How Many People Die on Jet Skis Each Year?
Jet skis are fun – there’s no denying that. But they are also dangerous, making up a large portion of boating accident deaths each year.
Jet skis are some of the most high-risk recreational vessels available because riders have little to protect them from serious or fatal injuries during any type of accident, particularly crashes with boats. Over 500 people died in accidents on personal watercraft (PWCs) in 2023, and a significant portion of those deaths were due to drowning. Drowning deaths could happen even when riders wear life vests, as they could be knocked unconscious during an accident. If your loved one died because of injuries sustained during a jet ski accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim against the liable party and hold them accountable for your various damages.
For a free case assessment from Rivkind Margulies & Rivkind’s boating accident lawyers, call us today at (305) 204-5369.
How Many People Die from Jet Ski Accidents Annually?
According to the U.S. Coast Guard’s 2023 Recreational Boating Accident Statistics report, personal watercraft, like jet skis, were involved in 19% of all boating accidents nationwide. Because those riding jet skis have little protection, they might sustain debilitating or fatal injuries during accidents, especially in collisions with larger vessels.
In 2023, 574 people died while riding personal watercraft. Of all 995 accidents involving jet skis and other PWCs, 183 were due to operator inexperience, 179 were due to operator inattention, and 167 were due to excessive speed. A significant portion of jet ski accident fatalities, 32%, were ultimately due to drowning in 2023, so wearing a life vest while riding a PWC is always important, no matter the rider’s experience or the water’s depth or conditions.
Not all jet ski riders have considerable experience, especially if they rent these vessels on vacation. When using a jet ski service, you might have to sign a liability waiver, giving up your right to sue if an accident happens and you get hurt. Fortunately, liability waivers are not always enforceable, and if victims are seriously or fatally injured, they or their loved ones may be able to file a compensation claim.
Are Jet Ski Riders at a Higher Risk of Dying During Accidents?
If you are on a jet ski, you could easily be thrown from your PWC and sustain any number of injuries. Because of the added danger of the open water environment, jet ski riders are at a higher risk of dying, whether from drowning, suffering anoxic brain injuries, or sustaining other fatal injuries.
Boat operators have a duty to maintain a proper lookout at all times so that they do not strike swimmers, jet skiers, other boats, or hazards in the water. Failure to do that, especially in crowded zones, could result in a boat hitting a jet ski. The force of impact could push a jet skier from their vessel and into the water. Victims might be knocked unconscious during an accident, which could lead to a drowning death, even if they are wearing a life vest.
Even when rescued soon after an accident, the temporary lack of oxygen to the brain could cause fatal anoxic brain injuries that lead to death in the coming hours, days, or weeks.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard’s report, PWCs were the third-most common vessel involved in fatal boating accidents in 2023, just behind kayaks and open motorboats. This is largely due to jet skis being much smaller than other recreational vessels, which increases the risk of accidents caused by another boater’s failure to keep a proper lookout.
What Can You Do if Your Loved One Dies on a Jet Ski?
If someone you love recently died during a catastrophic jet ski accident, and the accident happened due to someone else’s negligence, our lawyers can help you prepare and file a wrongful death claim.
The length of time plaintiffs can do this will vary, depending on their state. In Florida, for example, the statute of limitations for wrongful death lawsuits due to negligence is two years. During this time, investigating the accident further will be crucial, especially if it appears that no one else was involved. For example, suppose the jet ski’s steering controls malfunctioned, causing a victim to crash into a dock or other vessel. In that case, the manufacturer might be liable if the parts were negligently designed or produced. If this happened while a victim was using a jet ski service, the service might be liable for failing to ensure the PWC was safe to operate. Confirming the filing deadline for your case is crucial, as missing it would bar you and other survivors from recovery.
If a negligent boater hits your loved one on their jet ski, causing a fatal accident, our Ft. Lauderdale boating accident lawyers can also hold them accountable. Regarding who among the victim’s survivors can bring the claim, that also depends on your state. For example, also in Florida, only the victim’s personal representative can file a lawsuit for wrongful death after a jet skiing accident or other fatal incident. Other states may allow a victim’s surviving spouse or children to be plaintiffs. Even if a personal representative must bring a lawsuit, the victim’s surviving family, like their spouse and children, will benefit from the claim.
Damages from fatal jet ski accidents are great. While some accidents might be immediately fatal, victims might succumb to other injuries sometime afterward, such as during the hospital. The lawsuit should cover medical expenses incurred before the victim’s death, burial expenses, loss of earnings, and some intangible damages, like loss of companionship for surviving spouses, though this may vary slightly across states.
Call Us for Help with Your Jet Ski Accident Compensation Claim
For a free case review from our Miami boating accident lawyers, call Rivkind Margulies & Rivkind at (305) 204-5369.
