Jet Ski Injuries And Important Safety Information In Florida

Last updated on March 18, 2025

Personal watercraft, often known by brand names such as Jet Ski or WaveRunner, are very popular with tourists and residents in Florida. Unfortunately, they can also be very dangerous. Accidents and injuries happen year-round and can include severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries.

At Tighe Law, you get an experienced Florida Jet Ski attorney who can help you explore your legal options. The National Association of Distinguished Counsel has recognized personal injury attorney Patrick Tighe as one of the top 1% of lawyers in the nation. He has recovered millions for his clients and offers free initial consultations. He also has more than 20 years of valuable experience to rely on in every case.

Florida Jet Ski Accident Statistics

Personal watercraft are quite common in Florida, with more than 172,000 of them registered as recently as 2023. That same year, 151 accidents were reported involving personal watercraft. The top three counties in Florida for PWC accidents were:

• Okaloosa County – 14 accidents
• Miami-Dade County – 20 accidents
• Monroe County – 20 accidents

These numbers only reflect accidents reported to authorities; the actual number of incidents may be even higher.

Top Jet Ski Safety Tips In Florida

The most important thing to remember when operating a Jet Ski in Florida is that it does not have brakes. Many accidents occur when people approach docks and beaches or maneuver around other watercraft. Drivers often assume they can stop as they would in a car or on a motorcycle, but Jet Skis do not work this way. Slowing down well in advance is essential – waiting until the last second could make a crash inevitable.

Additionally, all riders should always wear life jackets. Falling off a Jet Ski is common, and a life jacket can make the difference between a simple mishap and a fatal accident.

Finally, operators should be familiar with boating laws. Understanding right-of-way rules, harbor and marina regulations, identification lights, buoys, and waterway markers is essential. Many people climb on a Jet Ski without learning these rules, which can increase the risk of serious accidents. Tourists with little experience may rent a personal watercraft for the afternoon, for instance, without recognizing the full risks they face and without familiarizing themselves with the rules on the water. This drastically increases the odds that they or others will be injured in an accident.

Worst Jet Ski Injuries

Those who are looking to hire a Florida Jet Ski law firm may have suffered significant injuries in an accident. These could include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries (SCI)
• Broken bones and fractures
• Internal injuries or internal bleeding
• Burn injuries in cases where an accident results in a fire
• Drowning-related injuries such as lung damage or brain damage

It is crucial to know how to seek proper financial compensation if another party was responsible for these injuries. Some of them may heal given time and medical attention, such as broken bones or minor brain injuries like a concussion. But other injuries, such as serious TBIs or spinal cord injuries, could lead to life-long disability. Compensation, then, has to be calculated based on the specific details of each unique accident.

Jet Ski Injuries Are Preventable

Many Jet Ski injuries are preventable. Drowning injuries can sometimes be avoided by wearing a life jacket, while other physical injuries can be minimized by operating the vehicle cautiously and following all safety rules. Driving at a low speed reduces the odds of injury, as does limiting the watercraft to just one driver at a time, without passengers.

However, just like riding a motorcycle, Jet Skiing carries an inherent risk. Even safe drivers can get into accidents involving other watercraft, and injuries can occur. Another negligent boater could strike someone on a personal watercraft, even if that person is following all waterway rules and trying to focus on safety. That is when it is time to contact a Florida Jet Ski lawyer.

What To Do After A Jet Ski Accident

If you do get involved in a Jet Ski accident in Florida, especially if it was caused by another party, there are a few steps you should take:

• Seek medical attention immediately: Watercraft accidents can be severe, and the Coast Guard may need to be contacted for assistance.
• Gather evidence: If possible, obtain a police report or a report from the Coast Guard. Get copies of medical records to document the extent and cost of your injuries.
• Talk to witnesses: Statements from others who saw the accident can help establish what happened.
• Contact an attorney: A Palm Beach Jet Ski lawyer can guide you through the legal process, help you file a claim and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Remember to take these steps relatively quickly. The statute of limitations is two years for personal injury cases in Florida.

How An Attorney In Florida Can Help After A Jet Ski Accident

As noted, a Palm Beach Jet Ski attorney can assist you with every step of the legal process. Attorney Patrick Tighe has been practicing law for more than 20 years and is highly recognized as one of the most accomplished attorneys in the country. He knows the statute of limitations, what paperwork to file, how to gather evidence to support your case, how to deal with insurance companies and how to fight for maximum compensation – whether through negotiation or litigation.

This can certainly be a trying time. If you have been injured, you could be facing a long road to recovery. If a loved one was injured or tragically lost their life in the accident, it can be emotionally difficult to address the legal process. A compassionate and experienced attorney makes this far easier, providing empathetic guidance while standing up for your rights. You deserve a team that will fight for you and put you first, helping you navigate the legal process as you move forward.

Call Now For A Consultation

At Tighe Law, you can get a completely free consultation with no obligations or strings attached. Just call 561-363-3947 today or use the online contact form to schedule yours today.

The consultation is just your first step as you begin seeking compensation, but it gives you a chance to tell your story, consider your legal options and begin seeking justice after serious watercraft injuries in Florida. Get the help you need right away.