Jet Ski Accidents
Jet skis are one of the most popular forms of water recreation in the United States. Every year more of these watercraft are out on the nation’s rivers, lakes, and oceans. But, as the numbers of jet skis increase, so do the accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in a jet skiing accident, you need to understand your rights. Under the law you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. But, if you don’t understand the process you could miss out on thousands of dollars.
Types of Jet Ski Accidents
Almost all jet ski accidents are the result of human error. You will not likely collect much, if anything, if you are the one primarily responsible for the accident. However, if someone else was at fault, you likely have a claim.
Here are some typical types of jet ski accidents:
- Collisions with other jet skis
- Collisions with boats
- Collisions with fixed objects, such as a pier
- Capsizing
- Defective jet ski or engine component
- Fire
What causes all these types of accidents? Most collisions on the water either involve alcohol, failure to keep a proper lookout, or excessive speed. When the cause of the accident is the malfunction of the jet ski itself, a thorough investigation will be need to determine if the accident was caused by faulty design, defects in the manufacturing process, or issues with the repair and maintenance of the jet ski.
Injuries From Jet Ski Accidents
Because jet ski riders are exposed, the injuries from an accident can be catastrophic. Add to the fact that most injuries occur out on the water and far away from medical help, many jet ski injuries are far worse than anything on land.
Some common types of jet ski injuries are:
- Burns
- Drowning
- Hypothermia
- Fractured bones
- Amputated limbs and digits
- Fractured bones
- Traumatic head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Torn or ripped tendons, muscles, and ligaments
The first thing you need to do after being injured in a jet ski accident is to get medical help. IT may take a while for you to be transported to a hospital. Simple first aid could save your life or even a limb.
Even if you do not need emergency medical care, you should still visit with your regular doctor as soon as you can. Some injuries can be worse than they appear in the first several days. Getting to you doctor will help make sure you begin to heal properly as quickly as possible.
Having a record of your injuries and their causes is also helpful should you have to file a claim for your jet ski accident injuries.
What Type of Damages Can You Recover in jet skiing accidents?
If you have been hurt because of someone else’s negligence, you can recover damages for:
- Medical bills
- Lost pay
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of enjoyment of life
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Scars
- Permanent partial or full disability
- Future medical care
If your loved one has died as a result of a jet ski accident, you may be able to recover their lost future income and damages for the loss of their companionship.
What You Need to Have a Claim
Before you can successfully bring any type of claim for a jet ski accident you have to be able to meet all of the elements of a negligence case. These include:
- The other person owed you a duty
- They breached that duty
- You were injured as a result of the other person’s actions or inaction
- You suffered damages
You will need evidence to support each of these elements. Evidence could include witness statements, your statements, medical records, medical bills, accident reconstruction reports, wage slips, and anything else that proves your claim.
Issues With Filing a Claim
Successfully bringing a jet ski accident claim is not easy. You may run into questions about who caused the accident. If you were partially at fault, it could affect the amount of damages you are able to recover. It may be difficult to track down the at fault person. There may or may not be insurance coverage issues.
Most states only give a short amount of time for personal injury claims to be brought. You may not be all the way recovered by the time you must begin the claims process. This will mean you have to figure out how to calculate your future medical bills.
We can help you find a personal injury attorney with experience in dealing with jet ski accidents.
You don’t have to face the claims process by yourself. Why pick a lawyer out at random when we can connect you with one that has a successful track record?
Contact us today and we will connect you with an attorney to evaluate your claim. Act now, time may be running out.
