At the Law Offices of Jon Friedman, our boat collision lawyers in Portland, Oregon know that the five primary contributing factors in accidents that occur on the water are the result of operator inattention, improper lookout, operator inexperience, excessive speed, and alcohol or drug use.
When negligence is a factor during a boat’s operation, the occupants can be severely injured during incidents that could have been avoided, which is why we provide the legal representation injury victims need to pursue the financial recovery they deserve.
More Boats. More Inexperienced Boaters. More Accidents.
Accidents can happen whether you are on your boat or a private or publicly owned vessel. The number of people boating increases every year, which leads to more boating accidents.
Common causes of boating accidents include:
Traveling on unsafe or poorly maintained passenger vessels
Colliding with another boat or object
Being hit while in the water by a boat, Jet Ski, or water skier
Onboard gas explosions
Failure to follow safe navigation or boating regulations
Through no fault of their own, victims of boating accidents often see a delay in receiving medical services, simply because the medical professionals must find the boat first, which can lead to even small injuries becoming life-threatening because it takes time to reach victims out in the water.
The United States Coast Guard Statistics Support Negligent Boating Claims
Last year, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) reported nearly 4,200 boating accidents throughout the country that involved 613 deaths, 2,559 injuries, and approximately $55 million in property damage as a result of recreational boating accidents.
In Portland, the effects of alcohol consumption are thought to be responsible for at least a third of all boating accidents, with estimates from the USCG stating that any operator of a boat who has a blood alcohol concentration of 0.1% or more has a potential for causing an accident more than ten times greater than someone who has consumed no alcohol at all.
Some of the more startling statistics associated with boating accidents in Oregon and throughout the country last year also included:
Alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents accounting for 23% of all boating fatalities
There were 171 accidents in which at least one person was struck by a propeller, accounting for 35 deaths and 155 injuries
Where the cause of death was known, 79% of fatal boating accident victims drowned; the majority of whom — recorded at 86% — were not wearing life jackets
The most common vessel types involved in reported accidents were open motorboats (45%), personal watercraft (19%), and cabin motorboats (16%).
The vessel types with the highest percentage of deaths were open motorboats (48%), kayaks (14%), and personal watercraft (8%)
Inexperience remains a significant part of boating accidents, as 70% of the fatalities occurred on boats where the operator did not receive boating safety instruction, compared to the 20% of deaths that occurred on vessels captained by an individual with a nationally approved boating safety education certificate.
What Duty Does the Boat Owner or Operator Have to Ensure My Safety?
First, boat owners and/or operators have a duty to provide a safe environment for their occupants, which includes remaining sober while operating the vessel, and providing enough life jackets for each passenger on board.
Any boat owner or operator involved in an incident is required by Oregon state laws to offer assistance where needed and provide the details of their name and boat registration for the accident report.
They are also required to file a report to state authorities within a specified time when someone has been injured, lost their lives, or when the property has been damaged during their operation of the vessel.
Contact Our Portland Boating Accident Lawyers Today For a Free Consultation
If you have been hurt in a boating accident in Portland or elsewhere in Oregon, seek medical care immediately and contact our Personal injury attorneys in Portland to learn more about your rights to pursue the boat’s owner or operator. We will uncover the negligence that caused your injuries during an independent investigation to ensure we are holding the proper party, or a combination of parties, responsible for your damages.
If you believe you have a claim and have questions or concerns about how to properly pursue it, please contact our Multnomah County personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Jon Friedman today by calling (503) 242-1440 for a free confidential assessment of your claim.
Jon and his staff were incredibly professional, respectful and fought hard for me and my case. Not only did they help me navigate this incredibly complicated process but I felt that Jon and the people he works with legitimately took my wellbeing seriously and made sure I understood and was on board at every juncture. Regardless of the roadblocks that...
- Mike V.
Mr. Friedman is an excellent attorney and his guidance and responsiveness was not only helpful but above and beyond the service I expected. Jon and his team are outstanding and highly recommend.
- Aaron L.
When I first contacted Jon Friedman, he was very patient and listened to every word I told him about my fall and injuries. He asked questions and seemed genuinely concerned about me and asked if I had been seen for my injuries. I had been seen initially, however, I didn't have insurance to continue treatment, so Jon helped in guiding...
- Jena L.
A friend of mine recommended Jon, after hearing I had been in an auto accident. From our first phone call, through the consultation, all the way to the end, Jon was professional, affable and on top of everything. He urged me to advocate for myself when visiting doctors to make sure I received the proper care and frequently checked in...
- Cher M.
I was involved in a motorcycle accident back in 2019 and needed legal council to proceed towards addressing financial hardships and guidance. I looked up several lawyers online and Jon was the one who I felt had the knowledge, experience, and personality that could really help with my case. Jon was with me from the first day I called him...
- Bradley L.
I highly recommend Jon Friedman to anyone who is looking for legal representation. After getting injured in an accident, I needed someone who would provide guidance in an unfamiliar and extremely stressful to me situation. I couldn't have asked for a better representative and advisor than Jon. He expertly took over the unpleasant business of dealing with multiple agencies and...
- Natalya W.
Jon & his staff were straight-forward, speedy & reliable when helping us win our personal injury case. Jon was willing to take the extra time needed to explain each step in the legal process, in terms we could understand. My case revolved around my young daughter, whom Jon treated delicately & with a father's sensitivity. I truly feel that protecting...
- Erin B.
Care and Compassion may be unusual adjectives to describe an attorney, but combine that with Expertise and Advocacy, and you have Jon Friedman! Jon is an incredible lawyer who knows the ins and outs of Personal Injury cases. Jon is diligent in his advocacy of client rights and is invested in the outcome of his clients. I was in an...
- Steph H.
Excellent lawyer, but even better person. Jon came very highly recommended, but still managed to exceed all expectations. He provided expert legal advice in connection with a motor vehicle accident I was involved in that ultimately required neck surgery. Jon is an open and honest, no-nonsense lawyer that truly cares about his clients. He was extremely responsive, always available, and...
- P Hayes
Most of the times there is nothing good you could say about an accident, however, in my case there was one good thing and it was that I got to have the guidance and support of this Lawyer, Jon. I did not at any point feel alone throughout this whole 2 year process. His professionalism was impeccable at every moment....
- Sandra J.
Jon was a huge help in navigating the ins and outs of my car accident. I would retain his legal services if needed in the future and recommend him. Thanks again Jon for all the help.
- Thomas
When I was seriously injured in a pedestrian vs. automobile accident I didnt know what to do. The medical bills were going to be stacking up, which I couldn't afford, and I did nothing wrong. I did some searching and found Jon. After meeting with him he immediately took charge of my case and everything was taken care of from...
- Tony L.
Thank you Jon for helping me.
- Jeanne G.
Jon is great! He has helped my family through some tough times. He is a tireless advocate and won't give up until he can find a solution. Jon communicates every step of the way through the legal process and always involved us in all the major decisions. He helped us navigate the confusing legal world. We would highly recommend him...
- Liz K.
Jon is amazing. So much so that I have hired him TWICE. Being in an accident SUCKS. The insurance company-- even your own company-- is out for them, and them only. You need someone to fight for you. That's Jon. He doesn't just sit back and collect... he WORKS for you. Fights for you. And is so proactive. He hires...
- Katie B.
Jon Friedman is very good at what he does. Jon was very patient, professional, and responsive when he helped me with a recent MVA. Jon explained the process well and made sure I always involved and informed. I highly recommend Jon Friedman and would used him again in a heartbeat. Thank you Jon!
- Anonymous
Jon was caring, knowledgable, and worked hard to represent me with my injury claim. Would certainly recommend him to others. I now have peace of mind and can go on with my life. Dorothy
- Dorothy M.
Jon was the best support I could have had through two long years. Sometimes I'd just want to give up. He'd stop, explain what I had to do and why; the process wouldn't look so daunting. I've been around personal injury cases for decades. I've never seen a lawyer who is better at helping people through the parts of the...
- Darlene W.
Over 25 years ago my husband was in an accident. Jon won him an outstanding settlement. Fast forward. I am in an accident. We didn't know who to call until we remembered Jon. I called him and once again he came through. We just settled my claim last week and it was everything that we had asked for. I would...
- Lorrie
I didn't realize I needed the services of an attorney until it was almost too late to make a claim. Jon made sure everything was completed quickly and smoothly and his compassion really made it less stressful for me. He was very clear in guiding me through the insurance and legal processes and thanks to Jon, I have a settlement...
- Maya K.
I would recommend Jon Friedman to anyone! He exceeded all of my expectations and helped me obtain a generous settlement. I was involved in a motor vehicle accident that required 2 surgeries on my neck. Jon helped me every step of the way. I would have been lost without his expertise. Jon treated me as a individual and not "just...
- Michele J.
Mr. Friedman cuts to the chase and lets you know up front exactly what is going on and if you have a valid issue. He is dependable, follows through with his promises, calls in assistance when needed, and is forthright and fair in conclusion. I give him 5 stars because he earned 5 stars. I highly recommend Jon. Thank you.
- Jan N.
If you are looking for an attorney to represent you to the fullest... I will admit that John Friedman is the lawyer you are looking for! Yes there are a lot of lawyers out there, but will they bend over backwards for you? Jon will! He translate and put things in writing to where "YOU" can understand it. The insurance...
- Asia V.
My family will forever be grateful to John for his kind and persevering help for me after my injury. It is very lonely and scary to recover and rebuild your life after a major injury. Having John as my advocate gave me hope and allowed me to focus on getting healthy once again. I was impressed at John's abilities to...
- Patty M.
I have known Jon Friedman for twenty years and never thought the occasion would happen where I would need his services...but as life goes I was involved in a serious accident and thought that I could handle the insurance company claims adjustor and all the pressure from the physical healing, work, and negotiations. I was in way over my head...
- Brian B.
If there was a single highlight to being in a car accident, it was being able to work with Jon Friedman. Jon was referred to me by friend of mine after I was involved in a fairly bad car accident. Jon went above and beyond to make sure that I was comfortable, taken care of, and got everything I deserved....
- Geoff S.
I didn't want to hire a personal injury attorney but the car insurance company was giving me the run around and didn't even want to pay my medical bills. So I called around and found this place he has been honest, upfront with the whole process and I would recommend him to anyone who has been injured in the Portland...
- James J.
It was a pleasure meeting and working with you. No words my thanks. I appreciate everything you have done. Thank you for caring about me as one of your clients. That’s special and hard to find. You are one of a kind. Also, thank you for being straight forward and honest with me. You treated me like I’m a someone,...
- Leeann B.
Dear Jon Friedman I want to thank you so much for obtaining a VERY satisfactory settlement in my accident injury case. I felt I was well represented by you! Your constant communication made me feel that I was your first priority, though I realize you had a large case load with other clients. As a manager in a large organization...
- Michael
A friend referred me to see Jon Friedman at a very low point in my life. Three months earlier I’d been hit in two auto accidents within 20 days. I thought, initially, that the pain I was experiencing afterward was a matter of muscle sprains and that if I saw a chiropractor, the pain would go away within a month...
- Jeannie H.
Jon Friedman helped me to an extent I could never have expected.I was hurt in a car accident. My initial attorney came well recommended but was frequently unavailable and was not communicating with me about very important issues. It was very stressful and I felt that I was on my own.That changed when I found and consulted with Jon Friedman....
- Michael T.
In 2010, while waiting at a signal light, our car was ‘rear-ended’, resulting in its total loss. We sustained severe injuries to multiple body areas, including the need for a hip replacement. We were referred to Jon Friedman, attorney, to guide us through the complicated process of MVA litigation. From our initial meeting we realized Mr. Friedman was a patient...
- Dorothy and Hap S.
I was involved in an auto accident on Jan,6,2013. I found Jon Friedman online or maybe by fate. I personally had no car insurance but the person that wrecked my truck did. I did not know that their insurance would cover me. I had extensive medical bills but my personal health care provider also did not cover auto accidents. Jon...
- Carl B.
Jon was so wonderful to work with. He was always available to answer my questions and concerns in a way that I was able to understand. Jon is a straight shooter and definitely someone you’d want in your corner to ensure that you are not taken advantage of. Jon is very compassionate, caring and very good at what he does....
- The Josephs
After my car accident in May 2009; I was referred to Jon Friedman Attorney; I am very thankful for that referral. Jon worked on my case everyday for many, many months. It was not easy at times & I had many, many questions for him during my case. Each time I asked a question, he had an answer; if not...
- Caroline
Attorney Jon Friedman has all the experience and dedication any person would want in a lawyer. I appreciate his drive and determination. He is focused, and motivated to help.
- A. Connett
Jon – I should have contacted you from the start. After the accident I thought everything would go smoothly and I could handle it on my own. My mistake. I am fortunate that I got in touch with you. Once you had the info you took the ball and ran with it. You had many suggestions that I had not...
- Anonymous
Jon, I found your place page when I google’d for your phone number. As I plan to tell you on the phone when I call: I can’t thank you enough for helping me after my car accident. I am in such a good place now thanks to your help and patient guidance! I was amazed at all of the details...
- Rhonda D.
Jon is passionate about helping his clients AND a pleasure to work with.
- Anonymous
Hello, My name is Dale J. Finding an attorney is never easy or fun, especially if you need one due to a traffic accident. I was in severe pain, not working and starting to build a huge mountain of doctor bills. That’s when a friend of mine said, Go See Jon Friedman !!! He Will Help You !!! During my...
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