Pendleton Boat Accident Lawyer

Injured on the Water? We Represent Victims of Boating Accidents in Eastern Oregon

Boating is a way of life in Eastern Oregon—whether you’re fishing on the Columbia River, enjoying a day on McKay Reservoir, or spending time with friends and family at Cold Springs Landing.

But when someone operates a boat carelessly or violates safety rules, it can lead to serious injury or even death. At Hess Injury Law, our Pendleton boat accident lawyers represent individuals and families who have been injured in recreational boating accidents across Pendleton and the surrounding region.

If your day on the water ended in a collision, capsize, explosion, or other preventable incident, we’ll help you hold the at-fault party accountable and pursue the compensation you need to recover.

Causes of Boating Accidents in Eastern Oregon

Many boating accidents involve preventable negligence. Boaters have a duty to operate their vessels safely and in accordance with Oregon’s boating laws. When they fail to do so, the consequences can be devastating.

We represent clients injured due to:

  • Operator inattention or distraction
  • Speeding or reckless maneuvers
  • Boating under the influence (BUI) of alcohol or drugs
  • Overloading the vessel or improper weight distribution
  • Inexperienced or unlicensed operators
  • Collisions with other vessels, docks, or fixed objects
  • Mechanical failure or poorly maintained equipment
  • Falls overboard and drowning incidents

Whether the accident happened on a privately owned boat, a commercial vessel, or a rental watercraft, we can investigate the cause and determine who is legally responsible.

Types of Boating Accidents We Handle

Our firm handles a broad range of recreational and small-vessel boating injury cases, including:

  • Personal watercraft (Jet Ski, Sea-Doo, etc.) crashes
  • Boat-on-boat collisions
  • Swimmers or skiers hit by boats
  • Marina or dockside injuries
  • Capsizing or sinking due to unsafe operation
  • Explosions and fires caused by fuel leaks or faulty systems
  • Drowning or near-drowning accidents
  • Wrongful death cases involving fatal boating injuries

These incidents often involve complicated liability issues, multiple parties, and insurance companies looking to minimize their exposure. We step in to protect your interests and ensure you’re treated fairly.

Common Injuries in Boating Accidents

Injuries sustained in boat crashes or water-related incidents can be severe, especially when victims are thrown overboard or struck by propellers. We represent clients suffering from:

  • Traumatic brain injuries from blunt-force impact or lack of oxygen
  • Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
  • Deep lacerations, amputations, or propeller wounds
  • Internal bleeding or organ damage
  • Severe burns from explosions or fires
  • Hypothermia or complications from cold-water immersion
  • Wrongful death resulting from drowning or catastrophic trauma

We work closely with your medical team and outside experts to understand the full impact of your injuries—physically, emotionally, and financially.

Compensation Available in Oregon Boating Accidents

If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to significant compensation under Oregon law. That may include:

  • Emergency and long-term medical expenses
  • Lost wages and future earning potential
  • Rehabilitation and assistive devices
  • Pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life
  • Permanent disability or disfigurement
  • Wrongful death damages for surviving family members

We know how to handle insurance negotiations, including claims involving private boat owners, commercial operators, or defective products.

Why Choose Hess Injury Law

Boating accident claims are different from car accident claims. They often involve maritime regulations, unique evidence, and complex insurance coverage issues. At Hess Injury Law in Oregon, we bring the experience, resources, and trial readiness needed to succeed in these cases.

Clients trust us because we offer:

When you hire us, you get an advocate who understands both the legal issues and the personal impact these accidents have on you and your family.

Don’t Wait—Talk to a Pendleton Boat Accident Lawyer Today

You have limited time to pursue a boating injury claim in Oregon, and the sooner you act, the better we can preserve evidence, document your injuries, and build a strong case. If you or a loved one was injured in a boating accident near Pendleton, reach out to Hess Injury Law through our website to schedule a free consultation.

We’re ready to help you get answers, accountability, and the compensation you deserve.