Personal watercraft account for about 17% of all registered vessels in Florida, with many registered here in Miami and across South Florida. They are involved in roughly 23% of reportable boating accidents. In 2021, rented personal watercraft were responsible for 56% of personal watercraft involved in reportable accidents.
While these accidents often occur in foreign countries, courts in the United States may still retain jurisdiction over them. Our lawyers understand how to establish jurisdiction over foreign excursion companies to hold them accountable for their negligence.
If you’ve been injured in a jet ski or personal watercraft accident, contact Mase Seitz Briggs for a free consultation today: 305-602-4927
Dangers of Jet Skis & Personal Watercraft
Personal watercraft and jet skis are exciting and fast, but they are also among the most dangerous watercraft. Despite their small size, personal watercraft have significant power, making it easy for riders to overaccelerate if they aren’t used to the power. Like motorcycles, jet skis lack material to absorb the force of a collision. As a result, if you are involved in a crash, your body will be exposed to severe injury.
Motorized surfboards are another type of watercraft quickly gaining popularity. Reaching speeds up to 35 mph, motorized surfboards create significant force but provide minimal safety support. Operating motorized surfboards comes with a steep learning curve, and injuries often result from inexperience in operating such unique and fast personal watercraft. This, in turn, can present tricky maritime law issues. If you were injured on a motorized surfboard or any personal watercraft in Florida, call an experienced maritime attorney at Mase Seitz Briggs today.
Who Can Be Held Liable in Jet Ski & Personal Watercraft Accidents?
Parties that may be liable for damages include:
- Negligent vessel operators
- The manufacturer (he or she might have sold a defective or poorly designed product)
- The rental company that supplied the equipment
- The watercraft owner if they negligently entrusted it – Related Case
Rental companies (liveries) must give customers sufficient training on how to safely use jet skis. Florida law requires rental companies to give specific warnings and instructions. Even if you think an accident was partially “your fault” or you signed a liability waiver, you may still be entitled to compensation for your injury.
Common Causes of Jet Ski and Personal Watercraft Accidents
While jet skis and personal watercraft are fun water activities for most people, the number of accidents is alarming. The City of Miami has begun to crack down on companies that rent jet skis and personal watercraft without proper licensing. In some cases, a company may be operating an unlicensed charter or livery offering recreational vehicles without adequate safety.
One of the biggest problems plaguing the use of jet skis and personal watercraft is the lack of training when a person rents the watercraft. These water vehicles are designed for speed, but they can cause catastrophic injury or even death. If you were not given safety training prior to the rental of a jet ski or other watercraft and suffered an injury, you might be entitled to compensation.
In addition to inadequate training, other common causes of jet ski and personal watercraft accidents include:
- Driving under the influence
- Speeding
- Collision with another vessel or bridge
- Collision with another personal watercraft
- Running ashore
- Mechanical malfunction
- Distracted driving
- Capsizing
- Fire or explosion
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported that there were 659 reportable boating accidents in 2023, with the leading type of accident being collisions with a fixed object. Many of these accidents could have been prevented with a sufficiently trained operator.
If you are injured on a personal watercraft or jet ski accident, even if you believe you were partially at fault, you may still be entitled to damages. Contact our firm today for a free consultation.
Common Jet Ski and Personal Watercraft Injuries
When a personal watercraft collides with another vessel or fixed object, the driver’s injuries can be catastrophic. Head-on collisions can result in traumatic brain injury or death to the operator or a passenger.
Other common jet ski injuries include:
- Head and neck injuries
- Damage to the spinal cord
- Internal bleeding or organ injury
- Amputation
- Broken bones
- Electric shock
- Cuts or lacerations
- Burns
According to the United States Coast Guard, over half of those injured in personal watercraft accidents are between the ages of 13 and 29. The vast majority of deaths related to personal watercraft and jet ski accidents have a cause other than drowning.
Determining Liability in a Miami Personal Watercraft Accident Case
Initially, you may be unsure about who is liable for your accident or injury. In some cases, multiple parties may be responsible for negligence or wrongdoing. It is not your job to determine who was at fault, and you should never admit liability without having your case reviewed by an attorney. If the company from which you rented your jet ski failed to give you safety instructions or operated without a license, it may be liable even if you were partially at fault.
Compensation for Jet Ski Accident Victims
Victims of jet ski or personal watercraft accidents may be entitled to compensation under maritime law, which governs accidents on navigable waters. Maritime law can differ from state laws and requires specialized knowledge, making it crucial to consult with an attorney familiar with these specific regulations.
Most personal watercraft injury cases fall under the legal theory of “negligence.” To prove negligence under maritime law, four key elements must be established: duty, breach, causation, and damages.
In successful negligence claims, victims can receive compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Physical injuries
- Disability
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
Injured on a Jet Ski or Personal Watercraft in Miami? Contact Mase Seitz Briggs.
If you were injured while riding on a personal watercraft or jet ski, you should have your case investigated by a skilled attorney. Contact our office today for a free case evaluation at 305-602-4927 or fill out our online contact form.
