In May 2011, singer Sean Kingston was injured in a Jet Ski. This made him one of about 5,000 Americans injured each year in personal watercraft accidents. According to safety.org, most watercraft injuries occur due to a collision with another watercraft. Kingston’s injuries resulted from a collision with a bridge piling after he lost control while speeding. Kingston’s passenger was also injured, although not as severely.
Inexperience operating watercraft such as boats and jet skis lead to may crashes on the water. Just like a car, a Jet Ski requires a certain stopping distance. Injuries can also occur to swimmers who hit by watercraft. In addition, combining alcohol or drugs with any type of water activity is dangerous and illegal. Operators of any watercraft should know to operate their vehicle safely and remain sober and obey all safety rules.
Seeking Maritime Personal Injury Accountability
People all over the United States enjoy using watercraft such as boats and jet skis on oceans, lakes, rivers, and inland waterways. When the fun suddenly turns into a tragic injury or death, it is wise to hire a boating accident attorney who is knowledgeable and experienced about personal injury and insurance and liability issues as it relates to watercraft accidents. When one party is believed to be negligent for the cause of the watercraft accident, it is often necessary to file a lawsuit to collect compensation and hold the negligent person(s) accountable. Compensation can include money for: medical expenses, future medical treatment, loss of earning capacity as well as future earning capacity, and pain and suffering. An experienced boating accident attorney will have successfully represented clients in a broad range of personal injury cases such as boating accidents that includes powerboat, sailboat, fishing boat caused by another’s negligence.
Choosing a Boating Accident Attorney
Boating accident attorneys also represent Jet Ski injury cases as well as swimmers and divers struck by a boat while swimming or snorkeling. If you or a family member has been injured or killed due to the negligence of another while engaged in a watercraft activity, it is wise to consult with an experienced boating accident attorney who can assess your case, help you determine the way to proceed, and work to get you compensation from the person or party negligent for causing the injury or wrongful death.