43+ Years
Legal Experience
About John Merriam
John Merriam brings a unique perspective to maritime law, having spent 12 years as an unlicensed seaman in the U.S. merchant marine. During this time, he worked his way through college and law school, supported by a scholarship from the Seafarers Int'l Union. For the past 30 years, he has dedicated his legal career to maritime law, with a specialized focus on representing claimants in maritime injury and wage cases for the last 16 years.
The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for advice about your situation.
Practice Areas
Washington Car Accident Laws
Understanding Washington's accident laws is critical when pursuing a claim. Here are the key legal rules that apply to your case:
Statute of Limitations
3 years
Time limit to file a claim
Negligence Rule
pure comparative fault
How fault is determined
Min. Insurance (BI/PD)
$25K/$50K/$10K
Per person/per accident/property
Insurance System
At-Fault
At-fault driver's insurance pays
Frequently Asked Questions
What is John Merriam's area of legal expertise?
John Merriam specializes in maritime law, focusing on maritime injury and wage claims.
How long has John Merriam been practicing maritime law?
John Merriam has practiced maritime law for over 30 years.
What unique experience does John Merriam have?
John Merriam spent 12 years as an unlicensed seaman in the U.S. merchant marine.
Where is John Merriam based?
John Merriam is based in Bellevue, Washington.
Contact Information
Need Legal Help?
Contact John Merriam for a free consultation about your accident case.
Call for Free ConsultationAfter an Accident
- 1Seek immediate medical attention
- 2Document the scene & gather evidence
- 3File a police report
- 4Don't speak to insurance adjusters alone
- 5Contact John for a free case review



