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One thing about living in Wisconsin: there are plenty of opportunities to take advantage of recreational water activities. Enjoying your free time in the summer on the water—there’s nothing like it! But have you ever thought about who is responsible if an accident occurs?
Jet ski and boating accidents can have serious consequences, including injuries and even fatalities. In this blog post, our experienced personal injury attorneys at Bye, Goff & Rohde discuss the legal aspects of jet ski and boating accidents, including who may be held responsible and what steps you should take if you’re involved in an incident.
Who May Be Held Responsible?
Several parties can be held responsible. For example, if you’re driving a jet ski or boat and you cause an accident due to negligence or recklessness, you may be held liable for any injuries or damages that result from the accident. In addition, the jet ski or boat owner may be held responsible if they allowed someone to operate the watercraft who was not adequately trained or did not have a valid boating license. If a mechanical failure or defective equipment caused the accident, the jet ski or boat manufacturer may be held responsible.
Steps to Take if You’re Involved in an Accident
If you’re involved in a jet ski or boating accident, there are several steps you should take to protect yourself legally. First and foremost, make sure you and anybody else involved in the accident receive the necessary medical attention. After that, you should gather as much information as possible about the accident, including witnesses' names and contact information, and take photos of the scene if possible. You should also contact your insurance company and report the accident immediately. Finally, you should consult with our personal injury attorneys, who have experience handling jet ski and boating accident cases.
Proving Negligence
In order to hold another party liable for a jet ski or boating accident, you will need to prove that they were negligent and that their negligence caused the accident. Negligence can take many forms, including failing to follow boating regulations, operating a watercraft under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or failing to maintain or repair a jet ski or boat that is known to be defective. It’s important to note that negligence can be difficult to prove, which is why it’s important to work with an experienced attorney who can help you build a strong case.
If an Accident Occurs
Jet ski and boating accidents can have serious consequences. You can protect yourself and your family by understanding the legal aspects of these accidents and taking the proper steps if you’re involved in an incident.
Don’t hesitate to contact our team at Bye, Goff & Rohde for help if you or someone you love has been involved in a jet ski or boating accident. Our experienced attorneys have helped countless clients through the complicated legal process that follows a watercraft accident, and we’re here to help you too.
Contact us today at (715) 202-5699 to schedule a free and confidential consultation with our team.