Jet Ski Accidents

Jet skis provide a fun and relatively easy way for novice and experienced riders alike to get out on the water. Whether you trailer your jet ski to the water’s edge or you rent jet skis on vacation, with some basic instruction and a few gallons of fuel, you can spend hours speeding across the waves.

Experienced Representation for Jet Ski Accidents Near Houston, TX

Unfortunately, like other boating activities, riding a jet ski is not without its risks. In fact, riders regularly suffer injuries in accidents caused by a wide variety of unexpected circumstances. If you have been injured in a jet ski accident in which someone else is to blame, our attorneys may be able to help you secure significant financial compensation for your medical bills and other losses.

At Morrow & Sheppard LLP, we represent individuals who have suffered injuries in jet ski accidents throughout the greater Houston, TX area.  This includes, but is not limited to, accidents in:

• Burnet Bay
• East Bay
• Galveston Bay
• Gulf of Mexico
• Lake Houston
• Tabbs Bay
• Trinity Bay
• West Bay

Common Grounds for Compensation in Jet Ski Accidents

In jet ski accident cases, victims have many potential options when it comes to filing claims for compensation. Depending on the circumstances, another individual, the jet ski manufacturer, and a variety of other businesses could all be responsible for your injuries. Some of the most common compensation claims in jet ski accident cases involve:

Jet Ski or Boat Operator Negligence

If you were involved in a collision with a boat or another jet ski, the operator of the other vessel may be to blame. Similar to an auto accident on land, mistakes that can lead to dangerous jet ski accidents include:

• Distracted boating (such as taking photos or texting at the helm)
• Inattentiveness
• Inexperience or lack of training
• Insufficient navigation lights
• Carrying too many passengers (boat overloading)
• Operator error
• Speeding and other reckless behavior

Boating While Intoxicated

Boating while intoxicated is a major issue that leads to many accidents as well. Boaters and other jet ski riders who are drunk have slower reaction times, and their judgment can be severely impaired. This makes them extremely dangerous to other operators (and their passengers) out on the water.

Negligent Entrustment

Rental companies often provide only minimal instruction and basic safety tips before sending vacationers out on rented jet skis and other personal watercraft (PWC). Unfortunately, not knowing any better, these vacationers take to the water unequipped to respond to dangerous situations – putting themselves and others at risk for serious injuries. If you were injured by someone who was riding a rented PWC, the rental company (in addition to the negligent operator) may be liable for your losses.

Jet Ski, Boat, and Safety Equipment Defects

Finally, if a defect caused your jet ski to malfunction, or if you were hit by a boat that lost control due to a defect, you may be entitled to compensation from the manufacturer. At Morrow & Sheppard LLP, we have experience in a wide range of cases involving product liability. When we take your case, we will conduct an exhaustive investigation in order to get to the bottom of your accident and identify all of the parties that are responsible for your injuries.