Jet skiing may be a thrilling sport, but accidents on Jet Skis tend to be more serious or fatal than accidents on other water craft. Jet Skis are small, maneuverable and can reach speeds exceeding 65 mph. Research from the University of Florida found that Jet Ski accidents usually result in much more serious injuries than other boating accidents.
Jet Ski accident injuries are often similar to those of motorcycle accidents, and can include:
Types of Jet Ski Accidents
Sometimes accidents occur when a Jet Skier is inexperienced, reckless or inattentive. Accidents can also occur when Jet Skis are defective or inherently unsafe.
The following are examples of accidents that occurred because of driver inexperienced and/or negligence:
- A nine-year-old girl died when the Jet Ski she was driving crashed into another Jet Ski being driven by a 14-year-old girl. The two were driving their crafts side-by-side when they collided. The 14-year old sustained serious head injuries in the crash, nearly drowning when she was knocked unconscious. Passengers on the personal water crafts were 11 and 14 years old.
- The leg and hip of a 25-year-old man were crushed when his Jet Ski was hit by a second one. Marine Police said the operators were "clowning around," spinning their crafts, when one lost sight of the other and rammed into the 25-year-old&'s leg.
- A Jet Skier going over 50 miles per hour in a harbor killed a windsurfer. Most collisions in the harbor are said to be hit and run.
- An inexperienced 18-year-old Jet Ski driver crashed and died on his first time out using the craft. His eight-year-old passenger suffered fractures to her cervical spine (area of the neck).
Defective Jet Ski Parts
Sometimes unsafe designs and defective parts can cause Jet Ski accidents. When a Jet Ski accident is caused by a defective or unsafe product, the manufacturer can be held liable for the injuries.
Problems that may be used to file a claim include:
- They are overpowered and go too fast for inexperienced, young drivers
- They should have propeller guards to protect someone who falls off
- They lack an automatic turnoff
- The water thrust out of the Jet Ski may enter the body of someone who has fallen off, causing severe internal injuries
- Defective parts can include faulty throttle levers, shifters and more
Defective throttle levers and shifter controller assemblies led to the recall last April of two 2011 Sea-Doo models: the 2011 model 1150 Speedster and the 2011 model 180 Challenger. The manufacturers, Bombardier Recreational Products, Inc., and BRPUS, Inc., said in the recall announcement, "A loss of throttle control or shift control may result in personal injury or death."
Even if the Jet Ski has not been recalled, a proper investigation should be conducted to determine who is at fault. Tony Malley is a Jet Ski accident attorney that has the experience and resources to conduct a thorough investigation to determine liability. If you or someone you love has been seriously injured or killed in a Jet Ski accident, contact Mr. Malley for help.
Please Call : 800.529(law).5770