Washington State Ferries (WSF) carries millions of passengers each year, making it one of the largest ferry systems in the country. With that many people traveling across Puget Sound, even a relatively small number of accidents can affect passengers, crew members, and ferry operations.

When someone is injured aboard a ferry or at a terminal, the crew and terminal personnel are responsible for responding to the situation and helping coordinate any necessary emergency assistance. The response may vary depending on the severity of the injury, the vessel’s location, and whether the passenger needs immediate medical attention.

For serious medical emergencies, ferry crews may provide initial assistance, communicate with emergency responders, and coordinate a plan to get the injured passenger to medical care. WSDOT has highlighted examples of ferry employees responding to medical emergencies and working with local emergency services to help passengers in distress.

How Common Are Passenger Injuries on Washington Ferries?

Although ferry travel is generally safe, passenger injuries do occur. Washington State Ferries tracks injuries and reports qualifying incidents through the Federal Transit Administration’s National Transit Database.

According to WSDOT’s fiscal year 2025 performance report, Washington State Ferries recorded 36 passenger injuries while carrying approximately 19.4 million riders. That represented 1.9 passenger injuries per million passengers, above the agency’s goal of one or fewer injuries per million riders.

The report also identified slips, trips, and falls as the most common types of reportable passenger injuries. Of the 36 injuries recorded, 17 occurred aboard vessels and 19 occurred at ferry terminals. Incidents happened on flat surfaces as well as stairs and ramps, highlighting the potential hazards passengers may encounter throughout their trip.

These figures demonstrate why ferry operators must pay attention to walking surfaces, passenger areas, ramps, and other locations where people may be injured.

What Types of Accidents Can Injure Ferry Passengers?

Passenger injuries can happen in several ways, both aboard a vessel and while traveling through a terminal. Some common examples include:

  • Slip-and-fall accidents: Wet decks, rainwater, spills, and other slippery surfaces can cause passengers to lose their footing. Stairs and ramps may present additional risks.
  • Boarding and disembarking accidents: Passengers may trip, fall, or lose their balance while moving between the terminal and vessel, particularly when navigating ramps or uneven surfaces.
  • Collisions and sudden movements: Unexpected vessel movements or contact with another object can cause passengers to fall or strike nearby structures.
  • Crowded walkways: Congestion near stairways, entrances, and passenger seating areas can make it harder to move safely and avoid obstacles.
  • Falling objects: Unsecured luggage, equipment, or other items may shift during a crossing and strike or injure passengers.
  • Vehicle-related incidents: Passengers walking through vehicle areas may face hazards involving moving vehicles, loading operations, or other traffic-related activity.

Not every accident automatically means the ferry operator is legally responsible. However, the circumstances surrounding an injury may raise questions about whether reasonable safety measures were taken to protect passengers.

What Should You Do If You Are Injured on a Washington Ferry?

If you are hurt aboard a Washington ferry or at a terminal, taking a few practical steps can help protect your health and preserve important information about the incident.

  1. Notify a crew member or terminal employee. Report the accident as soon as possible. Ferry personnel need to know what happened so they can respond and determine whether additional assistance is necessary.
  2. Request medical attention. Even injuries that initially seem minor may require evaluation. If you experience significant pain, dizziness, difficulty moving, or other concerning symptoms, seek medical assistance promptly.
  3. Document the accident scene. If you are physically able, take photographs of the area where the incident occurred. Capture relevant conditions such as wet floors, damaged surfaces, obstacles, poor lighting, or other potential hazards.
  4. Collect witness information. Ask anyone who saw the accident for their name and contact information. Witness accounts may help establish what happened and identify conditions that contributed to the injury.
  5. Keep relevant records. Save medical bills, treatment records, receipts, and any communications with ferry personnel or the agency. Write down what happened while the details are still fresh.
  6. Be careful when communicating about the incident. Provide accurate information when reporting what happened, but avoid guessing about the cause of the accident or making assumptions about who is responsible.

Taking these steps can help create a clearer record of the incident if questions about liability or compensation arise later.

Who Is Responsible for a Ferry Passenger’s Injuries?

Determining responsibility after a ferry accident can be complicated. Depending on where and how the injury occurred, potential liability may involve a ferry operator, a government agency, a maintenance contractor, or another party.

For example, if a passenger slips on a wet walkway that was not properly maintained or addressed, investigators may need to examine who was responsible for inspecting and maintaining that area. If an injury occurs because of an unsafe boarding ramp, the condition of the equipment and the procedures used during boarding may become relevant.

The location of the accident also matters. An injury aboard a vessel may involve different legal considerations than an accident at a terminal or on a connecting walkway. Because ferries operate in navigable waters, certain incidents may also raise questions involving federal maritime law, Washington state law, or other applicable legal rules.

Establishing liability generally requires examining the specific facts, including the condition of the property or vessel, applicable safety procedures, maintenance records, and the actions of the parties involved.

Can You Recover Compensation After a Washington Ferry Accident?

Passengers who suffer injuries because of another party’s negligence may have legal options for pursuing compensation. Depending on the circumstances, recoverable damages may include medical expenses, lost income, reduced future earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other losses associated with the injury.

However, claims involving public ferry systems or government entities can involve special procedures and deadlines. Maritime law may also affect which legal rules apply and where a claim can be brought. These issues can make it important to understand the circumstances of the accident before deciding how to proceed.

Anyone injured in a ferry accident should consider speaking with an attorney who can review the incident, identify potentially responsible parties, and explain the legal options that may be available. A passenger who lives in or near Pierce County may want to consult with Jacobs and Jacobs Personal Injury Law Group to discuss the circumstances of the accident and determine what steps may be appropriate.

Staying Safe While Traveling on Washington Ferries

Washington’s ferry system connects communities and provides an essential transportation service, but passengers should remain aware of their surroundings throughout their trips. Wet walking surfaces, stairs, ramps, crowded passenger areas, and vehicle loading zones can all create potential hazards.

Ferry personnel have an important role in responding to emergencies and maintaining safe operations. Passengers can also help by following posted safety instructions, watching their footing, securing personal belongings, and reporting hazardous conditions.

If an accident does occur, prompt medical attention and careful documentation can make a difference. Understanding how the incident happened and whether another party may be responsible can help injured passengers make informed decisions about their next steps.