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Whidbey Island Crash Leads to Felony Charge for Navy Sailor

In a serious crash on Miller Road in early 2024, a U.S. Navy man, Amani J. Waatsa, was charged with vehicular assault in Island County Superior Court. The incident involved a single-car collision that left both Waatsa and his 22-year-old passenger with serious abdominal injuries—including ruptured bladders—after the car struck a tree.

Authorities reported the odor of alcohol, the presence of a Bacardi bottle in the vehicle, and confirmed through testing that Waatsa had alcohol in his system at the time of the crash.

What Is Vehicular Assault in Washington?

Under RCW 46.61.522, vehicular assault is a Class B felony and occurs when a person causes substantial bodily harm to another while:

  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (see RCW 46.61.502)
  • Driving recklessly
  • Driving with disregard for the safety of others

Penalties for conviction may include:

  • Up to 10 years in prison
  • A $20,000 fine
  • License suspension
  • A permanent felony record

Passenger Injuries in DUI Crashes

Passengers injured in drunk driving accidents—like the one in this case—can file a personal injury claim against the driver’s insurance policy. This is true even when the passenger knows the driver or they are both military personnel.

Injured victims may be able to recover compensation for:

  • Emergency transport and hospitalization
  • Surgery and long-term medical care
  • Lost income during recovery
  • Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma

If you’ve been injured in a crash caused by a driver who may have been under the influence, it’s critical to:

  1. Seek immediate medical attention
  2. Document the scene and injuries
  3. Avoid speaking with the driver’s insurance company alone
  4. Contact a personal injury attorney

How Blanford Law Can Help

At Blanford Law, we represent crash victims across Washington—especially those harmed by drunk or reckless drivers. We’ll help you:

  • Investigate liability
  • Prove the driver’s intoxication or negligence
  • Maximize your compensation under Washington law

📞 Free Consultation Available

Injured in a DUI-related crash on Whidbey Island or elsewhere in Washington?

Contact Blanford Law today at ken@blanfordlaw.com or 253-720-9304 to speak with an attorney who understands vehicular assault and DUI injury law.

Additional Resources