Dallas Jet Ski Accident Attorney

If you were injured in a Jet Ski accident, contact the Dallas boat accident attorneys at Rasansky Law Firm as soon as possible. You may have legal options available to help you recover.

Every year, thousands of people are involved in Jet Ski and other personal watercraft accidents throughout the United States. Out of the total 12 million registered recreational water vessels in the United States, 1.5 million are Jet Ski (and other brands of water scooter) owners. Although this accounts for a small portion of all registered watercraft in the country, they are involved in roughly 20% of accidents reported each year. These statistics provide insight as to the level of danger these vehicles create for riders and others in the area.

Jet Ski Accident Attorney
Personal Watercraft Accidents

Jet Ski riders have less protection than riders on boats and other vessels. Consequently, they are more likely to suffer life-altering injuries in accidents. Many people who get injured in a Jet Ski accident require extensive medical treatment and hospitalization. They are also often forced to go through months of therapy to recover. Those harmed in Jet Ski accidents due to the negligence of others should contact a personal injury attorney in Texas as soon as possible.

The Dallas Jet Ski accident attorneys at Rasansky Law Firm have nearly 30 years of experience helping those injured due to the negligence of others recover their damages through personal injury lawsuits. Our attorneys provide aggressive and effective legal representation to ensure our clients are in the best position imaginable to move forward after being harmed. We stop at nothing to guarantee our clients are fully and fairly compensated for their injuries and suffering. If you were injured in a Jet Ski accident as a result of another person’s actions, contact our Dallas Jet Ski accident lawyers to see how we can help you.

How Does Texas Law Define a Jet Ski?

Jet Skis belong to a group of vessels referred to as personal watercraft. While Jet Ski is a brand name, the term is often used to describe any type of personal water scooter. Personal watercraft is defined as a variety of motorboats that were created to be driven by someone sitting, standing, or kneeling on one as opposed to in one.

Laws for Using a Personal Watercraft in Texas

Some of the more prevalent regulations pertaining to Jet Ski operations in Texas are:

  • Anyone born after September 01, 1993, must take and pass a Boater Education Certification Course
  • Operators need a valid picture ID
  • Riders under 13 years of age must be under the supervision of an adult if the Jet Ski has more than 15 horsepower
  • All riders are required to wear a lifejacket or a flotation device approved by the United States Coast Guard
  • Jet Skis may not be operated between dusk and dawn
  • Jet Skis may not be operated within 50 feet of any person, vessel, stationary platform, shoreline, or other objects

Jet Ski Statistics to Consider

Accident statistics published by the United States Coast Guard indicate that an average of 50 people are killed annually in Jet Ski accidents nationwide, and roughly 700 are significantly injured. The study suggests that these figures are probably erroneously low due to the fact that many Jet Ski accidents and injuries go unreported.

There are around 1.1 million personal watercraft, including Jet Skis, currently in operation in the United States, and there are very few rules surrounding their purchase or operation. The majority of Jet Ski operators know how to handle their vessels and have taken the appropriate boater training and safety courses to ensure they are safe on the water.

That being said, there is a small faction of watercraft operators who don’t have the foggiest idea what they are doing and they often cause serious injuries to themselves and those around them. Some drivers are simply too young and inexperienced, while others are drunk, or have a penchant for reckless behavior.

If a negligent or reckless Jet Ski operator caused your injuries or the death of a family member, Texas personal injury laws make it possible for you to pursue financial compensation in court.  Our Dallas boat accident attorneys can help.

What Do I Need To Build a Successful Case?

In order to build the strongest personal injury case possible, you will need every bit of evidence you can collect.

Talk to any potential eyewitnesses, and write down their contact details. Use your phone to record their statements. Take photos of the damage to your Jet Ski and any visible injuries as well. Any other potential evidence should also be preserved or recorded with pictures and videos. When it comes to collecting case evidence, it is better to have too much than not enough.

Other forms of helpful evidence could be:

  • Pictures or videos of the accident
  • The contact details of any witnesses
  • The insurance information of the other party
  • Any reports or citations issued by the Parks and Wildlife Department
  • Your medical records and medical bills from the day of the accident and any follow-up care

The more of this information you are able to collect, the more compelling the case our Dallas boat accident attorneys will be able to build for you. Call us today for a free consultation.

Accidents Involving a Personal Watercraft Such as a Jet Ski or Sea-Doo

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics reports that there were 685 deaths resulting from watercraft accidents last year. In addition, they report approximately 3,600 injuries resulting from close to 5,200 personal watercraft accidents, with an estimated 54 million dollars spent in property damage claims.

A watercraft is an all-encompassing term that refers to a variety of vessels that float on the water. There are various types of vessels that are commonly used by boaters and water sport enthusiasts every day. The US Coast Guard defines a personal watercraft as a jet drive boat under 13′ in length. Apart from conventional boats, personal watercraft vehicles include:
  • Jet Skis (recreational. motorcycle-like power, used for fast transport)
  • Sea-Doos (recreational, motorcycle-like powered watercraft)
  • WaveRunners (recreational, motorcycle-like powered watercraft)
  • Other water scooters
  • Jet boats

The most common reasons for Jet Ski accidents include the following:

  • Operator under the influence of alcohol: Operating any vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal. There is no exception for Jet Skis. Riders who are impaired are likely to cause accidents that result in serious injuries.
  • The design of the Jet Ski: The speed and agility of a Jet Ski coupled with the lack of brakes contributes to a higher rate of accidents than with other watercraft.
  • Careless or reckless operation of the watercraft: In some cases, experienced riders operate their vehicles in a reckless manner. Performing dangerous tricks like wave jumping or riding too close to docks and other objects can result in catastrophic injuries.
  • Operator inattention: Riding a Jet Ski can be a rejuvenating experience. Unfortunately, there are many accidents caused by riders taking their eyes off the path ahead. Looking at others riding with you, using cellphones, or engaging in other activities while operating a Jet Ski drastically increases the likelihood of an accident. You must remain vigilant while driving a Jet Ski, just like if you were driving a motorcycle on the roadways.
  • Weather Conditions: Having limited visibility or riding a Jet Ski in poor weather can be extremely dangerous. Weather conditions create challenging circumstances for riders that prevent them from seeing objects or other vessels nearby.
  • Operator inexperience: The leading cause of Jet Ski accidents across the United States is inexperienced operators. There is no experience legally required for riders who want to rent Jet Skis. As a result, people who have no idea how to operate these vessels are free to use them at any time.
  • Bad passenger behavior: Operators must remain in control of their vessels at all times. Part of this involves ensuring passengers engage in safe and responsible behaviors. When passengers stand up, try to detach, or engage in other careless behaviors, they can distract drivers and cause dangerous circumstances that lead to accidents.
In most cases, the types of injuries caused by personal watercraft are severe and catastrophic and include spinal cord injury and/or paralysis, broken bones, brain damage, and even wrongful death. If you were injured in a Jet Ski accident, it is imperative that you take immediate action to protect your legal rights. Contact our Dallas Jet Ski accident attorneys at Rasansky Law Firm as soon as possible for a free consultation and to get the justice you deserve.

Circumstances Surrounding Jet Ski Accidents in Texas

Jet Skis and other recreational boats place riders at an increased risk of being injured in accidents. The fact that these vessels do not have off-throttle steering can create dangerous circumstances, especially for inexperienced riders. In Texas, we see an increasing amount of Jet Ski accidents year after year that send injured people to local hospitals with debilitating injuries. Although these accidents can happen in a multitude of ways, some of the most common circumstances surrounding Jet Ski accidents include:

  • Collisions involving other vessels on the water
  • Capsizing
  • Striking swimmers or other people in the water
  • Falling off the Jet Ski while traveling at a high rate of speed
  • Crashing into poles, buoys, sand bars, docks, or debris in or near the water
  • Engine explosions
  • Jet Skis catching on fire

There are many situations that increase the likelihood of Jet Ski accidents. Some examples include, but are not limited to:

  • The negligence of operators: Negligence is the leading cause of Jet Ski accidents in Texas. Some examples of negligence include:
    • Inexperience
    • Inattention
    • Weaving between other vessels or objects
    • Traveling at excessive speeds
    • Not venting fumes properly
    • Making radical changes in the riding course
    • Alcohol or drug use during or before operating the vessel
    • Violating the rules of navigation
    • Spinning donuts or jumping wakes
    • Obstructed vision
  • Broken or defective Jet Skis: There are instances where the design or defect of the water scooter leads to life-altering accidents. Not having complete control over your vessel can create dangerous circumstances instantly and present dangers for you and everyone around you.

Who is Liable for your Dallas Jet Ski Accident?

There are instances where people become involved in accidents while operating Jet Skis they were renting. In some situations, the owner of the Jet Ski or the rental company can be held liable for resulting injuries or damages. In order to determine whether a rental company or an owner is liable, it is imperative to determine the following:

  • Was the Jet Ski properly inspected within the required timeframe?
  • Was the Jet Ski company negligent in allowing someone to operate the vehicle?
  • Did the owner know the rider was impaired?
  • Did the Jet Ski rental company adhere to state laws surrounding Jet Skis?
  • Was the area where the rider was traveling properly maintained?
  • Was the operator outside of the designated area and the instructor did not address this issue?

Working with a knowledgeable attorney from Rasansky Law Firm will ensure you are able to get the justice you deserve. Our Dallas Jet Ski accident attorneys will go to the scene of the accident to investigate the details of your claim. Our team will gather critical evidence in support of your claim, speak with witnesses, and investigate the history of the rental companies and Jet Ski owners to determine if they have a history of negligence.

Our attorneys are committed to helping our clients recover financially, physically, and mentally after being harmed. Contact our law firm today to schedule a free case evaluation to explore the legal options available to help you get the maximum amount of compensation available.

How is Liability Proven in a Dallas Jet Ski Accident?

When someone operating a boat crashes into a personal watercraft, they can face civil liability for any resulting damages. To pursue a personal injury claim for financial compensation, the injured rider and their Dallas boating accident attorney will have to show that the other person’s negligence led to the accident. Generally speaking, there are four distinct elements that must be proven in order to establish negligence.

The first element that must be proven is that a duty of care existed between the injured Jet Ski operator and the at-fault boater.

The next element involves proving that the boater breached the duty of care they owed to the Jet Ski rider. There are several ways this can happen, including the boat operator being under the influence, traveling too fast, or driving aggressively.

Third, the plaintiff has to prove that the at-fault boater was the immediate cause of their injuries. Jet Ski accident victims may only recover damages directly related to the negligence of the other party.

The fourth element that the plaintiff must prove is that their injuries caused damages. Quantifiable damages may include medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Who Can You Sue in Texas for Watercraft Accidents?

Negligence is the leading cause of Jet Ski and other personal watercraft accidents. If you are considering filing a lawsuit, you need to understand who could be liable for your Jet Ski or boating accident. An experienced Dallas boat accident lawyer will be able to explain the best way to proceed with your case based on your individual situation.

Some parties that are commonly liable for Dallas Jet Ski accidents are:
The Operator of a Jet Ski or Boat
Accidents are often caused by the driver of another watercraft, like another Jet Ski or a boat. To successfully prove your case against the operator of another vessel, you will need to establish the four elements of negligence discussed above.
The Owner of a Jet Ski or Boat

The operator and owner of a watercraft are often the same person. It is not uncommon, however, for the owner to let someone else use their Jet Ski or boat. If the owner of a watercraft knew or reasonably should have known that this person would operate the vessel in a dangerous manner, they could be held liable for negligent entrustment. In this case, you would have a valid legal claim against both parties.

A Watercraft Sales or Rental Company
Companies that sell or rent watercraft are required to make sure they are safe. For example, a boat rental facility has to ensure that each of its vessels is properly maintained, regularly inspected, and safe to use. A suit may be brought against them if your Dallas boat accident lawyer is able to prove that the company failed to do so and that this failure directly led to your Jet Ski accident.
Bars or Restaurants Selling Alcohol
Restaurants and bars may be held accountable for overserving customers who then cause serious injury or damage to others. It is feasible for a restaurant or bar to be held liable if the operator of a watercraft bought alcohol from them.
Other Passengers on the Boat or Jet Ski
Passengers who conduct themselves recklessly on a boat or Jet Ski can be held responsible for any injuries if they result in the operator or a passenger falling overboard or getting hurt.

What to Do Next

If you have been injured by a personal watercraft vehicle including a Sea-Doo (SeaDoo), Jet Ski, Wave-Runner, or any other small jet boat, let the Dallas lawyers at Rasansky Law Firm investigate your potential case. It doesn’t matter whether your accident occurred on Lewisville Lake, Lake Texoma, White Rock Lake, Eagle Mountain Lake, Possum Kingdom Lake, Lake Whitney, Lake Grapevine, Lake Palestine, or Joe Pool Lake. We will explore all potentially responsible parties and get you every dollar you deserve for your injuries.

A person who does not know how to properly operate one of these types of vehicles has no business operating it – especially when in close proximity to another boat or individuals in the water. However, ignorance is no defense when it comes to the serious injury of an innocent person.

It’s important to note that jet-ski accidents, wave runner accidents, and watercraft accidents can be subject to both state and federal law. Deciphering the legal details of this type of case can be quite complex. In order to give yourself the best chance at a successful lawsuit, navigate the waters with an experienced Dallas accident lawyer that has handled numerous watercraft accidents.

Do I Have To Report A Personal Watercraft or Jet Ski Accident?

Almost always, the answer is yes, you do. Accidents must be reported to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. A 24-hour hotline has been established. You can reach the proper department by calling (512) 389-4848 or (800) 792-1112. If you are not able to get in touch with them, then you must report your boating or Jet Ski accident to the nearest game warden or law enforcement officer.

Are All Boat Accidents Required To Be Reported?

All accidents involving personal watercraft have to be reported if property damage worth more than $2,000 occurred or if anyone incurred injuries beyond the scope of basic first aid. Regardless of the severity of your accident, it is usually in your best interest to report it since a lot of serious injuries are not immediately obvious and several days or even weeks could go by before you realize something is wrong.
How Can Your Dallas Boating Accident Lawyers Help Me?
Some of the things that the Dallas boating accident lawyers at Rasansky Law will do to help their client’s Jet Ski accident claims include:

We Offer a Free Consultation Regarding Your Potential Claim

We know how confusing and overwhelming it can be for someone injured in a Jet Ski accident to find a reputable Dallas boat accident attorney that can help them with their case. For your free consultation, our attorneys can visit you in the hospital, come see you at home, or host a remote consultation for your convenience. No matter how your free consultation is conducted, we will be prepared to learn how your accident happened and review your case to determine the best way forward. Our Dallas boating accident lawyers will make sure that you understand your rights and explain the best way to proceed with your claim in order to collect financial compensation for your injuries and damages.

Help You Get Medical Attention

We will push to ensure that you get the medical attention you need. We will also assist your insurance company with making sure you receive the best care possible. Your recovery should be your priority. If you are without insurance, we can work with medical professionals who understand that they will not be paid until your case is settled. If you lost a loved one in a Jet Ski accident, we will help you collect wrongful death damages.

Investigate Your Accident and Build a Solid Case

We will track down copies of any relevant police reports, interview potential eyewitnesses, gather all pictures and surveillance videos, and fully investigate your Jet Ski accident. We will also work with accident reconstructionists and other professionals in order to establish liability against the negligent party.

Negotiate an Equitable Settlement

After being injured in a Jet Ski accident caused by someone else, you should not have to worry about how you are going to pay your hospital bills. Our attorneys will negotiate a settlement for the maximum amount of financial compensation pursuant to Texas law. We can handle negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance carrier for a full and fair settlement that covers all your damages. If they absolutely refuse to pay an equitable amount, then our attorneys will file suit and take them to court. We are not afraid to go up against a major insurance company and its team of defense attorneys. We are prepared to do whatever it takes to ensure the best possible outcome for your situation. We know all our clients want is to be able to put this incident behind them and move on with their lives.

If you were injured in a Jet Ski accident, do not wait to get the help you need. Reach out to a Dallas personal injury attorney at Rasansky Law to schedule your free consultation. We will evaluate your claim and help you understand your legal options. The sooner you reach out, the better your chances of a favorable resolution will be.

Am I Eligible for Compensation if I Was Partly to Blame for My Accident?

In Texas, anyone who is hurt in an accident is still eligible to collect financial compensation even if they share in liability for the accident. Keep in mind, if this applies to you, your recovery will be reduced in direct proportion to your percentage of fault. For instance, if you are found to be 30% at fault for your Jet Ski accident, then your damages will be decreased by 30%. So if your compensation is $100,000, you will only be able to collect $70,000.

What Types of Damages am I Entitled to Receive?

Every accident case is unique, but there are some damages that are commonly awarded in Dallas personal injury accidents, including Jet Ski accidents and boat accidents. These damages include current and anticipated medical bills, lost earnings, damage to property, emotional trauma, and a lot more.

Damages are typically broken down into categories, economic and non-economic. Economic damages include things you can easily show on paper, like medical bills, lost wages, property damage and more. Non-economic damages include things like pain and suffering which do not have a set dollar amount and will be determined by the severity of your injuries and length of your recovery, as well as whether there will be any long-term impacts to your life.

How Long Do I Have to File My Dallas Jet Ski Accident Case?

In Texas, the deadline for filing a Jet Ski accident case, known as the statute of limitations, is two years from the cause of action, which is the day your injury occurred.

As with everything else pertaining to the law, the statute of limitations does have some exceptions. You should always talk to a qualified attorney to establish exactly how long you have before your claim becomes invalid.

Speak With a Dallas Injury Attorney For Free

Each year, more than 700 people lose their lives in Jet Ski accidents throughout the United States. Thousands more are left with life-altering injuries that lead to overwhelming pain, suffering and permanent impairments.

Although there are many types of treatment options available for the various injuries sustained in a Jet Ski accident, they come at a significant cost. People who are harmed in accidents caused by negligent or reckless drivers should never have to spend tens of thousands of dollars of their own money on treatment. The person who caused your accident can be legally required by law to compensate you.

For this reason, it is crucial to reach out to a personal injury attorney in Texas as soon as possible, following your accident, to explore legal options available for you.

The Dallas Jet Ski accident attorneys at Rasansky Law Firm have nearly three decades of experience helping clients recover from their accidents. Our attorneys strive to help our clients maximize the amount of compensation they receive for their damages, including:

  • Medical costs
  • Long-term care expenses
  • Lost wages or lost earning capacity depending on the extent of your injuries
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Loss of consortium
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Property repairs or replacement of your Jet Ski
  • Wrongful death benefits, when applicable

Immediately following your free consultation, our attorneys get started with investigating your claim. Our team goes to the site of your accident to gather evidence, obtain medical records and police reports, and various other documents to prove the costs of your injuries and damages. Our attorneys fight to ensure each client we work with is in the best mental, physical, and financial position imaginable to move forward after being harmed.

If you were injured in a Jet Ski accident as a result of another person’s actions, contact our law firm at your earliest convenience.

Speak With a Dallas Jet Ski Injury Attorney For Free

The attorneys at Rasansky Law Firm are happy to speak to you about your potential case free of charge. If we can help with your claim, we’ll do so for no out-of-pocket cost to you. Call us 24/7 at 214-617-1886.

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Note: The information that was utilized in this post was gathered from the use of secondary sources. This information used has not been confirmed or independently verified. If you locate any information that is not correct, please contact our firm as soon as possible so that we can make the appropriate corrections. If you find any information that is false, we will remove or correct the post immediately after it is brought to our attention.   

Disclaimer: As a valued member of the Dallas community, Rasansky Law Firm’s goal is to improve the safety of all residents in the great state of Texas. These posts should not be viewed as a solicitation for business and the information included herein should not be taken as medical or legal advice. The photos used in this post are not representative of the actual crash scene.

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