We can help you claim
compensation following an accident
illness or injury - nationwide
Call: 0800 10 757 95
A personal water craft (PWC) can be great fun both in the sea around the UK and abroad but the increasing popularity of these 'motorbikes of the waves' means a growing number of jetski accident claims are being made.
When these craft were first brought to the mass market in the 1970s, they were ridden by one person standing up but since the start of the 21st Century, the machines have become larger, more sophisticated and more comfortable with most having two or three seats.
However, dangers to users and those in their vicinity remain with a number of fatalities and serious injury accidents occurring each year.
A number of these are likely to be a holiday injury where a novice who has not tried riding a jetski or similar machine before hires or borrows one then finds it is not as easy to control as it appears.
Potential causes of an accident to a rider are hitting an obstacle hidden under water or another boat. Shallow water may also contain weeds which could be drawn into the jet system, causing the machine to stop suddenly.
Any type of sharp movement, braking or large waves may cause a rider and passenger to fall from the jetski and that is when they will be at most danger of drowning or other injury.
Even for a good swimmer, a life jacket is essential to aid buoyancy if thrown into the water and, depending on the potential speed of the craft, wearing a helmet should prevent head injury. A wet suit or similar protection for the legs is also recommended.
As with any other boating, using a personal watercraft requires a degree of responsibility and care needs to be taken around other people such as swimmers, fellow jetskiers and larger motor or sailing boats.
Safety and handling courses are available for new owners of PWCs and anyone who is in charge of hiring them out for short trips should ensure users have been made aware of potential risks.
Alcohol is often a contributory factor in accidents on the water and jetski riders should not drink before venturing out.
Users should also ensure they are aware of time and tides so they are not caught out by darkness falling or tides and currents turning against them.
Part of the attraction of riding a jetski is its simplicity and manoeuvrability but they still require a degree of maintenance to ensure they can be operated correctly and users will not be stranded by a breakdown.
Insurance is not just a financial precaution against loss or damage to the machine, an owner who has comprehensive personal insurance and is involved in an accident will be covered for liability and payment of compensation if a jetski accident claim results from his activities.
YouClaim solicitors for a jetski accident claim
If you have been involved in an accident with a jetski or similar water craft which was not your fault and you have suffered injury, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation against the rider or owner of the machine.
The experienced personal injury solicitors who work with YouClaim will be happy to advise you about your rights and the possible grounds for seeking damages from the person or organisation responsible.
We can work anywhere in the UK and make a point of communicating in plain English while settling your claim as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Our internet-based service means we can communicate by phone, email and post, meaning you don't have to travel to a lawyer's office.
To find out more, why not telephone us now and speak to a member of our friendly legal team on 0800 10 757 95? Alternatively, you can start e-chat or complete an online form to send us brief details of your jetski accident claim.
