Practice Areas

Motor Vehicle Accidents

• Car Accidents
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Semi Truck Accidents
• Pedestrian, Crosswalk, Bicycle Accidents
• Passenger Van Accidents
• Drunk Driving (DUI) Collisions
• RV and Motor Home Accidents
• Delivery Truck Accidents
• Distracted Driving Accidents
• Bus, Shuttle, Taxi & Mass Transit Accidents
• ATV Accidents
• Boating & Personal Watercraft Accidents

Wrongful Death

Injuries to Minors & Children

Serious Accidents & Catastrophic Injuries

• Head Injuries & Brain Damage
• Back & Spinal Cord Injuries

Insurance Coverage Disputes & Bad Faith Claims

Medical Malpractice, Surgery Errors & Hospital Injuries

Dog Bites & Animal Attacks

Nursing Home Neglect & Elder Care Abuse

Library

Boating & Personal Watercraft Accidents

• 2009 Boating Statistics
• What Does Boating Negligence Entail?
• Boating Statistics 2008

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Washington Cruise Ship, Boating & Personal Watercraft Accident Lawyers

Boating Accident Lawyers in Seattle, Bellevue and Renton

Cruise ship, boating and personal watercraft (Jet Skis and Sea Doos) accidents often occur due to negligence. They can result in serious and sometimes deadly injuries. There are many different types of water sport accidents, including accidents that occur during recreational activity, on a cruise ship, navy vessel, or via maritime work. Regardless of the type of boating accident involved, a boating accident lawyer specializing in personal injuries from boating and water sport accidents can help recover any damages lost as a result of the accident.

We can help no matter where your boating accident may have occurred. Whether close to Seattle and Bellevue in Lake Washington, Lake Sammamish, or Lake Union; or while you are vacationing at Lake Chelan, the San Juan Islands, Hood River, or elsewhere. Boat, watercraft, and jet ski accident injury attorneys at the Davis Law Group can help you. Having experience with water-related accident claims, we have the skill and expertise necessary to represent you.

If you or a family member has suffered personal injury as the result of a boating or personal watercraft accident, Seattle Attorney Chris Davis and the Davis Law Group, P.S. can help you. We can help whether you live in Bellevue, Everett, Kirkland, Federal Way, Tacoma, Auburn, Olympia, Burien, Renton, Redmond, Federal Way or the greater Seattle area. Having substantial experience with pedestrian and bicycle accident claims and trying these cases in court, the Davis Law Group has the skill and expertise necessary to help you.

FREE Boating Accident Case Review

Call 206-727-4000 now for a FREE conversation about your boating or personal watercraft accident case. There is no obligation to hire a lawyer.  We are usually retained on a contingency fee basis. There is no fee until our personal injury attorneys successfully recover fair compensation for you.   

Boating Accident Attorneys in the State of Washington

We can help whether you live in Auburn, Bellevue, Bellingham, Bremerton, Cascade, Edmonds, Everett, Federal Way, Kennewick, Kent, Kirkland, Lakewood, Longview, Olympia, Redmond, Renton, Richland, Seattle, Shoreline, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, Yakima or the greater Seattle area. Having substantial experience with boating accident claims and often trying these kinds of cases in court, the Davis Law Group has the skill and expertise necessary to help you.

Boating & Personal Watercraft Accident Statistics

2009 Boating Statistics now Available

2009 Boating Statistics provided by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are now available in the Firm Library.

Boating Accidents at a Glance

The Coast Guard received reports for a total of 6,419 recreational boating accidents in 2001. The casualty data for 2001 showed 681 fatalities and 4,274 injuries.

Life Jackets & Risk of Dying in a Boating Accident

Four hundred and ninety-eight (498) boaters drowned in 2001. Life jackets could have saved the lives of approximately 420 boaters who drowned. In 2001, approximately eight out of every 10 victims in fatal boating accidents were not wearing life jackets. Boaters continue to be at a greater risk of dying when involved in an accident during the fall and winter months than in the summer. Besides the colder weather and water, there are fewer boaters and patrol officers in the area to rescue boaters in distress. When waters are below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, hypothermia can set in quickly. Those who hunt and fish from boats, especially in colder weather, need to dress for possible immersion and wear their life jackets. Boaters in larger bodies of water should also take advantage of using available distress alerting and position indicating technologies to improve their chances of survival if a mishap occurs.

Boat Accident Fatalities by Known Boat Length

Eighty-five (85) percent of fatalities occurred on boats less than 26 feet in length. Seventy-two (72) percent of those victims drowned. Specifically, 322 fatalities occurred on boats less than 16 feet in length and 254 occurred on boats 16 to less than 26 feet in length.

Alcohol Involvement in Fatal Boating Accidents

Alcohol involvement in fatal accidents accounted for thirty-four (34) percent of all boating fatalities -- up eight (8) percent from 1999. A Coast Guard study estimates that boat operators with a blood alcohol concentration above .10 percent are estimated to be more than 10 times as likely to be killed in a boating accident than boat operators with zero blood alcohol concentration.

Boating Accident Fatalities by Known Boat Operator Education

Approximately eighty (80) percent of all boating fatalities occurred on boats where the operator had not completed a boating safety education course.

Boating Accident Causes

Nearly 70 percent of all reported accidents involve operator controllable factors. The primary causes of accidents are operator inattention, careless/reckless operation, operator inexperience, operating at an unsafe speed, and no proper lookout.

Types of Boating Accidents

“Capsizings” and “Falls Overboard” accounted for 386 fatalities, nearly sixty (60) percent of all reported boating fatalities. Nine out of every 10 of those victims drowned . “Collision with Another Vessel” was the most reported type of accident . These accidents resulted in 1,366 injuries and accounted for nearly nine (9) million dollars in property damage.

Age of Boating Accident Fatality Victims

Twenty-six (26) children age 12 and under lost their lives while boating in 2001. One hundred and thirty-seven (137) boaters died in the 40-49 age group category -- the highest number reported for any age group.

Types of Boating Accident Casualties By Types of Vessels

Three hundred and fifty-two (352) fatalities occurred with the use of open motorboats, just over half of all boating fatalities. One hundred and one (101) people lost their lives while using canoes/kayaks in 2001. Approximately ninety-three (93) percent of canoe/kayak deaths were caused by drowning. Fifty (50) fatalities occurred with the use of Personal Watercraft (PWC), the lowest number of PWC fatalities reported since 1993. Approximately eighty (80) percent of all reported injuries were associated with the use of open motorboats (46%) and PWC (34%). Lacerations were the most reported type of injury for open motorboats. For PWC, broken bones were the most often reported type of injury.

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Blog for Boating & Personal Watercraft Accidents

• 2009 Boating Statistics:

  Description: Boating Accidents Statistical Report (2009)

• What Does Boating Negligence Really Mean?

  Description: One of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to boating is what does negligence on the water entail? These questions are warranted because it feels like the rules of the water are a lot less clear and the rules of the road but the importance of the knowing the rules of the water cannot be overstated.

• 2009 Boating Accident Statistics Available

  Description: 2009 boating accident statistics that are provided by the Florida Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

• Reporting a Boating Accident

  Description: Federal law requires the operator – or owner, if the operator is deceased or unable to make the report

• Boating This Weekend? Avoid the Arboretum | Boating Accident Lawyer

  Description: Fourth of July in Seattle is often synonymous with boating. Everyone gets out on Lake Union early to guarantee a spot for the evening fireworks show.

• What Qualifies as a Negligent Boating? | Seattle Attorney

  Description: As the sun continues to come out more and more, many people will be headed out to the water of Lake Washington or the Puget Sound.

• Washington Man Dies In Memorial Weekend Boat Crash

  Description: A 63 year old man was pronounced dead after a boating accident on Memorial Day weekend.

• Seattle Fishing Boat Sinks In Gulf Of Alaska | Washington Boat Accident Lawyer

  Description: Seattle Fishing Boat Sinks In Gulf Of Alaska | Washington Boat Accident Lawyer

• Ferry Boat Worker Injured in Edmonds | Washington Boat Injury Lawyer

  Description: A Washington State Ferry Worker received boat accident injuries when hit by a car Wednesday afternoon in Edmonds.

• Kayakers Rescued by Seattle Fire Boat | Seattle Boating Accident Lawyer

  Description: Davis Law Group's Personal Injury Lawyers have experience in many different types of boating accident cases, whether it's recreational, work or otherwise. They can help you in your boating accident or injury case.

• Man Injured in sinking boat on Seattle Waterfront | Washington State Boat Accident Lawyer

  Description: Washington State personal injury Attorneys at Davis Law Group, P.S. can help you with your case.

• Lake Tapps Boating Accident Leaves One Dead l Washington Lawyer
• 2009 National Safe Boating Week l Washington Boating Accident Attorney
• 1 dead, 9 hurt in Lake Tapps boat collision

  Description: A speeding boat traveling in the dark collided with another boat on Lake Tapps near Bonney Lake.

• Nine people injured and one killed in Lake Tapps boat collision
• Bothell Teacher Dies In Lake Washington Boating Accident
• Boating Fatalities Have Increased in Washington State
• Spokane woman's arm severed by boat propeller in boating accident
• Lake Tapps Boating Incident Proves That Life Jackets Save Lives

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Library for Boating & Personal Watercraft Accidents:

• 2009 Boating Statistics [PDF]
  Description: 2009 Boating Statistics provided by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conversation Commission
• What Does Boating Negligence Entail?
  Description: One of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to boating is what does negligence on the water entail?
• 2007 Boating Accident Statistics [PDF]
  Description: 2007 boating accident statistics
• Recreational Boating Statistics for 2007 [PDF]
  Description: Boating Statistics from 2007 provided by the Coat Guard and Department of Homeland Security
• Boating Statistics 2008 [PDF]
  Description: Boating Statistics for the year 2008 from the Coast Guard and Department of Homeland Security
• Seattle man dead in boating accident
  Description: ARTICLE: Seattle man dead in boating accident
• Northwest recreational boating fatalities increase over first half of 2008
  Description: The 2008 boating season is still new but recreational boating fatalities have risen to nearly 18 percent higher than this time last year.
• May 17-25 - National Safe Boating Week
• Boating accident kills man; second man rescued from Lake Washington
  Description: A boat outing on Lake Washington turned deadly when a Duvall man died and his friend was hospitalized after an accident involving a high speed and possibly alcohol.
• Boating Accident Kills Five
  Description: Five people - including a father and son from Seattle - died as their boat jockeyed for position for a large fireworks show.
• Seattle man dies in boating accident on American Lake
  Description: A 54-year-old Seattle man died Saturday in a boating accident on American Lake, the Pierce County Sheriff's Department said.

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Frequent Questions for Boating & Personal Watercraft Accidents:

• What "rules of the water" do I need to observe while boating?
• Where can I find Washington’s Boating Laws?
• Can I get arrested if I operate a boat while intoxicated?
• What is a BUI? (boating under the influence or boating while intoxicated)

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Case Results for Boating & Personal Watercraft Accidents:

• $600,000 Settlement in Boating Accident Case

Awarded: $600,000 Settlement Boating Accident

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Web Resources for Boating & Personal Watercraft Accidents:

• Boat Accident Injures Woman
• Queen City Yacht Club

  Description: Queen City Yacht Club has been a part of the Northwest United States boating community since 1916. With an active membership of over 500 power and sail boaters, the Club is active in all phases of boating in our Northwest waters. Club members also participate in community activities, social functions and are part of the local racing scene.

• Center for Wooden Boats

  Description: Offers free boat rides on Seattle's Lake Union every Sunday afternoon; has many boats available for rent from the livery; and offers many Adult and Youth workshops and sailing classes.  
  

• Puget Sound Yacht Club

  Description: The membership is made up of  individuals who value safe boating and wish to share their boating experiences with other boaters. The majority of the boats are small to medium size power boats but there are a number of sail boats in the fleet and the Club welcomes new members with all types and sizes of water craft.

• Salmon Bay Marina

  Description: Salmon Bay Marina and Boat Sales is a spacious 168-slip boat moorage in Seattle with covered and open berths. In addition to Seattle moorage for Yachts and pleasure craft, there is trailer, RV, auto, boat and Kayak storage.
  

• Lake Union Sea Ray

  Description: Lake Union Sea Ray is a premier authorized sales and service dealer of the most distinguished brands in boating including Sea Ray, Bayliner, Boston Whaler, Trophy and  Meridian Yachts. Sea Ray also locations in Redmond, Fife, Bellingham, and Everett.

• Seattle Boat Company

  Description: Seattle Boat Company is Washington's premier full-service marine dealer, offering the most comprehensive boat service and marina services on Lake Washington & Lake Union.
  

• Admirality Yacht Club Sales

  Description: The largest dealer of Catalina, Delphia, CR Yachts, and Altima Yachts in the Pacific Northwest. Whether considering a sailboat, motoryacht, or electric boat, Admirality Yacht Club Sales is a resource for potential boat owners.
  
  

   

• CJ Marine

  Description: Located in Des Moines, CJ Marine is a great resource for boat owners who are looking for parts, repairs, or full service repair. In addition, CJ Marine is a great resouce to for potential boat owners.

• Allison Marine Service

  Description: A great boating store located in Kent that offers everything from fishing supplies to repairs and serivce.

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