Jet Ski Accidents

Miami Lawyers Assisting in Victims of Injuries Involving Watercraft

Many South Florida residents and tourists enjoy using Jet Skis recreationally to explore the ocean, the Intercoastal, and other local waterways. Additionally, there are many rental companies offering access to Jet Skis for those who do not own their own. Unfortunately, if individuals do not know how to operate these fast-moving machines properly, or others on the water are not conscious of their existence, serious injuries can result. Florida has the most boating accidents among the states, which includes those involving Jet Skis and other personal watercraft. When injuries are the result of another party’s negligence, those responsible should be held legally liable. Miami boat accident attorney Robert Dixon can help you determine your legal actions following an injury on a Jet Ski. Our firm assists injured victims across South Florida, including Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties, with claims arising out of boating, cruise ship, and other water-related accidents. If you have questions regarding your legal rights after being injured in a Jet Ski collision, contact our office to schedule a free consultation to learn more.

Common Causes of Jet Ski Accidents

Serious injuries such as broken bones, amputations, head trauma, and drowning can result from a Jet Ski accident. These collisions can involve a Jet Ski operator running into another watercraft or a stationary object like a dock or other water hazard. Many times these accidents are caused by the following factors:

  • Speeding
  • Lack of instructions regarding proper Jet Ski operation
  • Failure to observe to sea conditions
  • Intoxication
  • Mechanical issues

Companies that rent out Jet Skis often do not give proper training on their operations, including what to do if a rider encounters an emergency on the water. This can lead to dangerous situations and injuries to both drivers and passengers of Jet Skis, as well as other waterway users.

Who’s Liable for Injuries on a Jet Ski?

Jet Ski accidents can arise from the negligent actions of various parties, including vendors, manufacturers, rental companies, boaters, or docking entities. The National Transportation Safety Board, however, has reported that over eighty percent of personal watercraft accidents are the fault of an inexperienced rider. These accidents can involve collisions with other vessels, capsizing, or striking a swimmer or another person in the water. A victim injured by a rider’s negligence must show that the rider breached a duty of reasonable care owed to them, causing their injuries, and resulting in damages. When a Jet Ski accident is caused by someone under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the legal requirements are simpler – ‘negligence per se’ requires a showing that a defendant violated a safety statute designed to protect a certain group of people. Since it is unlawful in Florida to operate any vessel while intoxicated, an impaired rider who causes another’s injuries on the water will be found negligent per se. Jet Ski rental companies may also be negligent in failing to inspect a vehicle properly, failing to adequately inform riders of risks or train them in Jet Ski operations. Once liability is established, those injured in a Jet Ski accident may be entitled to compensation for past and future medical costs, lost income, diminished earning capacity, or pain and suffering damages. Under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act, family members who have lost loves ones in a fatal boating accident may file a wrongful death suit against a negligent party for costs related to burial and funeral expenses as well as loss of consortium damages.

Attorneys for Injured Jet Ski Riders in Miami

Being injured on a Jet Ski or in any other kind of boating accident can involve a lengthy recovery process. Some injuries leave a permanent impact on your life and ability to work. The lawyers at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon offer compassionate and seasoned legal representation for Miami, and West Palm Beach injury victims. Attorney Robert Dixon and his staff are devoted to making sure clients know and understand their legal rights, working tirelessly on their behalf to pursue fair compensation from those responsible for their harm. Please call 877.499.4878 or contact us online for a free, no obligation consultation to find out more about how we can help.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
"Thank you to Robert Dixon & Kristopher Torres for an amazing experience handling with my first injury lawsuit. Very much hassle-free and down to earth experience working with this law firm. I would definitely use them again! My case was settled and I am satisfied with the results! Glad to have them fighting on my behalf." Diamond Epps
★★★★★
"This firm goes out of there way to make sure all of your needs are met. They are wonderful and within a year, my settlement was reached. In addition, I never waited more than a couple hours for someone to get back with me. I highly suggest this firm." Melissa Ellis
★★★★★
"I had the pleasure of working with attorney Torres when I was involved in a car accident last year. He was always checking up on me, always making sure that I was getting the proper treatment that I needed. Whenever I called the office everyone was so nice and willing to help me. I'm glad he was my attorney and thank you for such a wonderful service from you and your firm." Natalie J.
★★★★★
"I'd like to say that the Law Office of Robert Dixon has been great to work with since the inception of my case back in 2016. Robert and team made me feel rest assured that patience would constitute a much larger settlement and that truly was the case. ... I highly recommend this law firm for anyone needing help from a very compassionate team of hard workers. Thanks again everyone for this positive experience as this was my first time ever dealing with the courts or a law firm...." Paul Carlson
★★★★★
"Jodie, Jennifer and the WHOLE Team are AWESOME! Everyone I have spoken to, have been very professional, patient and kind. The ladies take their time to ensure you understand everything that is happening every step of the way. Each time I would have a question, they were available via e-mail or a quick phone call." Nathalie Perez