Jet Ski and Watercraft Injuries: What to Know and How to Get Compensated

Jet skiing and personal watercraft (PWC) riding are both absolutely exhilarating, but these activities come with inherent risks, and accidents can result in severe injuries or even fatalities.

Jetskit and watercraft injuries can leave victims with intense hardships, mounting medical bills, and other expenses and challenges. It can be all the more painful to realize that your accident may have been avoided and was caused by someone else’s negligence. In that case, however, the good news is that you may be eligible for compensation to get your life back on track.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a jet ski accident, contact Morgan & Morgan for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options.

Common Types of Jet Ski and Watercraft Injuries

Jet ski accidents can cause a range of injuries, from minor bruises to life-threatening conditions. Some of the most common injuries include:

Head and Brain Injuries

Head and brain injuries can include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): High-impact collisions or falls can result in concussions or more severe TBIs, leading to long-term cognitive issues.
• Skull Fractures: Blunt force trauma from hitting the water, another vessel, or a stationary object can cause skull fractures.

Spinal Cord Injuries

High-speed crashes can cause spinal cord damage, leading to partial or full paralysis. Severe whiplash from sudden stops or impacts can result in chronic neck and back pain.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Collisions with other watercraft, docks, or hard surfaces often result in broken limbs, ribs, or pelvis fractures.

Lacerations and Abrasions

Jet ski riders frequently suffer deep cuts from the craft’s propeller, collisions, or being thrown against hard surfaces. Severe road rash-like injuries can also occur when a rider is dragged across the water at high speeds.

Drowning and Near-Drowning Incidents

A rider who falls into the water and is unable to swim or becomes unconscious can drown. Secondary drowning, where water enters the lungs, can also lead to complications hours after the incident.

Burns and Explosions

Watercraft fuel leaks, engine malfunctions, or fires can cause severe burns and explosion-related injuries.

What to Look for in a Jet Ski Injury Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured in a jet ski accident, choosing the right lawyer can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Here are key qualities to look for in a personal injury attorney:

Experience With Watercraft Injury Cases

Look for attorneys who specialize in maritime or watercraft accident cases and understand the unique laws governing them.

Proven Track Record

Check for successful verdicts and settlements in jet ski or boating accident cases.

Understanding of Negligence and Liability Laws

Your lawyer should be well-versed in proving liability, whether it's due to reckless operation, defective equipment, or negligent rental companies.

Resources and Expert Witnesses

A good lawyer will have access to accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and maritime law specialists.

Strong Negotiation and Litigation Skills

While many cases settle out of court, your lawyer should be prepared to take your case to trial if necessary.

The Jet Ski Injury Claims Process

Filing a personal injury claim after a jet ski accident involves several steps. Understanding this process can help you navigate your case effectively.

1. Seek Medical Attention

Your health is the top priority. Even if injuries seem minor, seek medical evaluation to document your condition.

2. Gather Evidence

Take photos and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damaged equipment.

Obtain witness statements and contact information, and moving forward, keep records of medical bills, lost wages, and any other related expenses.

3. Determine Liability

Potentially liable parties include:

• The jet ski operator (if they were reckless or negligent)
• Rental companies (if they provided faulty equipment or failed to give proper safety instructions)
• Manufacturers (if the accident was caused by a defective watercraft)
• Other boaters or watercraft operators

4. File an Insurance Claim

Many jet ski accidents involve insurance claims against the responsible party’s liability coverage. If the at-fault party lacks insurance, you may need to file a lawsuit for damages.

5. Negotiate a Settlement or File a Lawsuit With Morgan & Morgan

A lawyer at Morgan & Morgan can negotiate with insurance companies to secure fair compensation. If negotiations fail, your attorney may file a personal injury lawsuit.

Settlement Examples for Jet Ski Accidents

Disclaimer: The following cases are real-life examples of the dangers of jet skiing. These individuals were not our clients; we are sharing their stories solely for educational purposes.

While settlement amounts vary based on the severity of the injuries, liability, and insurance coverage, here are some examples of past settlements in jet ski accident cases.

Verdict Against Yamaha

Not every jet ski accident involves some type of collision. Manufacturers also can be on the financial hook for product liability lawsuits. Such was the case in Boca Raton, Florida when two Florida families sued jet ski manufacturer Yamaha and won nearly $40 million in damages.

The team of lawyers representing both families presented overwhelming evidence that a steering defect caused jet skis to collide. The judge overseeing the civil case found Yamaha guilty of gross negligence because the company knew about the steering defect, but it did nothing to fix the problem. One teenager lost his life and a second teen is mentally scarred and physically disfigured for life.

The case took almost five years to resolve after a six-week trial found the defendant guilty of all negligence charges.

A Much Lower Profile Case

Personal injury accident cases range from settlements that run into the tens of thousands of dollars to civil awards that exceed $100 million. This case covers the lower part of the financial spectrum, as Adran Rowan won a $34,000 settlement from a defendant who caused an accident because of operating jet skis at a dangerously high speed.

Rowan suffered injuries to both knees, as well as to one hip. One crucial piece of evidence came from a witness who shot moving footage that proved the defendant operated his jet skis negligently. This case demonstrates the importance of getting supportive evidence from a witness.

Recklessness in a Small Cove

A jet ski operator entered a small cove tugging a raft. When the operator turned to leave the cove, the raft swung farther out than the jet skis operator had anticipated. Both the defendant and the plaintiffs estimated the raft was moving around 20 miles per hour at the time of the accident. Although the defendant admitted legal liability for causing the accident, he contested the award given to the three plaintiffs that exceeded $1 million.

Not only did the three passengers in the raft receive special damages for suffering from mild brain injuries, but the plaintiffs’ attorney was also able to convince a judge to compensate one of the plaintiffs for suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The awarding of damages for PTSD demonstrates the possibility of receiving compensation for suffering from emotional distress.

How to Stay Safe on the Water: Have Your Fun While Minimizing Risks

Many accidents can be avoided with proper precautions, some of which might not be considered even by the avid rider. Here are four tips for having a successful outing on the open water.

1. Know Before You Go

Many accidents can be avoided simply by taking stock of some specifics about your ride. Simple steps like determining if the weather is suitable, examining the layout of the area you plan to ride, and noting nearby traffic can be important information that may keep you safe.

It’s also important to remember jet skis change with their occupants. Many are overcrowded even with two people, and should not be driven at the same speed or intensity. If you encounter an unfamiliar model, you should strive to understand the craft you’re planning to drive.

Your common sense is important, too. Avoid riding when danger might be higher, like after dark, or when the waters are congested.

2. The Right Gear Can Save Your Life

Wearing and carrying the proper equipment can prevent disaster. According to the Coast Guard, a life jacket is perhaps the most important tool to guarantee your safety, and several different kinds are approved for use. Choose the one that best fits your journey. A waterproof flare kit secured on your jet ski or a whistle attached to your vest can also aid rescuers in locating you and your companions.

Using a leash on a PWC is generally considered inadvisable. Jet skis are propelled by an inboard engine that could harm occupants if they are caught near it. Most jet skis do, however, come equipped with a so-called “dead man’s” switch. The key used to operate the jet ski can then be fastened to your life vest and enable you to reach your vessel again should you fall off, allowing you to safely return to land or assist others who may be injured.

3. Don’t Get Lazy

Many things, either on the water or ashore, can distract you from safely using your PWC. These can range from the mundane, like waving to friends and taking your eyes off the water in front of you, to the dangerous, such as running into choppy water, rip currents, or vegetation.

You can avoid much of this simply by focusing on the ocean and your other surroundings. This includes taking stock of nearby boats, buoys, and other objects like manatees.

Remember that the further out you go, the more inherent the danger of operating a jet ski is. There are fewer opportunities for people to reach you, and a change in weather or even tide could make the journey home much more difficult. The Coast Guard highlights understanding your craft as the greatest asset toward a safe journey. This includes keeping track of other necessities, such as fuel, which can also ensure your safety when maneuvering a PWC.

4. Have Fun, But Be Responsible

Many people who consume alcohol, drive recklessly or otherwise exhibit unsafe boating behavior often also do so with company. Avoid other jet skis or boats driving sporadically, playing very loud music, or possessing visibly open alcohol containers. All may indicate a distracted or inattentive driver.

If you’re driving your own jet ski, or you are the passenger on one, make sure your own crew isn’t also contributing to an unsafe situation. Avoiding unnecessary safety risks can help to ensure you have an uninterrupted great time out on the water.

Protecting Your Rights After a Jet Ski Accident

Despite our best efforts to be safe, accidents can and do happen—often due to the fault of someone else’s negligence. 

Jet ski and personal watercraft accidents can have devastating consequences, leading to significant medical expenses, lost income, and long-term suffering. If you or a loved one has been injured in a jet ski accident, taking immediate legal action can be a life changer.’

Morgan & Morgan has a dedicated team of personal injury lawyers with experience handling jet ski accident cases. We fight tirelessly to ensure victims receive the compensation they deserve. 

Contact us today for a free case evaluation and learn how we can help you navigate your claim. Don’t let an accident derail your future. Contact Morgan & Morgan today and let us fight for you.