In Mississippi’s hot summer months, there is nothing like skipping across a lake on a jet ski. These fast-moving, lightweight watercraft are the perfect vehicle for those who want the thrill of speed combined with jumping off of waves and making tight, high speed turns. But the very things that make jet skis thrilling also make them potentially deadly, especially when they are misused or by those that are too young or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Sadly, many people are injured and killed by Jet Skis every year in the United States, and they or their loved ones must pick up the pieces from a fun day on the water gone awry. If a jet ski driver injured you or a loved one, you are due compensation for injuries, loss of work, and other expenses you have incurred.
You will need to have experienced counsel help you attain your fair share of compensation for a Jet Ski accident. Barrett Law has the experience to help you—contact us now at (601) 790-1505.
What Are the Defining Aspects of Jet Ski Accidents?
A jet ski is a small, one or two-person watercraft. The driver sits or stands on the jet ski, which has a powerful inboard jet motor and steering similar to a bicycle. These watercraft have become increasingly user-friendly and easy to use. That said, they are also capable of reaching speeds of up to 60 miles per hour, making collisions involving them as dangerous as car accidents. They share many of the dangers of automobiles as well, with inexperienced and inebriated drivers both posing severe risks to themselves and those that share the water with them.
If you are injured in a jet ski accident, you should seek the help of an experienced personal injury attorney immediately. The majority of jet ski accidents are caused by “operator error,” meaning that either the driver lacked sufficient training or that he or she was struck by someone who lacked experience or was somehow incapacitated. Accordingly, if you were driving and lost control of the jet ski, you may have been poorly trained to use the watercraft. A claim against the jet ski rental shop would have to show that they provided you with a vehicle without adequately warning you of its inherent danger.
Similarly, the jet ski’s manufacturer may have failed to adequately warn you and the rental shop of the dangers inherent in these watercraft. A legal claim based on “failure to warn” will be more akin to a products liability claim than a traditional negligence case.
Finally, if another driver strikes you, your claim will likely be more similar to an automobile accident case, where your attorney will have to prove the other driver’s negligence. This is particularly true if the person was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, where they can also be prosecuted criminally. If the person is found criminally to have been under the influence at the time of the accident, it will be far easier to prove your negligence case, which will be based on a lower standard of proof.
What Should You Do If You or a Loved One Has Been Injured on a Jet Ski?
As I described above, if you or a loved one was injured on a Jet Ski, you must contact a personal injury attorney immediately. You may have claims against the Jet Ski manufacturer, the driver that struck you or your loved one, and any dealer that sold or rented the Jet Ski to you. These are important and complex decisions requiring the assistance of experienced counsel.
Call Barrett Law now, an experienced Mississippi personal injury law firm, to represent you if you have been injured. Contact us now at (601) 790-1505.
