Jet Ski Accidents

Many South Florida residents and tourists enjoy using Jet Skis recreationally to explore the ocean, the Intercoastal, and other local waterways. Additionally, there are many rental companies offering access to Jet Skis for those who do not own their own. Unfortunately, if individuals do not know how to operate these fast-moving machines properly, or others on the water are not conscious of their existence, serious injuries can result. Florida has the most boating accidents among the states, which includes those involving Jet Skis and other personal watercraft. When injuries are the result of another party’s negligence, those responsible should be held legally liable. Miami boat accident attorney Robert Dixon can help you determine your legal actions following an injury on a Jet Ski. Our firm assists injured victims across South Florida, including Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties, with claims arising out of boating, cruise ship, and other water-related accidents. If you have questions regarding your legal rights after being injured in a Jet Ski collision, contact our office to schedule a free consultation to learn more.

Serious injuries such as broken bones, amputations, head trauma, and drowning can result from a Jet Ski accident. These collisions can involve a Jet Ski operator running into another watercraft or a stationary object like a dock or other water hazard. Many times these accidents are caused by the following factors:

• Speeding
• Lack of instructions regarding proper Jet Ski operation
• Failure to observe to sea conditions
• Intoxication
• Mechanical issues

Companies that rent out Jet Skis often do not give proper training on their operations, including what to do if a rider encounters an emergency on the water. This can lead to dangerous situations and injuries to both drivers and passengers of Jet Skis, as well as other waterway users.

Jet Ski accidents can arise from the negligent actions of various parties, including vendors, manufacturers, rental companies, boaters, or docking entities. The National Transportation Safety Board, however, has reported that over eighty percent of personal watercraft accidents are the fault of an inexperienced rider. These accidents can involve collisions with other vessels, capsizing, or striking a swimmer or another person in the water. A victim injured by a rider’s negligence must show that the rider breached a duty of reasonable care owed to them, causing their injuries, and resulting in damages. When a Jet Ski accident is caused by someone under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the legal requirements are simpler – ‘negligence per se’ requires a showing that a defendant violated a safety statute designed to protect a certain group of people. Since it is unlawful in Florida to operate any vessel while intoxicated, an impaired rider who causes another’s injuries on the water will be found negligent per se. Jet Ski rental companies may also be negligent in failing to inspect a vehicle properly, failing to adequately inform riders of risks or train them in Jet Ski operations. Once liability is established, those injured in a Jet Ski accident may be entitled to compensation for past and future medical costs, lost income, diminished earning capacity, or pain and suffering damages. Under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act, family members who have lost loves ones in a fatal boating accident may file a wrongful death suit against a negligent party for costs related to burial and funeral expenses as well as loss of consortium damages.

Being injured on a Jet Ski or in any other kind of boating accident can involve a lengthy recovery process. Some injuries leave a permanent impact on your life and ability to work. The lawyers at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon offer compassionate and seasoned legal representation for Miami, and West Palm Beach injury victims. Attorney Robert Dixon and his staff are devoted to making sure clients know and understand their legal rights, working tirelessly on their behalf to pursue fair compensation from those responsible for their harm. Please call 877.499.4878 or contact us online for a free, no obligation consultation to find out more about how we can help.