Personal Watercraft Accidents Attorneys

Florida’s Waterways Playground

Personal watercraft accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including negligence on the part of other drivers, defective watercraft, and dangerous weather conditions. If you or a loved one has been injured in a personal watercraft accident, the Personal Watercraft Accident Lawyers at People for Law can help you file a lawsuit and get the compensation you deserve.

Personal watercraft, commonly yet erroneously referred to as jet ski, are a popular choice for recreational water activities in the sunny state of Florida. With thousands of miles of coastlines and rivers, millions of acres of lakes and 2,000 marinas, the popularity of personal watercraft in Florida comes as no surprise. However, with the thrill of riding a personal watercraft comes the potential for accidents and injuries.

The United States Coast Guard deems any 13-foot inboard vessel that is powered by a jet pump and inboard motor, and designed to be operated by an individual who is kneeling, standing or sitting in the craft as a personal watercraft or PWC. The fundamental structure and features of personal watercraft make riders prone to accidents. Riding a PWC comes with considerable risks as the small size makes it tough to spot in the water. PWCs can reach speeds of up to 85 mph, which makes it extremely difficult to evade them even after they have been spotted. The negligence and propensity of inattentiveness in boat operators only adds to the already high risk potential.

Florida boasts an extensive network of lakes, rivers, and coastal areas, making it a hotspot for personal watercraft enthusiasts. The popularity of jet skis means an increased risk of accidents, especially during peak tourist seasons. Common Causes of Personal Watercraft Accidents include:

• Excessive Speed:High speeds can lead to collisions or loss of control.
• Inexperienced Operators:Lack of experience can result in accidents.
• Reckless Maneuvers:Risky tricks and maneuvers can lead to injuries.
• Alcohol and Drug Use:Impaired judgment is a significant factor in accidents.
• Ignoring Safety Guidelines:Failure to follow safety rules can be dangerous.

Legal Implications of Personal Watercraft Accidents

In personal watercraft accidents, determining liability is crucial. Liability may lie with several entities such as:

• A boat/PWC owner or operator:If you crashed because of a boater or another jet ski operator, they may be held liable if
  • The other party ignored waterway safety laws
  • The other party was under the influence
  • The other party failed to operate their boat or PWC with reasonable care
• The rental company: A boat or PWC rental company may be held liable in a Personal Watercraft Accident Lawsuit case:
  • The rental company failed to adequately maintain their boats or PWCs, causing it to malfunction.
  • The rental company consciously rented the watercraft to a underage or drunk individual.
• Manufacturer or designer of the PWC: PWC accidents may sometimes be caused by manufacture defects or design flaws.
• Owner of the water body: If the accident took place on a privately owned water body due to the negligence of the owner, they may be held liable as well. For instance, the owner assured you that the water was safe to operate a PWC in, however, due to obstructions or lack of depth you ended up crashing.