Riding a Jet Ski or other personal watercraft (PWC) on one of the state of Georgia’s lakes or waterways, such as Lake Powell and Lake Lanier, is a fun way to spend an afternoon. No one plans to be injured while jet skiing. Unfortunately, not everyone sharing the water knows what they’re doing, even if you do.
You could be happily and safely zipping along on your jet ski and another jet skier or a boat driver could hit you or cause an accident or collision that ends up injuring you. Accidents on the water are more dangerous because of the risk of drowning and injuries from a running boat propeller. Just like roadway crashes, it sometimes is the fault of an individual, and that someone is responsible and liable for the accident.
Finding The Responsible Party
Riding the waves can be inherently dangerous without taking proper safety precautions. Since it’s unlikely you’ll be alone on the water, it’s important that you watch for other Jet Skis, boats, and obstructions. However, even good drivers can be injured by other drivers that they share the water with.
For example, drinking while riding a Jet Ski or driving a boat is against the law just like for car drivers. Those who drive drunk have a much higher risk of causing an accident.
If you’re hurt in an accident, just like a car accident, you will want to identify the responsible party. This could be:
- The boat owner and/or operator
- Someone onboard the boat
- Someone riding a jet ski or other PWC
- The person or company renting the PWC
- Anyone consuming alcohol while operating a boat or PWC
Most Jet Ski accidents result from negligence. Any party acting recklessly can be held responsible for any injuries or losses suffered on the water.
Compensation- Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
After getting immediate medical attention following the accident, your next step should be speaking with our personal injury attorney, Joshua Smith. As a jet ski accident lawyer, Attorney Smith knows what to do to get you any compensation you deserve.
We can work with you to investigate the accident, find the responsible parties, negotiate or sue for a fair settlement, and help you recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses.
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
Georgia law allows two years from the date of the accident for you to file your claim, so even if it has been a few months from the date of the accident, you still can seek compensation. If you lost a loved one in a Jet Ski accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim if their death was caused by another’s negligence. It is worth discussing your situation with Attorney Smith.
Jet Ski Accident Lawyer In Dalton, Georgia
Joshua J. Smith, Attorney At Law, has been handling personal injury cases in Georgia since 2000. With over 22 years of experience, Attorney Joshua Smith has successfully handled a variety of personal injury cases. Attorney Smith understands the pain that accident victims experience, advocates on their behalf, and uses his expertise to help them move forward after an accident.
If you or a loved one were injured in a Jet Ski accident in Georgia, call Joshua J. Smith, Attorney At Law at 706-217-2095 or send a message through our website’s contact form. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis.
