Most people who like excitement and adventure in life like water sports a lot. People like to do a lot of different things in and on the water, but nothing beats the thrill of riding a jet ski. Riding a jet ski is one of the coolest things you can do on the water, but if you don’t know what you’re doing, this fast ride can seriously hurt you if you don’t do it right.
Jet Ski is a brand name for a personal watercraft (PWC) that is made in Japan by Kawasaki Heavy Industries. Even though a lot of people say it’s easy and fun to ride, those who have been on jet skis before know how powerful they are and would never tell a beginner to drive at high speeds without wearing safety gear.
The United States Coast Guard says that more than 20% of all recreational boating accidents involve jet skis. If you get hurt on a jet ski in an accident, you need to know what your rights are and how to get any compensation you may be owed.
Jet skiing can be fun and exciting, but it can also be dangerous and even kill you. If you or someone you care about was hurt in the United States in a jet ski accident, you may be able to get compensated.
If you were hurt in a jet skiing accident, a personal injury lawyer can help you file a claim or lawsuit against the person or company responsible. We offer free consultations to people who have been hurt and want to learn about their legal options. We’ll answer your questions and tell you how a compensation claim works.
Things to Watch Out for When Riding a Jet Ski
Put on the Necessary Safety Gear
All riders must wear a flotation device that is approved by the US Coast Guard and fits them well. The engine stop lanyard should also always be tied to the driver’s wrist. Why? If the rider falls off the Jet Ski for some strange reason, the engine will turn off when the lanyard is pulled away from the kill switch. A fire extinguisher should also be on board in case the engine breaks down and starts a fire.
Keep Your Eyes Open
When riding a jet ski, you should always be aware of your surroundings. Riders should pay close attention to other boats and ships. Most jet ski accidents happen when the rider is going too fast and making a sharp turn. Be very careful on holidays and weekends when there is a lot of boat traffic. Additionally, make sure that the rider is not drunk or on drugs when they are riding a jet ski.
Attend a Class
People who have never used a PWC or Jet Ski before should take a crash course to learn how to ride them. People take courses to learn how to ride a jet ski like a pro and avoid crashes.
Keep a Safe Distance
People on jet skis should stay at least 70 feet away from other personal watercraft (PWCs) in the water. Remember that getting too close to another boat or jet ski is dangerous and could lead to a crash.
Age Limit
No one under 18 should be allowed to ride a jet ski by themselves. Manufacturers usually say that the age limit should be 16, but not all state laws agree with this. Most states don’t let people under 18 ride a jet ski by themselves. However, they can ride a jet ski with the help of a professional.
Ride During the Day
It is against the law to ride a jet ski before sunrise or after sunset. Why? Because there isn’t enough light from the sun and these machines don’t have their own lights for navigation. So, when it gets dark, riders are asked to head back to shore and turn off their machines.
Driving a jet ski is fun, but you have to learn how to use it like a pro before you can do all the cool tricks. Furthermore, don’t go jet skiing if you don’t know what the US Coast Guard’s rules and regulations are in that state.
Dangers of Jet Skiing
A jet skiing accident personal injury lawyer can help you get compensated for any injuries you get while riding a jet ski. Let’s look at some of the most common jet ski injuries in the U.S. and talk about how to avoid them.
- Whiplash
- Broken Bones
- Burns
- Wounds and cuts
- Blows to the head and concussions
- Puncture wounds
- Back and neck injuries
Damages That You Can Claim in the US for Your Jet Ski Accident
A lawyer who specializes in jet skiing accidents may be able to help you get money for:
- Medical costs like emergency care, being flown away from the scene of an accident by helicopter, hospital stays, surgery, etc.
- Medication
- Accessibility equipment and changes to your home or car to help with mobility issues
- Transportation expenses
- Loss of income, profits, benefits, etc.
- Less ability to make money
- Physical therapy
- Career counseling
- Psychological counseling
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lessening of the quality of life
Conclusion
It’s clear that when jet skis crash into each other or other watercraft, drivers and riders can get very hurt. However, one of the most overlooked things that can cause bruises is getting out of the water and back in again and again. This can hurt the soft tissues badly or even break the tailbone. Jet skiing can be fun and exciting, but it can also be dangerous and even kill you. If you or someone you care about gets hurt on a jet ski in the United States, you might be able to get compensated.
A personal injury lawyer can help you file a claim or lawsuit against the person or company at fault if you were hurt in a jet skiing accident. People who have been hurt and want to know what their legal options are can talk to us for free. We’ll answer your questions and explain how to file a compensation claim.