Boating and watercraft accidents occur all too frequently in the Pacific Northwest. With its abundance of lakes and rivers, accidents such as drowning, falls overboard, collisions, carbon monoxide exposure, capsizing, and skier mishap occur. There are many reasons boating accidents occur: excessive speed, the use of alcohol or drugs, improperly maintained or defective boating equipment and negligence on the operator's part. Washington State alone has between 20-30 fatalities and 4,000 injuries from watercraft mishaps a year. Accidents also occur when operating a jetski ("personal watercraft" or "waverunner"), sailboats and motor boats. Whether your boating accident occurred on Lake Washington, Lake Union, Lake Sammamish, Lake Chelan or in the Puget Sound, you will need an experienced attorney to help you obtain compensation for your injuries.

Owners of private boats have an enormous obligation to their passengers. They must maintain the boat's safety, provide an adequate number of personal flotation devices (PFD) and must maintain caution while operating their vehicle around bridges, docks and other boats. Many boating accidents occur due to the use of alcohol or illicit drugs. It is a criminal offense to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol. If a passenger or someone is injured while the boat operator is intoxicated, the operator is liable for injuries and damages suffered by the victims.

The Farber Law Group is experienced with maritime law and other Washington State laws as they relate to injuries you may have suffered as a result of a boating accident. In the case of a fatal boating accident, the family is entitled to compensation for the loss of a loved one. Contact The Farber Law Group for a free consultation, with over 30 years of experience in the Pacific Northwest, we are here to help you.