If you were injured in a jetski accident, it’s important to understand your rights. It could be possible your accident was the result of the jetski operator, jetski rental company, or even the jetski manufacturer. Here we provide a jetski injury attorney’s guide to negligence and why you should seek compensation.
Operator Negligence in a Jetski Accident
What you might think was a perfectly innocent accident, could prove to be the factor that helps prove you deserve compensation from the jetski operator. These are just a few of the possible factors that might indicate negligence in a jet ski accident case:
- The jetski was traveling at a high or dangerous speed
- The operator lacked experience and training on how to operate the jetski that is required by law
- The operator was under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Witnesses noted the operator was not paying attention to people and watercraft in their path or failed to slow down when encountering other vessels or people
- The jetski lacked sufficient navigation lights making them difficult to spot, as well as restricting their vision
- The accident occurred in hazardous waters due to poor weather conditions
- The operator or their passenger displayed reckless or negligent behavior
These are just a few examples of negligent behavior for a jetski operator. Your jetski injury attorney can investigate the accident to find evidence of negligence.
Rental Jetski Negligence
If you were the operator of a rental jetski and were injured, the rental company could be found negligent and therefore liable for damages. They have a responsibility to provide a jetski that is safe to operate, and also ensure you understand how to operate the vessel. As well they also have to provide you with safety equipment that is functional and of high quality. Your jetski injury attorney can identify issues with rental jetski accidents to discover if the rental company is culpable for the accident.
Jetski Manufacturer Negligence
If your jetski was defective, you could have a product defect case to pursue. Negligence can be proven based on the following defects:
- Restraint systems
- Product design
- Manufacturing design
- Poor crash rating
- Structural defects
Many operators don’t realize it is possible the accident was caused due to a product defect. Your jetski injury attorney will not only be familiar with similar cases but also conduct a thorough investigation to see if the manufacturer is at fault. If you have a case, your attorney can then seek compensation based on one of the following:
- Defective jetski design
- Defective manufacturing processes
- Failure of the manufacturer to warn you of a known danger or hazard
Even if you feel very strongly the accident was your fault because you used the jetski improperly, if it can be proven incorrect use was foreseeable and avoidable, the manufacturer can still be held responsible.
As you can see negligence plays a major role in jetski injuries which is why you should always consult a lawyer to get the compensation you deserve. As experienced jetski injury attorneys, we can assist with claims for damages. Contact Malley Law today.
If you have received an orifice injury after a personal watercraft accident, do not hesitate to contact the Malley Law Firm. Tony Malley has years of experience in handling different types of personal watercraft injuries and understands the pain and medical complications that can result from orifice injuries. He will work tirelessly to ensure you receive compensation for your injuries. Contact our Texas offices today for your initial free consultation.
