Can I Get a Settlement for My Florida Jet Ski Accident?

 Posted on September 23,2024 in Personal Injury

Whether you live in Florida or are visiting from elsewhere, there are plenty of water-based attractions to enjoy. Many people love riding jet skis and rent them from various companies in Fort Lauderdale and other cities in Broward County and throughout the state. Some cruise lines offer jet ski excursions, as well. Jet ski accidents happen on occasion, potentially causing serious injuries and fatalities.

If you are injured in a jet ski accident, can you get compensation through a personal injury claim? Who would pay you? The answers to those questions depend on case-specific factors. The knowledgeable lawyers from The Law Offices of John D. Ameen, P.A. will explain during your free consultation.

Who Is Liable for Jet Ski Accidents?

Like most other kinds of accidents, those involving jet skis can happen for many reasons. Before you can establish liability, you must investigate your accident to find out how and why it happened. You will need to gather evidence that proves another party’s negligence directly contributed to causing your accident, injuries, and damages to file a claim for compensation.

If you operate your own jet ski, you may be partially or solely responsible for your accident, depending on why it happened. If faulty parts caused it, mechanics who worked on your machine or parts manufacturers may be liable. Boaters or other jet ski operators who collide with your craft might also be responsible. The jet ski manufacturer could be liable if the machine’s instructions are unclear or incomplete.

With rented jet skis, the pool of potentially liable parties expands to include the rental company, cruise line, jet ski owner, if different, and excursion operators who do not explain how to use the machine safely. Although you likely signed a waiver when renting your jet ski, this waiver will probably not apply if negligence is involved. Possible causes of jet ski accidents include:

• Mechanical failure

• Distracted or reckless operators or boaters

• Speeding

• Defective parts

• Inexperienced riders

• Improper maintenance

• Being too close to another watercraft

• Intoxication

As you can see, there is not a definitive answer. You may even share the blame for causing your accident. If that is the case, you may still get a settlement if you are 50 percent or less at fault in Florida, but your compensation amount will be reduced proportionally.

When you choose The Law Offices of John D. Ameen, P.A., your dedicated lawyer will investigate your accident and establish liability. We will ensure that any fault assigned to you is accurate and help you get the compensation you deserve.

What Injuries Are Common in Jet Ski Accidents?

Particularly in accidents at higher speeds, the injuries from jet skis can be severe, such as:

• Spinal cord damage

• Traumatic brain injury

• Broken bones

• Burns

• Whiplash

• Concussion

• Bruising

If the rider is not wearing a flotation device and is rendered unconscious by the accident, she may drown. In fatal accidents, eligible survivors may be compensated by bringing a wrongful death action.

Settlements for jet ski accidents might include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and PTSD. Your attorney from The Law Offices of John D. Ameen, P.A. will pursue the full amount you deserve.

Call Our Dedicated Fort Lauderdale, FL Boating Accident Lawyer Today

Jet ski accident claims are often complicated, but The Law Offices of John D. Ameen, P.A. can help you overcome the challenges. Call us at 800-555-4011 now for your free consultation with our highly effective Broward County, FL personal injury attorneys. Hablamos Espanol & Nou Pale Kreyol.