Boating and Jet Ski Accidents

The Gulf Coast’s waterways provide ample opportunity for boating and other watersports. Unfortunately, people on boats, jet skis, and other watercraft are often the victims of accidents that cause significant property damage and devastating injuries. Most accidents that happen on the water are avoidable, though, and arise out of the negligence of one or more parties. If you sustained harm due to a boating or jet ski accident, you might be owed damages, and it is in your best interest to speak to an attorney as soon as possible. The skilled Mobile maritime accident attorneys of Tobias & Comer Law, LLC, are proficient at helping people harmed by the recklessness of others seek justice for their losses, and we can assist you in pursuing compensation from the responsible party. 

A variety of scenarios can lead to boating and jet ski accidents. For example, many people who use jet skis or boats in and around mobile lack the experience or training needed to operate them safely. As such, their inexperience can lead to a collision with another watercraft or cause them or their passengers to be thrown off a boat or jet ski at a high rate of speed. Experienced riders can cause crashes as well if they recklessly operate their watercraft.

In some cases, the companies that rent or lease boats or jet skis may fail to properly maintain them, which can lead to mechanical issues that trigger accidents. Similarly, a boat or jet ski may be defective due to a design flaw or an error in the manufacturing process. People involved in boating and jet ski accidents often suffer serious harm, like traumatic brain injuries, fractures, concussions, hemorrhaging, and organ damage. In many cases, the injuries caused by such collisions are fatal.

People injured in boating and jet ski accidents will often pursue damages from the parties responsible for their harm in a civil lawsuit. The causes of action set forth and the parties named as defendants will vary depending on the facts of the case, but some claims are more common than others. For example, many people hurt in such crashes will allege the party operating the watercraft acted negligently.

If the owner of a boat or jet ski lent it to the driver involved in the accident, the plaintiff may be able to argue that the owner should be held accountable for negligent entrustment. Finally, if the accident was caused by a defective watercraft, the plaintiff may be able to assert product liability claims against the entities that manufactured and sold it.

Many people in Mobile enjoy riding on boats and jet skis, but they can be dangerous in certain situations, and boating and jet ski accidents can cause lasting trauma. If you were injured in an accident involving a watercraft, you could be owed damages, and it is advisable to speak with an attorney. At Tobias & Comer Law, LLC, our experienced Mobile lawyers are adept at helping people harmed by the carelessness of others and we will work tirelessly to help you pursue a just outcome. We represent people in personal injury matters in Mobile and throughout Alabama. You can reach us via our form online or at (251) 432-5001 to set up a conference.