What are the laws governing boating accidents?

In Washington, people who own and operate boats are governed by regulations and laws. All vessels and boats must register with the state, and boaters must be aware of that particular state’s rules and regulations. In addition, Washington law requires a minimum age of 14 to operate any motorized vessel and a minimum age of 12 to operate any sailboat; anyone operating a sailboat with an auxiliary motor must be at least 16 years old. The Washington State Boater’s Guide outlines the laws governing boating accidents, including the legal requirements for reporting an accident. If there is an accident involving death, injury, or property damage, the operator of the vessel must immediately report it to the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife. In the event of serious injury, the operator must also contact local law enforcement. Depending on the severity of the accident, the operator may also be required to take a sober boating test or an accident investigation test. Operators who are found to be violating laws related to the accident may face fines, jail time, and even have their boating privileges revoked. When involved in a boating accident, the operator and all others involved should contact a qualified personal injury attorney to ensure that their rights are protected. The attorney can provide legal advice, help prepare written statements, and provide guidance during the pendency of an accident investigation.

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What are the laws governing boating accidents?

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