Jet skis, ski doos, wave runners, and personal watercrafts can be a lot of fun as they skim across the top of the water, but they can also be dangerous, very dangerous to those unfamiliar with their operation. Jet ski accidents may give rise to personal injury or maritime claims.
If you were injured in a jet ski accident in Washington, Oregon, Alaska, or California, it is important to obtain the help of a skilled maritime lawyer as soon as possible.
Washington, Alaska, Oregon, and California Jet Ski Accident Lawyers
If you were involved in a jet ski accident, you may be facing significant losses, which could be compensated by the person (and their insurance company) responsible for your accident. At Anderson Carey Williams & Neidzwski, LLP, our maritime lawyers carry over four decades of combined experience in maritime law and can help you obtain damages for your injuries.
We can help you pursue justice today. If you were injured in a jet ski accident in Washington, Oregon, Alaska or California, call 1 (800) 262-8529 to schedule an initial consultation.
Information Center
- Potential Injuries from Jet Ski Accidents
- Potential Causes Of Jet Ski Accidents
- Compensation For Injuries From Jet Ski Accidents
- Statute Of Limitations For Claims Related To Jet Ski Accidents
- Additional Resources
Potential Injuries from Jet Ski Accidents
A unique injury that may be caused by a jet ski accident is called an “orifice injury.” This occurs when a person falls off the back of a jet ski and is subjected to the high-pressure jets of water released out the rear of the jet ski. Other potential injuries include:
- Concussions
- Whiplash
- Severe bruising
- Lacerations and puncture wounds
- Broken/fractured bones
- Dislocations
- First-, second-, or third-degree burns
- Internal organ injury
- Drowning
- Suction Injuries
Potential Causes of Jet Ski Accidents
There are various ways one might be injured while riding a jet ski. Some causes of accidents and injuries are:
- Being hit by another person on a jet ski or a boat who is speeding and not paying attention
- Being knocked off the jet ski by a large wake or rogue wave
- Sudden change in weather conditions
- Inadequate knowledge or skill at operating the jet ski
- Grounding the jet ski on a sandbar, reef, or beach
- Colliding with an object – debris, dock, pole, buoy, etc.
- Falling off the jet ski at high speed
- Flipping over
- Equipment failure or a defective product
- Not wearing a life jacket
Compensation for Injuries from Jet Ski Accidents
In some cases, a jet skiing accident will be treated the same as a land-based personal injury case if the accident occurred on a lake or other body of water that doesn’t connect two states or lead to the ocean. Compensation might be sought from another jet ski or boat operator if there was a collision, or from the operator of the jet ski by the passenger injured. Compensation may also come from the rental company, if the accident resulted from a mechanical failure, failure to instruct, or failure to warn. The injured party may be compensated for:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Physical impairment
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of companionship and loss of consortium
- Punitive damages (if the other party was reckless or acted with ill intention)
In cases arising from accidents on the navigable waters of the United States, depending on the circumstances, a jet ski accident may fall under the general maritime law.
Statute of Limitations for Claims Related to Jet Ski Accidents
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims varies by state. It is two years in most states, including Alaska, California, and Oregon, but in Washington, it is three years. State statutes of limitations apply when a jet ski accident occurs in state waters, such as smaller lakes.
Additional Resources
Personal Watercraft Safety Course – The California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways offers a Personal Watercraft Safety Course.
Personal Watercraft Safety – The United States Coast Guard Boating Safety provides tips for personal watercraft safety.
Jet Skiing Safety Tips – Children’s Hospital of Pittsburg provides tips on jet skiing safety.
United States Coast Guard Navigation Rules – The United States Coast Guard publishes “rules of the road” for safe navigation in the water.
Jet Ski Accident Attorneys | Washington, Oregon, Alaska, California
If you were injured in a jet ski accident, you may be entitled to compensation. At BOATLAW, LLP, our skilled maritime lawyers understand that any type of accident on the water can be stressful and traumatic. We are here to help guide you through the legal process so you can focus on your physical and emotional recovery.
To schedule a phone call with one of our attorneys today, call 1-800-262-8529. We serve clients injured in jet ski accidents in Washington, Oregon, Alaska and California.
