder,
• be occupied by at least two competent persons;
• be operated in careful and prudent manner;
• maintain a distance of two hundred yards from any shoreline, pier or restricted areas.

Many municipalities around Lake Washington have similar laws governing watercraft operators and some carry criminal penalties for their violation

Taking Action to Protect Your Rights

If you or someone you know in the Seattle area or anywhere within Washington State needs legal representation or the trusted legal advice of an experienced personal injury lawyer, contact Kenneth Selander, Jr. today at 1-866-681-0002, or complete the contact form provided on this site to begin your free consultation with a skilled Seattle injury attorney.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Magazine named Kenneth Selander, Jr. a SuperLawyer in the area of personal injury law in their Summer 2007 issue. SuperLawyer status is conferred on only the top 5% of attorneys in Washington State. Click here for Ken's Super Lawyer listing.
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