Personal watercraft are a common site among waterways of any state during summer months. Traveling at a high rate of speed, these personal watercraft often zoom by, much to the dismay of more stationary watercraft, such as sailboats and kayaks. However, along with the high rate of speed comes the potential for serious brain injuries, which these smaller watercraft realize. Personal watercraft operators may not be as aware of the potential for serious injuries from their actions, but it is important that they be aware of the potential for injuries, as well as their responsibility to injured victims.

Watercraft accidents occur each year, and can be due to a number of factors, often including operator inattention and defective products. Watercraft operators have a responsibility to protect not only their passengers, but also any people swimming, boating, or riding other watercraft in the area. Boating comes with many laws and regulations depending on the state, which personal watercraft operators are often unaware of. Boating under the influence is a huge issue, especially given the prevalence of watercraft use during different holidays. Watercraft operator inexperience also plays a large factor in many watercraft accidents, especially on personal watercraft. Many of the different personal watercraft brands require specific use of the throttle to propel the watercraft forward and easily make turns. The inappropriate use of this thrust, often by inexperience, can lead to loss of control of the watercraft.

Brain injuries are some of the most serious types of injuries that can result from watercraft accidents. Watercraft accidents which lead to brain injuries can include the following:

• Collision of two watercraft;
• Watercraft hitting a stationary object; or
• Watercraft hitting a swimmer.

The brain is essentially the computer and hard drive of the body. Without a properly functioning brain, other organs begin to give up, and therefore any brain injury can have a severe and longlasting impact on the victim’s life. The victim of a watercraft accident which results in a brain injury can receive the following types of recovery:

• Medical expenses (including hospital bills and ambulance or life flight expenses)
• Rehabilitation expenses
• Lost wages
• Future earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium (for close family members)

Brain injuries can drastically alter the way of life for a person who was simply swimming in a lake and was hit by a watercraft. A victim of a watercraft accident should not be forced to cover all related expenses stemming from their injury, but should instead focus solely on their recovery.

If you or a loved one have received a brain injury after a serious watercraft accident, do not hesitate to contact the Malley Law Firm. Tony Malley has years of experience in handling watercraft injury cases and in pursuing the responsible parties for the accidents. Contact our Texas offices today for your initial free consultation.