Boating & Jet-Ski Injury Lawyer
When the weather allows, many people enjoy boating or riding on personal water crafts (PWC), or jet-skis. Unfortunately every year, there are thousands of injuries and fatal boating accidents in the United States. In 2014 alone, there were 610 deaths and over 2,000 injuries caused by boating accidents. What’s worse, research has shown that jet-ski mishaps are more common than boating accidents, due to excessive speeding or using the vehicles unsafely.
When boating or jet-ski accidents occur, alcohol is a common factor. Driving any vehicle under the influence of alcohol can create extremely dangerous, even deadly, situations. Severe boating and jet-ski accidents occur frequently at the hands of a driver who is drunk, distracted, or disregarding the laws of the water and driving at an excessive speed. These negligent drivers can be held liable for damages or injuries to passengers or other boaters.
When a jet-ski accident occurs, it is most comparable to a motorcycle accident on land, where the driver and/or passengers are thrown from the watercraft and severely injured. Conversely, there are a number of different types of boating accidents, capsizing being the most common. Other life-threatening boating accidents include:
- Passengers falling overboard
- Collisions with other vessels or objects in the water
- Water-skier accidents
- Boat fires or explosions
- Persons in the water being struck by a boat or it’s propellers
- Boat sinking and/or hitting the ground
The owner of a boat, jet-ski or other type of PWC is responsible for making sure the equipment is up-to-date, safe to use, and functioning properly. Owners are also responsible for ensuring young children or those adults under the influence of alcohol do not use the equipment. When these precautions are not observed, drowning or serious injury can occur.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a boating or jet-ski accident, call today for relentless advocacy, knowledgeable guidance, and compassionate support from an experienced attorney at Naftulin & Shick. We have experience with these types of personal injury cases and wrongful death lawsuits stemming from waterway collisions and accidents.
The impacts of boating accidents and jet-skiing accidents can be lifelong, or worse – life-ending. Contact the boat accident attorneys at Naftulin & Shick today to start building your case. You can also reach out by phone at 215-348-5455.