Miami is a great place for boats and jet skis. Many people own jet skis, sea doos, Waverunners, and other personal water craft, or rent them as a fun outing for a vacation. However, many of these drivers do not have the proper training or experience driving one of these vehicles, and may cause serious accidents. If you or a loved one was injured as the victim on a jet ski or other watercraft accident, talk to an attorney. For help with your accident, call a jet ski injury attorney at Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA today.
Types of Jet Ski Accidents
Many jet ski accidents involve two vessels or ore vehicle and swimmers. These often follow a few classic patterns where one person – usually an inexperienced pilot – is responsible for the accident. If you were injured in one of these accidents, it may be simple to prove your case and seek compensation for your injuries.
Driving Too Fast
Jet skis often have accidents with boats and other watercraft because inexperienced drivers do not grasp the concept that there are no brakes on the water. When a jet ski or sea doo is going too fast, there is little that can be done to stop the vehicle in a hurry. This means that the pilot needs to either maneuver well to avoid collisions, or bail off the vehicle and allow the jet ski to crash. With or without its rider, a jet ski can cause wrongful death or serious damage if it hits you while you’re riding another jet ski, in a boat, or even if you are on the shore where the jet ski crashed.
Failing to Follow Instructions
Jet ski rental operators and trainers usually instruct their customers on how the vehicle works, how to pass other vessels, and where to ride. However, many renters think they know what they are doing and ignore these directions. If you are responsibly riding your jet ski or piloting your boat in the proper waters, a rogue watercraft cutting across your path can be a serious danger. In shipping lanes and other designated travel paths, failing to obey the rules can mean surprising, fast-moving hazards. If a rogue rider enters a place with many people, they can also hit and seriously injure swimmers.
Showing Off
Even experienced jet ski owners and operators sometimes succumb to the need to show off. Rental places often discourage riders from trying to perform stunts or jumps on jet skis, but many renters ignore these rules and drive dangerously in an attempt to seek thrills or impress those watching. When a jet ski or sea doo rider gets too adventurous, those nearby suffer the consequences. Especially if their tricks take them into areas with swimmers or cause them to lose control of their vessel, fast-moving jet skis can cause serious injuries. These kinds of situations even see jet skis leaving the water and crashing into cars, buildings, and bystanders on the shore.
Single Vessel Crashes on a Jet Ski
If you were driving your own jet ski, borrowing a friend’s sea doo, or renting a waverunner, you may also be entitled to file a lawsuit if you were injured. Many rental agreements state that the vehicle’s owner is not responsible for any injuries you cause while riding their jet ski, but sometimes these form agreements are not binding.
If you were injured in a single vehicle crash while riding a jet ski, you may be able to sue the owner of the jet ski. There is no replacement for good training and experience when doing something like piloting a watercraft, and people make mistakes on the water. If you were inadequately trained in the vehicle’s operation, and this caused you to injure yourself by crashing into a pier or obstacle, you may be entitled to sue the owner of the jet ski.
Poorly maintained vehicles also pose a huge risk. Even the safest rider may be unable to recover if something breaks inside the machine, and may crash as a result of poor maintenance. If the owner is responsible for maintaining their vehicle or the crash was caused by a defective vehicle part, you may be able to sue for your injuries.
If you were injured while someone else was driving, you may also be able to sue the driver for your injuries. If you join someone else on their jet ski, and they crash, you could be facing serious injuries. If you were not in control, it may be difficult to brace or prepare for a crash. Riders in a jet ski accident are often thrown from the vehicle. If this happens at high speeds, you could be injured by the water intake or propellers on your vehicle or other vessels, or you could suffer injuries by striking your head against objects. Many head injuries like this carry a significant risk of traumatic brain injury and subsequent drowning.
Miami Jet Ski Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured in an accident involving a sea doo, a Waverunner, or a jet ski, talk to an attorney today. Even if the rental agreement says you ride at your own risk, you may still have an opportunity to sue a Miami jet ski company for your injuries. For a consultation on your case, call Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA today at (305) 694-2676.