Detroit Jet Ski Accident Lawyers | Lee Steinberg Law Firm

Jet skiing is an exciting way to experience Michigan’s beautiful lakes and waterways. The thrill of speeding across the water makes personal watercraft (PWC) activities, such as jet skiing, a favorite pastime for locals and tourists. However, while these endeavors can be a lot of fun, they also come with certain risks. Accidents involving jet skis can happen in the blink of an eye, and the consequences, which include serious injuries and even death, can be devastating.

Whether you were injured in a crash caused by operator inattention or a defective jet ski, the skilled attorneys at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm can help you get the financial compensation you need. Our Detroit jet ski accident lawyers know how overwhelming it can be to deal with insurance companies, medical bills, and legal matters while trying to recover from a catastrophic injury. Call us today to schedule your free consultation.

Why Hire Us for Your Detroit Jet Ski Accident Claim?

Recovering from a jet ski accident on a Michigan lake is difficult enough – dealing with the legal system shouldn’t add to your stress. At the Lee Steinberg Law Firm, our personal injury attorneys will use their extensive experience and negotiation skills to pursue the medical benefits and financial compensation you deserve.

When you hire our law firm, you benefit from the following:

Extensive Knowledge of Michigan Jet Ski Laws: Personal watercraft accidents involve precise legal guidelines that differ from typical auto accident cases. Having an in-depth understanding of these laws lets us handle your claim with the skills needed to achieve the best results.
We Maximize Your Compensation: After a wave runner accident, expenses such as medical bills, rehabilitation, and lost wages can quickly accumulate. We request full compensation for your current medical needs and any future costs associated with your recovery.
Experience with Jet Ski Accident Cases: With years of experience handling boat accident cases, we know how to identify the factors that support your legal claim and file suit against all negligent parties.
Full Investigation of Your Case: Building a strong case requires thorough investigation. Our Detroit jet ski accident lawyers take the time to gather all the necessary evidence, including eyewitness statements, accident reports, and expert opinions, to create a clear picture of what happened.
Strong Negotiation Skills: Insurance companies may try to offer you a lower settlement than you are entitled to. We take over all communication and negotiations with the insurance adjusters so that you receive fair compensation and aren’t pressured into settling for less.
No Upfront Fees: Our boating accident attorneys understand that financial strain is common after an accident. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs to you. You only pay if we successfully secure compensation for your claim.

We have a solid track record of securing favorable outcomes for our clients, including strong settlements in jet ski and wave runner accident cases. You can trust our experienced lawyers to fight for the maximum compensation.

Causes of Jet Ski Accidents

Jet ski accidents can occur under a wide range of preventable circumstances. Some of the most common causes include:

Collisions with Other Watercraft: Whether it’s another jet ski, a larger boat, or a recreational watercraft, collisions are among the most frequent causes of serious injuries. When an operator is distracted or inexperienced, the risk of a crash significantly increases.
Hitting Obstacles: Crashing into stationary objects, such as docks, buoys, tree stumps, or other hazards, is another frequent cause of accidents. This often happens when visibility is poor or the operator is unfamiliar with the area.
Capsizing: Personal watercraft can capsize due to wakes from larger boats, waves, or sharp turns. These dangerous conditions can lead to serious injuries, including drowning if life jackets are not worn.
Reckless Operation: Operating a jet ski at unsafe speeds or in a dangerous manner, such as weaving through traffic or making sudden sharp turns, often leads to accidents. Riders who lack experience or disregard safety rules can easily lose control.
Impaired Operation: Alcohol or drug use while operating a jet ski is another major factor in accidents. Impaired operators have reduced reaction times and poor judgment, putting everyone on the water at risk, especially if they’re driving at excessive speeds.

If any of these factors were involved in your accident, a Detroit jet ski accident lawyer can help you hold the responsible party accountable for your losses.

Injuries Common in Jet Ski Accidents

Jet ski accidents and wave runner accidents can result in a wide range of serious injuries, many of which can have lasting effects on your health and quality of life. Some of the most common injuries include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): The force of a jet ski collision can cause traumatic brain injuries that range from mild concussions to more severe forms of brain damage. The long-term consequences of TBI include memory loss, cognitive difficulties, mood changes, and in severe cases, permanent disability.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries are life-altering and often lead to a significant change in mobility, requiring long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and home modifications.
Lacerations and Fractures: High-speed collisions with other watercraft, docks, or debris in the water can cause deep cuts (lacerations) and broken bones. Some of these injuries may require surgery to repair and could result in permanent scarring or limited mobility.
Drowning and Near-Drowning Incidents: Drowning is one of the most serious risks associated with any water-based accident. This is particularly true in jet ski accidents where the rider is thrown from the watercraft.

Who is Responsible for a Jet Ski Accident?

Depending on the circumstances, liability can fall on various people or entities. Identifying the at-fault party is key to recovering the compensation. Here’s a closer look at the potential sources of liability in jet ski accidents:

Other Watercraft Operators: Accidents involving another boat or personal watercraft are usually caused by operator negligence. If the other driver was speeding, driving recklessly, or impaired by alcohol or drugs, they can be held accountable for the crash.
Negligent Jet Ski Operators: If you were injured as a passenger on a jet ski, and the operator was acting recklessly or carelessly, you may have the right to file an insurance claim. This can be an uncomfortable situation, especially if the boat operator is a friend or family member. However, it’s important to remember that you are seeking compensation from the insurance company, not the individual personally.
Boat Owners or Jet Ski Owners: The owners of a boat or jet ski operated by a negligent driver can be held responsible for the injuries the operator caused.
Product Defects and Manufacturer Liability: Mechanical failures, such as engine malfunctions, brake failures, or design flaws, can lead to accidents, even when the operator is acting responsibly. If a jet ski is found to be defective, a boating accident lawyer can help you pursue a product liability claim against the manufacturer.

Michigan Laws Regarding Jet Ski Accidents

The location of your maritime accident plays a significant role in determining which laws will govern your insurance claim and how your case will be handled. Jet ski accidents may fall under two primary legal frameworks: Admiralty Law and Michigan Negligence Law.

Admiralty Law (Maritime Law)

If your accident took place on the Great Lakes or other federally recognized navigable waters, Admiralty Law, also known as Maritime Law, may govern your claim. This law governs incidents involving watercraft on major waterways. It covers everything from commercial shipping to recreational boating accidents, including jet ski crashes. Federal courts typically have jurisdiction, meaning your case may be handled in a federal court rather than a state court.

Michigan Negligence Law

For accidents that occur on inland lakes, rivers, or other bodies of water located entirely within the state of Michigan, state negligence laws will apply. Under Michigan Negligence Law, the at-fault party can be held responsible for compensatory damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

These claims are typically filed in state court and are based on the concept of comparative negligence, which means that fault may be divided between the parties involved. For instance, if another jet ski operator was 80% responsible for the accident and you were found to be 20% responsible, your compensation would be reduced by 20%.

What Compensation Can You Get in a Jet Ski Accident?

Michigan law allows injury victims to pursue various forms of compensation, depending on the circumstances of the accident and the severity of the injuries. Here are some of the economic and non-economic damages you may be entitled to:

Medical Expenses: One of the most immediate concerns after an accident is covering medical bills. This can include hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and future medical attention if your injuries require long-term treatment.
Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from returning to work temporarily or permanently, you may be eligible to recover compensation for lost income. This includes not only the wages you’ve already missed but also any future earnings you might lose due to long-term disability or reduced work capacity.
Pain and Suffering: Jet ski accident victims may seek compensation for their pain and suffering, which can include not just physical discomfort but also the emotional distress that comes with serious injuries, such as anxiety, depression, or a reduced ability to enjoy life.
Property Damage: If your jet ski or other property was damaged in the accident, you may be able to recover the costs of repair or replacement. This is often an overlooked but important part of the compensation process, as replacing a personal watercraft can be expensive.
Wrongful Death Compensation: In the case of a fatal boating accident, surviving family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. This can include compensation for funeral expenses, loss of future earnings, and loss of companionship.

What is the Average Jet Ski Accident Settlement?

The amount of compensation you may be entitled to after a jet ski accident depends on several factors. They include:

Severity of Injuries: The extent of your injuries is one of the most important factors in determining compensation. Severe injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or permanent disabilities generally lead to higher compensation due to the long-term impact on your health and quality of life.
Medical Treatment and Recovery Time: The length and type of medical treatment you require also play a role in calculating compensation. For example, if you need multiple surgeries or extended physical therapy, these costs will be factored into the total settlement amount. Additionally, injuries that require lifelong care may increase the compensation you receive.
Lost Income and Future Earning Potential: If your injuries prevent you from returning to work or reduce your ability to earn income in the future, this will affect the compensation you’re eligible for. The greater the impact on your earning potential, the higher the compensation may be.
Emotional Impact: The emotional and psychological effects of a jet ski accident are considered when calculating compensation. If the accident has caused long-term emotional distress, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety, this may increase the amount you’re eligible to receive for pain and suffering.
Liability and Comparative Negligence: As stated earlier, Michigan follows the principle of comparative negligence, which means that if you were partially at fault for the accident, your compensation might be reduced by the percentage of your fault.

The evidence supporting your claim, such as medical records, witness statements, accident reports, and expert testimony, can also impact how much money you are awarded. The more compelling and thorough the evidence, the stronger your case will be, and the better your chances of receiving maximum compensation.

Questions? Get a Free Consultation From a Detroit Jet Ski Accident Lawyer

At the Lee Steinberg Law Firm, we know how devastating a jet ski accident can be for victims and their families. That’s why we aggressively negotiate and, if necessary, litigate for the outcome you need. If you or a loved one has been injured by a negligent operator or defective equipment, contact us today for a free consultation. We will review your case and provide the guidance you need to move forward. To speak to a Detroit jet ski accident lawyer, please call 313-513-7230 or contact our law office online today.