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If you suffered injuries in a water vessel collision in Tacoma, a dedicated personal injury attorney is ready to help. They could work to develop the strongest possible claim, demand fair compensation, and fight for your best interests. Over the years, the skilled legal professionals at our firm have helped many victims of Pierce County boating incidents pursue fair payouts for their medical care, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
Working with an attorney who knows how to navigate the legal process, protect your rights, and pursue justice on your behalf allows you to focus on healing from your injuries. Learn more by scheduling a free case review with a Tacoma boat accident lawyer.
Water Recreation Is Popular in Tacoma
Tacoma offers many opportunities to get out on the water for recreation. Some local marinas and popular spots to launch your boat include:
- Dock Street Marina
- Foss Harbor Marina
- Point Defiance Park and Marina
- Gig Harbor Marina and Boatyard
- Fox Island Boat Launch
However, traffic on local waterways increases your risk of accidents and injuries. Boating accidents can cause severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and spinal cord injuries. Fractures, concussions, cuts, and abrasions are very common.
Frequent Causes of Tacoma Boating Accidents
There are several types of boating accidents. Most occur because of a careless boater or another party’s misconduct. Some ways in which boat passengers, swimmers, kayakers, and others sharing the waterways can suffer injuries include:
- A collision between two boats
- Falling onboard while the boat is in motion
- Falling off the boat into the water
- A boat hitting a stationary object
- A boat hitting a swimmer or kayaker
Like other types of accidents, a boat collision can cause immediate and dramatic changes to a person’s life. Some do not recover from their injuries for months or even years. Others live with life-altering impairments. Even those with relatively minor injuries can incur thousands of dollars in medical expenses. Thankfully, Washington law allows victims to recover financially for these costs.
You Could Hold a Negligent Tacoma Boater Liable
When one person acts carelessly and causes injury to another, the negligent party is legally responsible for the victim’s injuries and losses. Victims can pursue compensation to pay for their losses—also known as damages—by filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company or suing in a Pierce County civil court.
Doing so could allow you to recover money for your injury-related expenses and losses, including:
- Medical bills
- Future care costs
- Lost income
- Reduced ability to work
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Lost quality of life
To develop the strongest possible case, it is necessary to determine what happened and identify who is liable for the accident and your injuries. This will require investigating the incident—drunk, drugged, inexperienced, or reckless boaters are often to blame. A proactive Tacoma boat injury attorney could manage the investigation while you continue your physical and emotional recovery.
Deadlines Apply for Suing Any Negligent Parties
There is a strict deadline for suing an at-fault boat driver in Washington. Most cases settle without requiring a lawsuit or going to trial, but it is essential to know and understand this deadline when you begin the legal process.
This deadline does not apply to insurance claims. However, having the ability to sue if necessary, often provides leverage when negotiating a fair settlement.
Under RCW 4.16.080, personal injury victims have up to three years to pursue legal action after their accident. Missing the deadline could cause you to permanently lose the right to sue. A court is extremely unlikely to allow you to file a lawsuit after this date, which is why it is crucial to enlist the help of a well-practiced lawyer soon after suffering losses in a Tacoma boat crash.
Call a Tacoma Boat Accident Attorney Today for a Free Case Review
You do not have to handle your boat accident case on your own—connect with one of the dedicated legal professionals at our firm. They could assess your case and discuss your options for pursuing compensation.
Our firm does not charge clients anything upfront, and we only get attorney’s fees for cases we win. You have nothing to lose. Let a Tacoma boat accident lawyer help you fight for the money you need and deserve. Call today to get started.
