Dallas Jet Ski Accident Attorney

Accidents Involving a Personal Watercraft Such as a Jet Ski or Sea-Doo

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics reports that there were 685 deaths resulting from watercraft accidents last year. In addition, they report approximately 3,600 injuries resulting from close to 5,200 personal watercraft accidents, with an estimated 54 million dollars spent in property damage claims.

A watercraft is an all-encompassing term that refers to a variety of vessels that float on the water. There are various types of vessels that are commonly used by boaters and water sport enthusiasts every day. The US Coast Guard defines a personal watercraft as a jet drive boat under 13′ in length. Apart from conventional boats, personal watercraft vehicles include:

• Jet Skis (recreational. motorcycle-like power, used for fast transport)
• Sea-Doos (recreational, motorcycle-like powered watercraft)
• WaveRunners (recreational, motorcycle-like powered watercraft)
• Other water scooters
• Jet boats

The most common reasons for these accidents include the following:

• Operator under the influence of alcohol: Operating any vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal. There is no exception for Jet Skis. Riders who are impaired are likely to cause accidents that result in serious injuries.

• The design of the Jet Ski: The design of a Jet Ski can largely influence the chances of an accident. The fact that many Jet Skis are made without brakes makes them more difficult to stop. New riders are especially vulnerable to being involved in an accident due to their inexperience with operating the vehicle. Furthermore, Jet Skis need to accelerate in order to turn. Without throttle, riders can lose control of their vehicles and cause collisions.

• Careless or reckless operation of the watercraft: In some cases, experienced riders operate their vehicles in a reckless manner. Performing dangerous tricks like wave jumping or riding too close to docks and other objects can result in catastrophic injuries. The fact that recklessness and operating a Jet Ski with too much speed go hand-in-hand, also means reckless and careless drivers are more often factors in fatal accidents.

• Operator inattention: Riding a Jet Ski can be a rejuvenating experience. Unfortunately, there are many accidents caused by riders taking their eyes off the path ahead. Looking at others riding with you, using cellphones, or engaging in other activities while operating a Jet Ski drastically increases the likelihood of an accident.

• Weather Conditions: Having limited visibility or riding a Jet Ski in poor weather can be extremely dangerous. Weather conditions create challenging circumstances for riders that prevent them from seeing objects or other vessels nearby. 

• Operator inexperience: The leading cause of Jet Ski accidents across the United States is inexperienced operators. There is no experience required for riders who want to rent Jet Skis. As a result, people who have no idea how to operate these vessels are free to use them at any time.

• Careless passenger behavior: Operators must remain in control of their vessels at all times. Part of this involves ensuring passengers engage in safe and responsible behaviors. When passengers stand up, try to detach, or engage in other careless behaviors, they can distract drivers and cause dangerous circumstances that lead to accidents.

In most cases, the types of injuries caused by personal watercraft are severe and catastrophic and include spinal cord injury and/or paralysis, broken bones, brain damage, and wrongful death. If you were injured in a Jet Ski accident, it is imperative that you take immediate action to protect your legal rights. Contact our Dallas Jet Ski accident attorneys at Rasansky Law Firm as soon as possible to get the justice you deserve. 

Circumstances Surrounding Jet Ski Accidents in Texas

Jet Skis and other recreational boats place riders at an increased risk of being injured in accidents. The fact that these vessels do not have off-throttle steering and adequate brake systems can create dangerous circumstances, especially for inexperienced riders. In Texas, we see an increasing amount of Jet Ski accidents year after year that sends victims to local hospitals with debilitating injuries. Although these accidents can happen in a multitude of ways, some of the most common circumstances surrounding Jet Ski accidents include:

• • Collisions involving other vessels on the water
  • Capsizing
  • Striking swimmers or other people in the water
  • Falling off the Jet Ski while traveling at a high rate of speed
  • Crashing into poles, buoys, sand bars, docks, or debris in or near the water
  • Engine explosions
  • Jet Skis catching on fire

There are many situations that increase the likelihood of Jet Ski accidents. Some examples include, but are not limited to:

• The negligence of operators. Negligence is the leading cause of Jet Ski accidents in Texas. Some examples of negligence include:
  • Inexperience
  • Inattention
  • Weaving between other vessels or objects
  • Traveling at excessive speeds
  • Not venting fumes properly
  • Making radical changes in the riding course
  • Alcohol or drug use during or before operating the vessel
  • Violating the rules of navigation
  • Spinning donuts or jumping wakes
  • Obstructed vision
• Broken or defective Jet Skis. There are instances where the design or defect of the Jet Ski leads to life-altering accidents. Not having complete control over your vessel can create dangerous circumstances instantly and present dangers for you and everyone around you.

• The negligence of the Jet Ski owner or rental company. There are instances where people rent Jet Skis and become involved in accidents. In some situations, the owner of the Jet Ski or the rental company can be held liable for resulting injuries or damages. In order to determine whether a rental company or an owner is liable, it is imperative to determine the following:
  • Was the Jet Ski properly inspected within the required timeframe?
  • Was the Jet Ski company negligent in allowing someone to operate the vehicle? 
  • Did the owner know the rider was impaired?
  • Did the Jet Ski rental company adhere to state laws surrounding Jet Skis?
  • Was the area where the rider was traveling properly maintained?
  • Was the operator outside of the designated area and the instructor did not address this issue?

Working with a knowledgeable attorney from Rasansky Law Firm will ensure you are able to get the justice you deserve. Our Dallas Jet Ski accident attorneys will go to the scene of the accident to investigate the details of your claim. Our team will gather critical evidence in support of your claim, speak with witnesses, and investigate the history of the rental companies and Jet Ski owners to determine if they have a history of negligence. 

Our attorneys are committed to helping victims recover financially, physically, and mentally after being harmed. Contact our law firm today to schedule a free case evaluation to explore the legal options available to help you get the maximum amount of compensation available. 

What to Do Next

If you have been injured by a personal watercraft vehicle including a Sea-Doo (SeaDoo), Jet Ski, Wave-Runner, or any other small jet boat, let the Dallas lawyers at Rasansky Law Firm investigate your potential case. It doesn’t matter whether your accident occurred on Lewisville Lake, Lake Texoma, White Rock Lake, Eagle Mountain Lake, Possum Kingdom Lake, Lake Whitney, Lake Grapevine, Lake Palestine, or Joe Pool Lake. We will explore all potentially responsible parties and get you every dollar you deserve for your injuries.

A person who does not know how to properly operate one of these types of vehicles has no business operating it – especially when in close proximity to another boat or individuals in the water. However, ignorance is no defense when it comes to the personal injury of an innocent person.

It’s important to note that jet-ski accidents, wave runner accidents, and watercraft accidents can be subject to both state and federal law. Deciphering the legal details of this type of case can be quite complex. In order to give yourself the best chance at a successful lawsuit, navigate the waters with an experienced Dallas accident lawyer that has handled watercraft accidents in the past.

Speak With a Dallas Injury Attorney For Free

Each year, more than 700 people lose their lives in Jet Ski accidents throughout the United States. Thousands more are left with life-altering injuries that lead to overwhelming pain and suffering and permanent impairments. When victims are injured in these unexpected accidents, they are often forced to endure both immediate and long-term medical care.

Although there are many types of treatment options available for victims, they come at a significant cost. Victims harmed in accidents caused by negligent or reckless drivers should never have to spend tens of thousands of dollars on treatment. For this reason, it is crucial to reach out to a personal injury attorney in Texas as soon as possible, following your accident, to explore legal options available for you.

The Dallas Jet Ski accident attorneys at Rasansky Law Firm have nearly three decades of experience helping clients recover from their accidents. Our attorneys strive to help victims maximize the amount of compensation they receive for their damages, including:

• • Medical costs 
  • Long-term care expenses
  • Lost wages or lost earning capacity depending on the extent of your injuries
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish 
  • Loss of consortium 
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Property repairs or replacement of your Jet Ski
  • Wrongful death benefits, when applicable

Immediately following your free consultation, our attorneys get started with investigating your claim. Our team goes to the site of your accident to gather evidence, gathers medical records and police reports, and various other documents to prove the costs of your injuries and damages. Our attorneys fight to ensure each client we work with is in the best mental, physical, and financial position imaginable to move forward after being harmed. 

If you were injured in a Jet Ski accident as a result of another person’s actions, contact our law firm at your earliest convenience.

Speak With a Dallas Jet Ski Injury Attorney For Free

The attorneys at Rasansky Law Firm are happy to speak to you about your potential case free of charge. If we can help with your claim, we’ll do so for no out-of-pocket cost to you. Call us 24/7 at (214) 651-6100, or toll-free at (214) 651-6100.