Jet skiing is a popular recreational activity in Florida, a state surrounded by the ocean on three sides. Perhaps that’s why Miami Beach is one of the most popular boating and recreational watercraft spots in the US.
However, jet skiing is a high-speed, high adrenaline activity. Therefore, a jet ski accident is bound to happen, particularly in areas where many people are on the water.
The Boating Accidents Statistical Report for 2020 identified 151,694 personal watercraft (PWC) units registered in Florida. Miami-Dade County has 12% of PWC units, with 18% of accidents. It’s one of the highest in the state and less than its share of car accident crashes at 15%.
You can try to avoid jet ski injuries by exercising caution and prudence when operating a PWC or being near one. Jet ski accidents usually happen because of inexperienced operators and risk-takers. They put others in significant danger for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
You or a loved one can sustain serious injuries such as broken bones or brain injuries because of a negligent party. If you do, it would be best to have a jet ski accident attorney from Diamond Law Miami by your side. Maritime law regarding PWC accidents is complex. Hence, you need an experienced personal injury lawyer to prove negligence.
Common Injuries Handled by a Jet Ski Accident Attorney in Miami
Your personal injury lawsuit success depends on what you can prove. An experienced jet ski accident attorney can demonstrate the extent of your injury and losses due to the defendant’s negligence. Below are some catastrophic or non-catastrophic injuries you may sustain in a jet ski accident.
- Broken bones
- Concussions – traumatic brain injuries often caused by a blow to the head
- Drowning
- Friction burns – removal of the skin due to rubbing against a hard or rough object, such as a rope
- Brain injuries
- Lacerations – most commonly referred to as a cut on the skin
- Spinal damage
- Sprains – over-extension of or damage to tendons and ligaments between bones due to trauma
- Whiplash – neck injury caused by sudden deceleration and acceleration of the body, often due to accidents at high speeds
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Diamond Law Miami is part of the expansion of the established personal injury law firm Diamond & Diamond Law in Toronto. It is currently handling a case against the Toronto Transit Commission for $1 million for injuries sustained on the subway.
“Psycho-emotionally, these are scars that are going to last for years and years and years, and in many ways, that’s worse.” – Darryl Singer, head of commercial and civil litigation
Read more about the latest on the subway pushing incident that garnered national attention here.
Common Causes of Jet Ski Accidents
Jet skis are not dangerous in themselves. According to the US Coast Guard, the risks are due to the PWC operators’ conduct or condition.
Recklessness
Reckless or careless operation of a recreational watercraft accounts for about 48.7% of all accidents (1,255) in 2021. These include operating the craft at high speeds, ignoring navigation rules, operator inattention, turning sharply, and weaving in crowded waters.
Inexperience
Operating a jet ski does not require proof of sufficient training or experience. That means anyone over 14 can rent a jet ski and put it out into the water. Many people often have no experience operating one, and inexperience accounts for nearly 20% (506) of watercraft accidents.
Intoxication
Riding the waves at high speeds on a jet ski can be a lot of fun. However, it is incompatible with operators not possessing all their faculties. Intoxicated operators have slower reflexes and make bad decisions. Operating a recreational watercraft under the influence of alcohol or drugs accounts for nearly 10% (252) of jet ski accidents.
How To Establish Negligence in a Jet Ski Accident
The role of a jet ski accident attorney in Miami is simple. They help you get compensation for serious injuries you or a loved one sustained in a negligent accident. The problem is proving negligence in a personal injury lawsuit is not easy. You need four elements to come together:
- The defendant has a duty of care.
- The defendant breached that duty through action or inaction. This includes failing to follow safety rules and operating under the influence of an intoxicating substance.
- The defendant’s action or inaction directly caused your personal injuries. You must prove that, but for the accident, there would have been no injuries or wrongful death.
- You incurred actual losses because of your injuries. You must provide medical records and other objective assessments regarding the extent of your injuries.
Note that you or your lawyer must determine the precise location of the accident. Accidents occurring along the Florida shoreline are subject to state laws. Those that happen beyond Florida’s jurisdiction are subject to federal maritime laws.
How To Find a Reliable Jet Ski Accident Lawyer
Jet ski accident claims are more challenging than other personal injury cases. PWC accidents may be subject to federal and Florida maritime limited liability laws, which means you can file a lawsuit against certain defendants.
For example, you rent a jet ski and get injured in an accident. The vessel’s owner is not liable if the accident was due to circumstances beyond their control or knowledge.
Additionally, most rental companies require you to sign a liability release form. If you signed one, you might have waived your right to sue in case of an accident. You may also not be aware that the statute of limitations may vary depending on the jurisdiction.
Because of the complexity of jet ski accident cases, you need a personal injury lawyer with familiarity in handling them. A knowledgeable attorney can help nullify the waiver by proving the rental company breached its duty of care. For example, you can void the release if the rental company did not give you adequate safety instructions.
Hire a Diamond Law Miami Jet Ski Attorney Today
Jet skiing in Miami is fun, but it can also be dangerous. Jet ski accidents can cause severe injuries with life-changing consequences. Find out what to do after a negligent accident by scheduling a free consultation or checking our blog.
You need experienced lawyers for cases involving serious injuries or wrongful death in a jet ski accident. Diamond Law Miami is the personal injury law firm to give you qualified advice and legal representation. Our team of lawyers has extensive knowledge of Florida State and maritime laws, including the applicable statute of limitations.
Don’t take chances. Work only with the most experienced jet ski attorneys in Miami.
If you are ready for an initial consultation, contact us online or at 1-800-567-HURT. We won’t let you down.
Many jet ski accidents result in serious injuries or death. Contact Diamond Law Miami today if you are looking for legal representation or more information about personal injury.