Jet Skis and Waverunners are a fun way to enjoy Miami’s beautiful waters, but accidents happen more often than you might think. A crash with another rider, a malfunctioning watercraft, or even an inexperienced operator can leave you seriously injured. When this happens, you’re left asking tough questions: Who is responsible? How will you pay for your medical bills and missed work? What do you do if the rental company or insurance provider denies your claim?
These are real challenges, and they can feel impossible to face alone. Rental companies and insurance companies often try to blame the injured rider, while manufacturers deny any problems with their equipment. Meanwhile, you’re left struggling with pain, expensive treatments, and mounting stress. This is where a lawyer can make a big difference.
At Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys, PA., we help injured riders fight back. A Jet Ski injury lawyer knows how to investigate your accident, hold the right people accountable, and get you the compensation you need. Whether the crash was caused by another rider’s recklessness, a rental company’s negligence, or a faulty watercraft, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Why Do Jet Ski and Waverunner Accidents Happen?
Miami’s sunny weather and beautiful coastline make it one of the most popular places in the country for personal watercraft activities. Unfortunately, this popularity also means a higher risk of accidents. Jet Skis and Waverunners are small, fast, and easy to operate, which makes them appealing to riders of all ages and skill levels. However, this same combination often leads to serious crashes, collisions, and injuries.
Here are some of the most common reasons Jet Ski and Waverunner accidents occur:
- Inexperienced Operators: Many riders rent Jet Skis or Waverunners without proper training or understanding of how to control them safely. Inexperience can lead to reckless maneuvering, speeding, or a failure to avoid obstacles and other vessels.
- Reckless Behavior: Excessive speeding, sharp turns, racing other riders, or weaving through boat traffic can quickly lead to accidents.
- Alcohol or Drug Use: Operating a personal watercraft under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not only illegal but also highly dangerous, as impaired judgment and slowed reaction times increase the risk of crashes.
- Collisions with Boats or Other PWCs: Jet Skis and Waverunners share the water with larger boats, swimmers, and other watercraft, leading to collisions that often cause serious injuries.
- Mechanical Failures: If the PWC has a defect or wasn’t properly maintained by a rental company, malfunctions can cause riders to lose control or crash.
- Crowded Waters: High-traffic areas, like popular Miami beaches or marinas, create dangerous conditions where accidents are more likely.
Even a split-second mistake can have devastating consequences when you’re moving at high speeds on the water. When you understand why your jet ski accident occurred, it is easier to identify who may be at fault.
Common Jet Ski and Waverunner Injuries Call us today at (305) 694-2676 or contact us online for a free case evaluation. Hablamos español.
Jet Ski and Waverunner accidents can result in serious, sometimes life-altering injuries due to the speed and force involved in crashes. Unlike cars or boats, personal watercraft don’t have seat belts, airbags, or other protective features to cushion riders during a collision, which often amplifies the severity of injuries.
One of the biggest concerns about riding jet skis is that no matter how mild the injury is, there is always a risk of drowning.
Some of the most common injuries that are sustained as a result of jet ski accidents include:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Sprains
- Cuts and lacerations
- Burns
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Damaged eardrums
- Internal organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Amputations
- Paralysis
- Death
These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing rehabilitation. If you or a loved one was hurt in a Jet Ski or Waverunner accident, it’s important to hold the responsible parties accountable and seek the compensation you need to recover.
Who May Be to Blame for a Jet Ski or Waverunner Accident?
Determining who is at fault for a personal watercraft accident is critical to recovering compensation for your injuries. Liability often depends on the specific circumstances of the accident, but several parties could be held responsible:
- The Jet Ski Operator: If the accident was caused by another rider’s reckless behavior—such as speeding, operating under the influence, or failing to follow safety rules—they may be held liable for your injuries.
- Rental Companies: Jet Ski rental companies have a responsibility to ensure their equipment is safe and that riders receive proper safety instructions. If a company rents to an untrained or intoxicated rider or provides defective equipment, it may be held accountable.
- Boat or Watercraft Owners: If the accident involved a collision with another boat or watercraft, the owner or operator may be liable for failing to follow boating safety laws.
- Manufacturers: If a mechanical defect or malfunction contributed to the accident—such as faulty brakes, steering, or throttle controls—the manufacturer of the Jet Ski or Waverunner may be held responsible under product liability laws.
- Property Owners: In rare cases, hazardous water conditions caused by poorly maintained marinas or docks could contribute to accidents. When this occurs, property owners may be partially liable.
Identifying the at-fault party requires a thorough investigation, including witness statements, accident reports, and expert equipment analysis. A skilled Jet Ski injury lawyer can uncover who is to blame and build a strong case on your behalf.
Why You Need a Jet Ski Injury Lawyer
Jet Ski and Waverunner accident cases can quickly become complicated. Rental companies, manufacturers, and insurance providers often deny responsibility or try to shift the blame onto the injured rider. Without a lawyer, you could face an uphill battle to recover the compensation you deserve.
An experienced Miami Jet Ski injury lawyer will gather critical evidence, including accident reports, witness statements, and maintenance records, to determine what caused the crash and who is liable. When an insurer offers a quick lowball settlement or tries to deny your claim, your legal team will negotiate aggressively to make sure you receive fair compensation.
Whether it’s a reckless operator, a negligent rental company, or a defective PWC, your jet ski injury attorney will work to prove how their actions—or inaction—led to your injuries. Having a lawyer by your side not only levels the playing field but also allows you to focus on healing – not on the legal process.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Jet Ski Accident? Get started with your complimentary case evaluation today; call us at (305) 694-2676 or reach us online using our secure contact form.
If you’ve been injured in a Jet Ski or Waverunner accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: Emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, and ongoing treatment costs.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work, as well as loss of future earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
- Rehabilitation Costs: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other treatments needed for recovery.
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement costs if your personal property was damaged in the accident.
Get Help from a Miami Jet Ski Injury Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one was injured in a Jet Ski or Waverunner accident in Miami, you don’t have to face this alone. At Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys, PA., we understand how devastating these accidents can be, and we’re committed to helping you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Our experienced Miami personal injury attorneys will investigate your case, hold the responsible parties accountable, and fight to maximize your recovery. Don’t let insurance companies or rental operators take advantage of you—let us stand by your side every step of the way.
For a free, confidential consultation, call us today at (305) 694-2676 or contact us online. Don’t wait—time is limited, and your health and future matter.