Your Legal Rights After a Jet Ski Accident
Jet skis offer agility and a sense of freedom for riders. Zipping in and around other watercraft might seem like a great way to spend an afternoon, but riders are totally exposed in any accident. Many jet ski riders are struck or run over by larger vessels, and many victims reach out to our office asking if they can bring a legal claim. Whether you can sue depends on many facts, including what caused the accident. Contact our office quickly so we can inspect the ski and begin gathering other evidence.
What Causes Jet Ski Accidents?
Some common reasons for an accident include:
- Operator inexperience. The person riding the jet ski might lack experience guiding this type of watercraft. Some riders underappreciate a jet ski’s responsiveness, so they don’t understand how quickly the craft can accelerate. Consequently, a rider might crash into another vessel or simply lose control and fall off.
- Drugs or alcohol. Many people enjoy mixing water and alcohol. An impaired rider can easily make a mistake on a jet ski, even if they are experienced riders.
- Negligent boat operators. Some jet skis are struck by other vessels, for many of the same reasons: recklessness, intoxication, distraction, and negligence. A distracted boat operator could run over the jet ski.
- Jet ski malfunction. You might be shocked at having an accident because you were riding carefully when suddenly ejected. Sometimes a defect on the ski is to blame for it going out of control. The rental company might have failed to service the ski before renting it, or there might be a manufacturing defect.
- Inclement weather. Heavy winds and waves can make for an uncomfortable ride. The smart choice is to stay ashore until the weather clears.
If you were injured, the first question is to determine why. Under Florida law, a person who causes their own accident cannot sue other people, regardless of their injury. However, you might be able to bring a claim if the jet ski was defective or another boater struck you.
We can also help someone who was hit by a jet ski. Some people swimming in the ocean are hit by dangerous jet ski enthusiasts, and they can suffer serious injuries: fractures, burns, lacerations, and organ damage. Some people nearly drown and deal with significant anoxic brain injuries.
Seek legal help quickly. If the ski is defective, your attorney wants to inspect it. Many people rent a jet ski while vacationing in Miami, and the rental company could quickly repair it to cover up their tracks. Ideally, you should save any rental receipt or write down the number of the ski you were riding when injured.
Speak with a Member of Our Legal Team
A Miami boat accident lawyer at Pita Weber Del Prado can begin working on a claim immediately if you reach out to our office. We have brought injury claims against rental companies, boat operators, and other negligent parties. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with a member of our legal team.
