Yes, you can. And if you’ve been injured, you probably should.
There is no reason that a negligent jet ski operator shouldn’t pay for your medical expenses as well as your pain and suffering if their actions led to your injuries. But the whole process can be complicated and time-consuming without professional help.
You’ll have the best chances at a successful settlement or claim award when you partner with a Texas Personal Injury Lawyer who specializes in these cases. These experts know the entire process front and back and they will do everything in their power to make sure that you have the best chances of being awarded damages.
While it’s obvious why you should get compensated when you’re the victim of a jet ski injury, these cases can get complicated. A lot depends on your actions in the aftermath of the incident. Let’s go over what you’ll need to do to build a successful case.
What You Should Know First:
According to the U.S. Coast Guard Accident Statistics, 40 to 50 people die on jet skis every year. Additionally, there are 600-700 injuries reported related to jet ski accidents. These numbers are probably low, considering they only count reported injuries.
There are an estimated 1.1 million jet skis and personal watercraft in operation in the USA, and there aren’t too many requirements for buying and operating one. That said, most drivers know what they’re doing and also take boater training courses. They generally stay safe on the water.
However, a small fraction of jet ski operators don’t have a clue what they’re doing, and they can cause serious injuries. Some operators are too young, or they are intoxicated, or they have a penchant for being reckless. These people can land you in the hospital, or worse, the cemetery.
If one of these types of drivers causes you harm, there is a protocol you should follow if you want to sue for damages.
What Do I Need To Build a Successful Case?
You’ll need all the evidence you can gather.
Speak to witnesses, ask for their contact information, and record witness statements. Take pictures of the damage to the watercraft as well as your injuries. Any other evidence at the
the scene should also be collected or recorded by video or photos.
Useful evidence includes:
- Photos of the incident
- Witness contact info
- Insurance information
- Parks and Wildlife Department reports
- All medical bills and documents
All of these steps will help your lawyer put together a case against the person(s) or manufacturers responsible for your injuries.
Who Do I Report Jet Ski Accidents?
Following a jet ski accident, your instincts will tell you to contact the police. However, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department enforces regulations on the water. You’ll want to file a report with them, not the police.
They will record the time the accident occurs and any pertinent details. They should be contacted immediately. If you are unable to reach them, you can choose to call local law enforcement. But it’s always best to contact the TPWD in the aftermath of a jet ski accident.
How Can You Establish Who is at Fault in Cases Like This?
Establishing who is at fault is critical for building a case. If you can’t prove that someone was in the wrong, you’ll have a tough time getting compensated for your injuries.
So, the first thing that your lawyer will look at is the details of the incident. These details will help establish blame. It could be a single person who is at fault or several people, or the blame might be put on an issue with the jet ski itself.
All of the information will be reviewed. Once the review is complete, compensation is sought from anyone who might have contributed to the accident.
If you’re unsure about whether or not your injuries might qualify for damages in court, reach out for a risk-free case evaluation from experts who know everything there is to know about Texas personal injury lawsuits.
