Chicago Jet Ski Accident Lawyer

Jet skis and personal watercraft (PWC) are becoming increasingly popular for recreational use, offering a thrilling way to enjoy the water. However, with their rise in popularity comes a heightened risk of accidents resulting in serious injuries, overwhelming medical expenses, lost wages, and significant emotional trauma.

Jet ski accident victims need an experienced lawyer to provide legal guidance and help them seek the fair compensation they deserve. The entire process can be challenging, and a skilled jet ski accident lawyer from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can make a critical difference.

Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to helping clients secure fair compensation in jet ski and boating accident cases. Our legal team has a proven track record of achieving substantial settlements and verdicts in these personal injury claims.

We thoroughly investigate personal injury cases to ensure all medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs are fully addressed. With our extensive experience in maritime law and handling cases involving personal watercraft and boating accidents, we can help you seek compensation for your injuries.

Types of Jet Ski Accidents

Various things cause jet ski accidents, often leading to severe injuries for operators and passengers. Below are some common types of jet ski accidents.

Collisions with Other Vessels

The most frequent jet ski accidents involve collisions with boats, other personal watercraft, or stationary objects like docks or buoys.

Collisions with Stationary Objects

Riders can crash into docks, buoys, rocks, or other stationary structures, resulting in significant property damage and severe injuries.

Falls Overboard

Whether due to sharp turns, waves, or operator error, riders can be thrown off the jet ski, leading to injuries or drowning, especially if life jackets aren’t worn.

Jet Ski Flipping or Capsizing

Sudden movements, choppy waters, or improper handling can cause a jet ski to flip or capsize, putting riders at risk of injury, being trapped underneath the watercraft, and drowning.

Towing Jet Ski Accidents

Accidents can happen during towing activities like water skiing or tubing. In these cases, the rider and the individual being towed are at risk.

Common Causes of Jet Ski Accidents

Personal watercraft accidents are often the result of multiple factors, ranging from operator mistakes to environmental conditions. Below are the most common causes of jet ski accidents.

Operator-Related Causes

• Operator Error: Many jet ski accidents result from poor decision-making, inattention, or overconfidence in watercraft handling. Simple mistakes like misjudging distances or failing to maintain control can quickly lead to dangerous situations.
• Negligence and Recklessness: Reckless actions, such as making sharp, unnecessary turns, attempting dangerous stunts, or ignoring surroundings, increase the risk of collisions and injury.
• Excessive Speed: High speeds significantly reduce an operator’s ability to react to sudden obstacles, curves, or changing water conditions. The risk of losing control or colliding with other vessels or stationary objects rises dramatically when speeding.
• Intoxication: Operating a jet ski under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, slows reflexes, and increases risk-taking behavior, all of which can lead to devastating accidents.
• Inexperience: Handling a jet ski requires understanding how the craft responds to throttle changes, turns, and waves. Without this knowledge, even minor errors can result in accidents.
• Failure to Adhere to Waterway Rules: Ignoring local boating regulations, such as speed limits, no-wake zones, or right-of-way rules, is a frequent cause of accidents.
• Jet Ski Overload: Many jet skis are designed for only one or two passengers. Overloading a jet ski with too many riders can make it difficult to control and increase the likelihood of tipping over, colliding with other objects, or losing balance during turns.

Environmental and Weather-Related Causes

Bad weather plays a significant role in many personal watercraft accident cases. Heavy rain, strong winds, and choppy water can make it difficult to control the jet ski.

Low visibility, whether caused by fog, darkness, or obstructed views from other vessels, makes it hard to spot obstacles or other watercraft in time. If operators cannot see where they are going, this can lead to serious collisions or falls overboard.

On busy days, waterways can become crowded with boats, jet skis, and other watercraft. Navigating through crowded areas requires heightened awareness and skill. Unfortunately, many accidents happen when operators fail to account for the unpredictable movements of other vessels.

Equipment-Related Causes

Failure to equip the jet ski with proper safety gear can increase the severity of accidents. Not using life jackets, having a broken lanyard kill switch, or riding without functioning lights all contribute to the likelihood and consequences of an accident.

Even when life jackets and other safety equipment are used, they can fail if damaged or improperly fitted. Life jackets that don’t provide proper buoyancy, helmets that don’t protect against impact, or other gear issues can worsen injuries when accidents occur.

Mechanical problems such as engine breakdowns, steering malfunctions, or brake failures can lead to accidents. In some cases, this might occur due to a lack of maintenance or faulty parts.

Occasionally, accidents are caused by design or manufacturing flaws in the jet ski. Defective watercraft or faulty safety mechanisms can cause sudden failures, putting riders and passengers at risk.

Injuries Sustained in Jet Ski Accidents

Jet ski accidents can result in various injuries, both physical and emotional, with severity varying depending on the circumstances of the accident. Due to the high speeds and limited protection that jet skis offer, victims often experience severe injuries with long-term consequences.

• Head Trauma: This can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which may result in cognitive impairments, memory loss, or permanent disability.
• Broken Bones: Falls or crashes during personal watercraft accidents can lead to fractured bones, particularly in the arms, legs, ribs, and face. The force of impact can cause significant fractures when hitting the water at high speed or being struck by another vessel, sometimes requiring surgery and extended rehabilitation.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Depending on the severity, victims might face long-term disabilities such as partial or complete paralysis, requiring extensive medical care, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments.
• Drowning and Near-Drowning: Falls into the water during a jet ski accident can lead to drowning, especially if riders are not wearing life jackets or if they are knocked unconscious. Near-drowning incidents can result in oxygen deprivation to the brain, leading to long-term neurological damage. In such situations, our knowledgeable drowning accident lawyers can provide the guidance and representation needed to seek justice.
• Lacerations and Abrasions: High-speed impacts with the water, debris, or other vessels can cause deep cuts and abrasions. Jet skis have powerful jets of water that can cause injury if a rider is thrown into the path of the water stream, leading to internal injuries and tissue damage.
• Emotional Trauma: The shock of the accident, the pain of recovery, and the long-term effects of severe injuries can lead to conditions such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Mental Anguish: The inability to return to daily activities or work, combined with the stress of medical bills and lost income, can take a heavy toll on victims’ emotional well-being.

In the most tragic cases, jet ski accidents can lead to death. Fatalities often occur due to severe head trauma, drowning, or complications from critical injuries like internal bleeding or spinal cord damage. The loss of a loved one in a jet ski accident is a heartbreaking and life-altering event, often leading to wrongful death lawsuits to seek justice and financial relief for the victim’s family.

Liability in Jet Ski Accident Cases

Determining liability for a personal watercraft accident is often complex because multiple parties may be involved. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, responsibility could fall on various individuals or entities. Below is a detailed look at who may be held accountable.

The Jet Ski Operator

The jet ski operator is often directly responsible for the accident. Operators are expected to follow local waterway regulations and operate the watercraft safely.

If they engage in negligent behavior, such as ignoring speed limits or performing dangerous stunts, they can be held accountable for the resulting injuries or damages.

Operating a jet ski while impaired by alcohol or drugs is illegal and significantly increases the risk of accidents. An intoxicated operator can be found liable if their impaired judgment and reflexes contributed to the accident.

Even if unintentional, inexperience or failure to understand how to control a jet ski properly can lead to accidents. In some cases, liability may still rest on the operator if their lack of skill or knowledge causes harm to others.

The Rental Company

Rental companies that provide jet skis for recreational use are responsible for ensuring that their equipment is safe and that renters are correctly informed about how to operate the watercraft. If an accident occurs because a renter was not informed of proper safety procedures or operational guidelines, the rental company may be held accountable.

Rental companies must also ensure that their jet skis are well-maintained and defect-free. If mechanical failure, such as steering malfunctions or engine issues, causes an accident, the company can be liable for failing to maintain its fleet in safe working order.

If a rental company knowingly rents to inexperienced or underage individuals without proper supervision, it may be liable for any accidents caused by those riders due to negligent rental practices.

The Jet Ski Manufacturer

Suppose a design flaw or manufacturing defect contributed to the accident, such as a faulty throttle, brake failure, or unstable hull design. In that case, the manufacturer may be held responsible under product liability law. Victims may file a personal injury lawsuit against the manufacturer to seek compensation for their injuries.

Manufacturers are also responsible for ensuring that safety mechanisms, such as kill switches and life jackets, are appropriately designed and functional. A malfunctioning safety feature contributing to an accident can result in the manufacturer being held liable for the injuries sustained.

Other Watercraft Operators

In some jet ski and boating accident cases, another boat or jet ski operator may be at fault. If another operator’s negligence—such as speeding, reckless driving, or failure to adhere to local waterway rules—caused the accident, they can be liable for the damages.

Property Owners or Event Organizers

Property owners who fail to warn of hazardous conditions, such as submerged rocks or debris, may be liable if those conditions contributed to the accident.

Event organizers responsible for overseeing water activities may be liable if they fail to enforce safety regulations, provide proper supervision, or ensure that all participants have the proper training or equipment.

Other Parties

In some cases, other parties may share liability. A personal injury attorney may investigate whether other factors, such as defective safety equipment or improper maintenance by a third party, contributed to the accident.

If the life jackets or helmets provided were defective or failed to protect the victim during the accident, the safety gear manufacturer could be held responsible.

If the jet ski involved in the accident was recently serviced and the accident was caused by improper maintenance, the service provider could share liability for the injuries sustained.

Damages Awarded to Jet Ski Injury Victims

Those who have suffered injuries in a jet ski accident may be entitled to a range of damages to help cover the physical, emotional, and financial impact of their injuries.

• Medical Expenses: Victims can seek compensation for immediate and long-term medical costs, including hospital bills, surgeries, doctor visits, and medications. This also covers any ongoing medical treatment or therapy required for recovery.
• Lost Wages: If the victim cannot work due to their injuries, they can seek compensation for both income lost during recovery and future lost income if they cannot return to work for an extended period.
• Diminished Earning Capacity: In cases where the injuries cause long-term disability or permanent impairment—where the victim can no longer perform their previous job or must take a lower-paying position due to their injuries—victims may pursue compensation for the loss of future earning potential.
• Pain and Suffering: Victims may also receive financial compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Property Damage: If the victim’s personal property—such as the jet ski or other belongings—was damaged in the accident, they can seek compensation for repairs or replacement.
• Punitive Damages: In some instances where the at-fault party’s negligence was particularly egregious, the court may award punitive damages. These are intended to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior in the future.

Factors Affecting Compensation

The amount of compensation awarded varies depending on several factors. These include the severity of the injuries, the cost of medical bills, the length of recovery, and the long-term impact on the victim’s ability to work. Additionally, whether the at-fault party was grossly negligent or if multiple parties share liability can also affect the final settlement or verdict.

Comparative Negligence

In some jet ski accident cases, comparative negligence laws apply, which can affect the amount of compensation a victim receives. If the victim is found to be partially at fault for the accident, their compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault.

For example, if a court determines that a victim was 20% responsible for the accident, their awarded damages may be reduced by 20%.

What to Do After a Jet Ski Accident

If you’ve suffered injuries in a jet ski accident, it’s essential to take immediate steps to protect your health and your legal rights. Below is a step-by-step guide on what to do:

• Seek Medical Attention: Some injuries may not show symptoms immediately but could have serious long-term effects. Medical records are crucial when filing jet ski accident lawsuits.
• Document the Scene: If possible, take photos and videos of the jet ski, any damage to other vessels or property, and visible injuries. These visuals can be necessary evidence to prove the at-fault party’s negligence during the insurance claims process.
• Collect Contact Information: Get the names, contact details, and insurance information of everyone involved, including other jet ski operators or boaters. If there were any witnesses, make sure to get their contact information as well. Their testimony can be invaluable in supporting your jet ski accident case.
• File an Accident Report: Depending on your location, you may need to report the accident to local authorities or a boating regulatory agency. A police or incident report can be an official record of what happened, which will help during the investigation and insurance company settlement negotiations.
• Avoid Speaking with Insurance Adjusters Without Legal Counsel: Yours or another party’s insurance company may try to contact you soon after the accident. Avoid making statements or agreeing to any settlements before consulting a jet ski accident lawyer.
• Contact a Jet Ski Accident Attorney: An experienced attorney can assist you with gathering evidence, handling insurance companies, and protecting your legal rights.

The Role of a Jet Ski Accident Attorney

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we understand how overwhelming a jet ski accident can be physically and financially.

Our law firm is well-versed in state and federal maritime law and how it applies to personal watercraft accidents. Whether the accident occurred on inland waters or in coastal areas, we make sure all relevant regulations are considered when building your case.

From dealing with the insurance company to preparing your case for litigation, our personal injury lawyers offer clear, practical advice that helps you make informed decisions.

Jet Ski Accident Investigation and Gathering Evidence

Your jet ski accident attorney will carefully document the scene, preserving critical photos, videos, and police or incident reports that capture the details of the accident. We will also gather eyewitness testimony to provide a clear account of the events leading up to the accident.

We work closely with medical professionals to obtain detailed reports and expert testimony, essential to proving the extent of your injuries and supporting your claim.

Identifying the At-Fault Party for the Jet Ski Accident

Determining who is responsible for a jet ski accident can be complicated, and more than one party may be at fault. Your jet ski attorney will thoroughly examine the circumstances to ensure all responsible parties are held accountable for their actions.

Proving Negligence in a Jet Ski Accident Case

To prove negligence in your case, we first establish that the at-fault party owed you a duty of care, such as safely operating the jet ski or maintaining the equipment. We then demonstrate how that duty was breached through reckless driving, lack of maintenance, or faulty equipment.

Finally, we link this breach to your injuries, showing that the negligence directly caused your harm.

Settlement Negotiations and Trial

In most cases, we work to settle jet ski accident lawsuits through negotiation, aiming to secure the highest possible compensation without going to court. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial, presenting a solid case to fight for the compensation you deserve.

You Have Limited Time to Take Legal Action

After a jet ski accident, victims have a limited timeframe, known as the statute of limitations, to file a personal injury lawsuit. This timeframe varies by state, but in many cases, you have only a few years from the accident date to take legal action.

If you miss this deadline, you may lose the opportunity to seek financial compensation. Acting swiftly protects your rights and gives your legal team enough time to build a strong case.

The Time It Takes to Settle a Jet Ski Accident Case

The time it takes to settle a jet ski accident case can vary depending on the complexity of the accident, the severity of the injuries, and whether the case goes to trial. Some cases can be resolved in a few months through settlement negotiations, while others may take a year or longer if they proceed to court.

We work diligently to move your case forward, but our priority is to secure the best possible outcome through a fair settlement or a favorable trial verdict.

Consult a Jet Ski Accident Lawyer Today!

If you’ve been involved in a jet ski accident, it’s crucial to seek legal advice as soon as possible. We offer a free consultation at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers to discuss your case and explain your options. There are no upfront fees, as our personal injury law firm works on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case. Call (888) 424-5757 or fill out our contact form to get started on your path to justice.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.