As we inch towards spring and summer, the influx of outdoor activities will increase, especially when it comes to using the many waterways that are common on the Texas coast. Jet skis are among many favorite pastimes, one of which represents both fun and excitement.
If you have been injured in a jet ski accident, call our experienced injury lawyers for a free consultation on your rights and options. (281) 587-1111.
Jet Skis are Popular and Dangerous
As many understand, jet skiing is a popular water sport that allows the rider to sit or stand on a boat with an inborn engine. The craft can then create its propulsion system with user-guided steering.
Moreover, the research indicates that riders of jet skis can reach approximately 60-plus mph, which showcases why many adrenaline-seeking individuals actively turn to this sport.
However, many individuals do not understand the actual dangers that can be associated with jet skiing or boating.
The common assumption is that because the sport is done on the water, it then somehow negates any potential for danger since the user can swim. That mindset couldn’t be further from the truth.
According to the Coast Guard, 40 to 50 people die yearly in jet ski accidents.
Primary Causes of Jet Ski Accidents
The primary causes of these jet ski incidents are:
Reckless Driving:
The leading cause of these types of accidents is reckless driving. One should always exercise caution. Even while on the water, failure to adhere to the “rules of the road” can cause serious collisions or hit immovable objects head-on. This includes excessive steering or failure to use proper steering.
Driver Inattention:
When riding a personal ski, one must remain focused on the task at hand. Taking one’s attention off steering can have drastic consequences, even for a second.
Drinking:
Many jet ski accidents occur when the rider has been drinking and crashes the jet ski or runs over someone in the water. The Coast Guard has low-risk drinking guidance for boats and jet ski operators. Like being drunk and driving a car, being sober is the key to avoiding many incidents on the water.
Inexperience:
Although little training is required to drive a jet ski, proper training is recommended. It is estimated that approximately 32% of operators had little training before an accident occurred.
Reports indicate that approximately 90% of Jet Ski accidents result from operator error.
The major problem of these accidents was those operators felt a certain level of comfort being on the water, so they did not properly employ safety measures. Or they did not know how to drive a jet ski safely.
Negligence is the leading cause of jet ski accidents in Texas. If you have been injured in a jet ski accident, talk with our personal injury law firm in Conroe.
Contact a Jet Ski Accident Lawyer in Texas
If you or a loved one was injured in a jet ski accident, call us for a free consultation about your rights and options. Our boating injury lawyers have been helping Texans for over thirty-five years.
Call or Text us at (281) 587-1111!
6711 Cypress Creek Pkwy, Houston, TX, 77069
Related Posts:
Who is Responsible for ATV Accidents?
Lake Conroe the Deadliest Lake in Texas
How Facebook Can Hurt Your Car Accident Case and 5 Ways to Protect Yourself