A Michigan jet ski accident attorney is necessary to properly protect your legal rights. Personal watercraft accidents can result in catastrophic injuries due to the negligence of operators, rental companies, or equipment manufacturers.
Jet skis, also known as personal watercraft (PWC), are increasingly common on Michigan lakes and waterways. With over 11,000 inland lakes and access to the Great Lakes, Michigan offers extensive recreational boating opportunities—but this also means increased accident risks. If you or a loved one has suffered severe injuries in a PWC collision or crash, call a Michigan jet ski injury lawyer to evaluate your case.
In many cases, the operator of a jet ski or boat may be at fault for your accident. In other situations, the manufacturer of a jet ski may be liable through a products liability claim. An experienced watercraft accident attorney can help determine the cause of your jet ski accident and identify all responsible parties.
Common Causes of Michigan Jet Ski Accidents
Your jet ski accident may have unique circumstances, but the most common causes include:
- Collisions with another personal watercraft or boat
- Hitting docks, piers, buoys, and other fixed objects
- Overturning in the wake or large waves caused by passing vessels
- Inexperienced or untrained operators
- Operating at excessive speeds or in a reckless manner
- Operating while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Lack of proper safety equipment or life jackets
- Equipment failure or manufacturing defects
- Violating Michigan DNR boating regulations
Whether the negligence involves the jet ski operator, boat operator, rental company, or equipment manufacturer, a Michigan jet ski accident lawyer can help secure your rights and maximum compensation.
Michigan Waterways: Accident Risks and Statistics
Michigan’s extensive network of waterways creates both recreational opportunities and accident risks. Understanding where accidents occur most frequently can help prevent future incidents:
High-Risk Michigan Waterways for PWC Accidents:
- Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River system
- Torch Lake and other northern Michigan lakes
- Higgins Lake and Houghton Lake
- Lake Michigan shoreline and harbor areas
- Inland lakes during peak summer weekends
According to recent Michigan DNR data, personal watercraft accidents account for approximately 20-25% of all recreational boating accidents in the state, with the majority occurring between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The most dangerous times are summer weekends and holidays when waterways become congested with recreational traffic.
Types of Jet Ski Injuries
The injuries that can occur as a result of a jet ski accident can be life-changing. Common watercraft accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions from impact or drowning incidents
- Spinal cord injuries that can lead to paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures, particularly to arms, legs, and ribs
- Herniated discs and back injuries from sudden impacts
- Internal organ damage from blunt force trauma
- Lacerations and severe cuts requiring extensive medical treatment
- Scarring and permanent disfigurement
- Drowning or near-drowning injuries
- Hypothermia in cold Michigan waters
If you don’t use proper safety equipment, you could be seriously injured or killed on a jet ski. The failure to provide a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life vest can have deadly consequences. Even experienced swimmers can drown if the proper personal flotation device is not available or worn correctly.
Jet Ski Accidents vs. Other Watercraft Accidents
Personal watercraft accidents often result in more severe injuries compared to traditional boating accidents due to several factors:
| Factor | Jet Ski/PWC | Traditional Boat |
|---|---|---|
| Average Speed | 45-65 mph | 20-35 mph |
| Collision Impact | Higher due to speed and maneuverability | Lower, more predictable |
| Operator Experience | Often minimal training required | More experienced operators |
| Safety Equipment | Less protective infrastructure | Hull protection, railings |
| Drowning Risk | Higher (ejection common) | Lower (passengers stay aboard) |
This data underscores why jet ski accidents frequently result in catastrophic injuries requiring aggressive legal representation to secure adequate compensation.
Michigan Jet Ski Laws and Regulations
The applicable law depends on the waterway you are on at the time you are injured. Understanding Michigan’s personal watercraft regulations is crucial to your case:
Michigan DNR Requirements for PWC Operators:
- Operators born after June 30, 1996 must complete a boating safety course
- Minimum age of 14 to operate a PWC (16 without supervision)
- Personal flotation devices (PFDs) required for all riders
- Operation restricted to daylight hours only
- Must operate in a reasonable and prudent manner
- No operating within 150 feet of swimmers or shorelines
- No wake jumping within 150 feet of another vessel
If your jet ski accident happened on one of the Great Lakes or navigable waterways, special maritime laws and admiralty rules may apply. These federal regulations can significantly impact your case and potential compensation.
If the accident occurs on a private lake or other body of water, then Michigan ordinary negligence laws typically govern the case. Your experienced jet ski lawyer can assess your facts and circumstances to best pursue your rights under the appropriate legal framework.
Seasonal Safety Tips for Michigan Waterways
The majority of jet ski accidents in Michigan occur during the peak boating season. Following these safety guidelines can prevent accidents:
Before You Ride:
- Complete a Michigan boating safety course
- Inspect your jet ski for mechanical issues
- Check weather conditions and water temperatures
- Ensure all safety equipment is aboard and functional
- File a float plan with someone onshore
During Operation:
- Always wear your U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket
- Maintain safe speeds and keep proper distance from other vessels
- Never operate under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Be especially vigilant during busy summer weekends
- Watch for swimmers, divers, and other watercraft
- Avoid operating in congested areas or no-wake zones
After an Accident:
- Seek immediate medical attention for all injuries
- Report the accident to Michigan DNR if required
- Document the scene with photos and witness information
- Preserve all evidence, including damaged equipment
- Contact an experienced personal watercraft accident attorney
Jet Ski Accident Claims in Michigan
A person injured in a jet ski accident can make a claim or file a lawsuit against the negligent operator or other responsible parties. Typically, jet ski insurance or boat insurance will cover damages caused to passengers injured due to the negligence or carelessness of the PWC operator. You have up to three years from the date of the accident to bring a jet ski injury lawsuit in Michigan.
You have a right to compensation for:
- Pain and suffering damages
- Past and future wage loss
- Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
- Loss of earning capacity
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of quality of life
- Wrongful death damages in fatal accidents
A tragic death allows family members to bring a wrongful death lawsuit against the person or entity responsible for the death of their loved one. Our firm has successfully recovered millions in wrongful death cases involving watercraft accidents.
Sources of Compensation: Settlements are often paid by boat insurance, watercraft liability policies, or homeowner’s insurance policies that include watercraft coverage. If a business such as a charter service or rental facility is at fault, their commercial liability policy should cover the damages. In some cases, multiple insurance policies may apply, and an experienced attorney can identify all available sources of compensation.
Call an Expert Michigan Jet Ski Accident Lawyer
If you or your loved one have been injured in a boating accident, you may be unable to work or facing mounting medical bills. You have legal rights when another jet ski operator, boat operator, or rental company was negligent.
Why Choose The Joseph Dedvukaj Firm:
- Over 27 years of personal injury experience in Michigan
- More than $300 million secured in settlements and verdicts
- Represented over 15,000 injured clients across the state
- No fees unless we win your case—100% contingency basis
- Proven track record against major insurance companies
- Compassionate, client-focused approach during difficult times
We are here to serve you and we will vigorously pursue your rights for the benefit of you and your family, with the excellence and compassion we have given our clients for nearly three decades. First and foremost, we will do everything in our power to protect your legal rights so you can focus on healing, without the burden of thinking about your case.
Get Your Free Consultation Today: Call us now at (248) 885-6614 or Toll Free 1-866-HIRE-JOE. You can also contact us on our website or through our instant messaging function for immediate assistance.