Sarasota Jet Ski Accident Lawyer
Jet skis, which are a type of personal watercraft (PWC), are among the most commonly used vessels in Sarasota and throughout Southwest Florida. Some Florida residents own their own jet skis and other types of PWC, which many visitors to Sarasota enjoy renting jet skis and other types of PWC while on the beach or at docks in other waterways. While many people assume that jet skis are relatively safe since they are so prevalent in Southwest Florida, it is critical to remember that jet skis and other types of PWCs are actually extremely dangerous vessels that can result in serious and deadly accidents. If you were injured in a jet ski accident or if someone you love got hurt, it is critical to begin working with an attorney on your case. Contact our experienced Sarasota jet ski accident lawyer today.
What Are Jet Skis in Sarasota?
A jet ski accident in Sarasota is a term that usually refers to any type of accident involving a PWC. How does Florida law define a PWC? Under the Florida Statutes, a PWC is:
“[A] vessel less than 16 feet in length which uses an inboard motor powering a water jet pump as its primary source of notice power and which is designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling on the vessel, rather than in the conventional manner of sitting or standing inside the vessel.”
It is important to know that the Florida Statutes also contain a definition for recreational vessels, which include jet skis and other PWCs like Sea Doos or WaveRunners. While recreational vessels include many more types of vessels than just PWCs, these are vessels that have been “manufactured and used primarily for noncommercial purposes” or those that are “leased, rented, or chartered to a person for his or her noncommercial use.”
Understanding Jet Ski Accident Claims in Sarasota
How do accidents and injuries involving jet skis and other PWCs occur in Sarasota? There are many different causes of jet ski accidents, such as:
- Riding after drinking alcohol or taking drugs;
- Speeding;
- Failing to learn about jet ski and PWC safe operation;
- Driving erratically or recklessly;
- Playing chicken on jet skis;
- Riding too close to another jet skier;
- Distracting jet skiing that results in a collision with another vessel or a stationary object;
- Negligent maintenance of the jet ski; or
- Defect with the jet ski or one of its parts.
Many jet ski accidents have a short statute of limitations according to maritime law, so you will need to get started on your case quickly.
Contact Frank D. Butler Today
Were you injured in a jet ski or PWC accident? Whether you were injured yourself or you lost a loved one in a devastating and catastrophic jet ski accident, it may be possible to file a claim for financial compensation. You should discuss the details of your case with an attorney who has experience handling jet ski and other PWC accident claims as soon as possible. Contact our experienced Sarasota jet ski accident lawyer to find out more about seeking financial and holding the party accountable who caused your injuries.
