Law enforcement reports that a man died on the Fourth of July after being thrown from a jet ski and then hit by the vehicle at a lake in Dowagiac, located in the southwestern part of Michigan. The rider was taken by Medflight helicopter to a medical facility in South Bend where the man was eventually pronounced dead. An autopsy performed by the coroner’s office determined that the man had drowned. Additionally, law enforcement reports that neither alcohol nor failure to wear a life vest were involved in this case.
Fortunately, while no one else was injured, the exact cause of the accident remains uncertain and under investigation. The Innovative Technology Administration Bureau of Transportation Statistics reports that there are 685 deaths and over 3,600 injuries each year due to accidents involving watercrafts. While watercrafts include all types of recreational watercraft, a large number of these accidents involve jet skis.
Common Causes of Jet Ski Accidents
A large number of jet ski accidents in Michigan occur because the jet ski operator is negligent to some degree. Some of the most common causes of jet ski accidents include the following:
- Driving a jet ski while distracted
- Inexperienced jet ski operators who do not understand basic safety rules
- Operators who use jet skis while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Using jet skis in a careless or reckless manner
Advice to Avoid Jet Ski Accidents
The National Association of Rescue Divers suggests that operators use some important safety precautions when using a jet ski to prevent serious accidents. This advice includes:
- Always keep the safety lanyard close when operating a jet ski.
- Make sure to receive adequate training about how to use a jet ski.
- Never operate a jet ski a night.
- Passengers under the age of 18 should always wear a helmet.
- Refrain from using a jet ski immediately after using alcohol or drugs.
- Wear adequate safety equipment including the correct shoes, eye protection, and life jacket.
The Requirement to Report Jet Ski Accidents
The state of Michigan requires individual to report jet ski accidents if they satisfy one of several elements including a death caused by the accident, injuries requiring medical treatment beyond first aid caused by the accident, property damage over $2,000 in vehicles caused by an accident, or vehicles that are not repairable after an accident. In these cases, the Cost Guard and other Michigan agencies should be alerted. In these types of accidents, a person should also make sure to contact any relevant insurance companies. To navigate these obstacles and make sure that all necessary parties are notified about an accident, it is often essential for a person to retain the assistance of a skilled attorney.
Consult with an Attorney
If you or a loved one is involved in a jet ski accident, the results can be particularly catastrophic and frequently involve either serious injuries or fatalities. Fortunately, a Flint, MI personal injury lawyer at Jay Trucks and Associates will remain committed to fighting for the compensation that you deserve.
