As much fun as they are, jet skis can also cause serious injuries and even death.  They are powerful watercraft that are capable of going up to 65 mph. This is as fast as a car on the interstate. However, a jet ski is not equipped with seatbelts or airbags. Jet ski accidents have the potential to cause traumatic and debilitating injuries.

If you or someone you love was injured due in a jet ski or other watercraft accident caused by negligent behavior in the Sacramento area, you will need experienced legal help.  Contact Edward A. Smith, a jet ski accident lawyer in Sacramento to help you obtain a fair monetary settlement.

While some jet skiers own their watercraft and tow their wave runners to the lake each weekend, most individuals out on the water are vacationers who rent jet skis from local rental shops. These rental shops are located near major lakes, rivers, and beaches. To rent a jet ski, you need to pay an hourly fee and allow the rental company to photograph your license. However, you are otherwise largely left to your own devices. This includes figuring out how to start, drive, and maneuver the jet ski. No training or educational courses are provided.

Jet skis are not the hardest watercraft to operate. However, due to lack of education and reckless driving, they are the cause of many water-related accidents. One area in which there is a safety concern with personal watercraft is the ability to steer, especially in the case of an emergency breakdown.  Due to their mechanics, the maneuverability of a jet ski is reduced when the throttle is not applied and when the craft slows down.  This could result in a crash if the jet ski operator is attempting to get out of another vessel’s way. 

Common causes of jet ski accidents include:

• Speeding
• Not looking ahead
• Swerving without checking for oncoming traffic
• Entering restricted areas designated for swimming
• Bad weather
• Choppy surf
• Reckless or careless operation
• Lack of training and education
• Operating while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Collisions
• Groundings in shallow water

Victims injured in jet ski accidents are eligible for a variety of different forms of compensation, including:

• Lost past and future wages
• Unpaid past and future medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of quality of life
• Punitive damages

The negligent operator of the jet ski and often times the owner of the jet ski, usually a rental company, may be liable for these damages.

Because there have been so many jet ski accidents, the Personal Watercraft Industry Association (PWIA) issued the following precautions to users of personal watercraft:

• Anyone under the age of 22 should take a boater safety class.
• All operators and riders should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
• The operator must affix the lanyard with the engine cutoff switch to her clothing or life jacket.
• Personal watercraft should only be operated during daylight hours.
• Never operate a personal watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The Edward A Smith Law Offices has dedicated almost 40 years to providing local Sacramento and northern California clients with unparalleled customer service. Since 1982, our law firm has focused exclusively on personal injury. Our attorneys develop close, personal relationships with our clients, and we hope to be able to welcome you to the family. During your time of need, we will assist you with understanding any potential claims you may have, investigating your case, and pursuing compensation. 

I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Jet Ski Accident Attorney with the primary accident information site on the web, www.AutoAccident.com. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a jetski accident caused by the negligence of another, call me now at 916.921.6400 or 800.404.5400 for free, friendly advice.