The parties liable for a jet ski accident are the people or companies whose actions caused the crash. This could be the jet ski operator, another boat driver, a rental company, or even the manufacturer if the jet ski had a defect.
Figuring out who is at fault is not always easy. These cases can involve different stories, hard-to-read evidence, and insurance companies that do not want to pay. If you were hurt in a jet ski accident, our Milwaukee boating accident lawyers can find out who is responsible and hold them accountable for your injuries.
We will investigate the crash, review Wisconsin boating laws, and build your case for damages. Personal watercraft accidents can be complicated, but having skilled legal help can help your case.
Wisconsin’s Laws for Jet Ski and Personal Watercraft
In Wisconsin, jet skis and other personal watercraft (PWC) are treated as boats under state law. This means they must follow the same safety and operation rules as other vessels. Wis. Stat. § 30.66 and related boating laws explain how you must operate a PWC and what you cannot do.
Under this law, it is illegal to:
- Drive a PWC recklessly or without care for others.
- Operate a PWC while drunk or on drugs.
- Jump the wake of another boat too close to it.
- Drive faster than slow-no-wake speed within 100 feet of shore, people in the water, or other boats.
If someone breaks these rules and causes a crash, they can be held responsible for the damages.
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How Our Wisconsin Jet Ski Accident Lawyer Can Help You
After a jet ski crash, it can be hard to know what steps to take or how to deal with insurance companies. Our personal injury lawyers in Milwaukee will take on the legal work so you can focus on recovering.
They will:
- Investigate the accident: Gather police reports, witness statements, photos, video footage, and other evidence.
- Identify all liable parties: Find out if the operator, rental company, manufacturer, or others share fault.
- Apply Wisconsin boating laws: Use state law to show how rules were broken.
- Handle the insurance companies for you: Negotiate for fair damages and push back against low offers that fall short of your needs.
- Build your case for trial if needed: Prepare evidence and arguments to present in court.
Having our attorney on your side will help ensure that we hold every responsible party accountable.
Multiple People Can Be Liable for a Wisconsin Jet Ski Crash
After a jet ski accident, more than one party may share the blame. This can include:
- Jet ski operator: The person driving the PWC at the time
- Another boat operator: If they caused or helped cause the crash
- Rental company: If they gave out a damaged jet ski, skipped safety instructions, or rented to someone who should not have been operating it
- Manufacturer: If the jet ski had a design or manufacturing problem that caused the crash
- Property owner: If unsafe conditions at a dock, marina, or launch site played a role
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How We Can Prove Fault in the Accident
Proving fault means showing that another party’s actions caused the crash. Evidence can include:
- Witness statements
- Photos or videos of the scene
- Maintenance or rental records
- Accident reports from authorities
- Proof that boating laws were broken
Wisconsin follows a comparative negligence law. If you are partly at fault, your damages will be reduced by your share of the blame. If you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages at all.
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Common Damages You Can Recover After a Jet Ski Collision
If someone else is at fault, you may recover damages such as:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Property repairs or replacement
- Wrongful death damages if a loved one suffered a fatal injury.
How Much Is Your Case Worth?
The value of your damages will depend on the details of the crash, the seriousness of your injuries, and how the accident has changed your life. Proving these damages often requires medical records, witness statements, and other evidence that we will collect for you.
Having a boating accident lawyer from our firm who understands jet ski and boating accident cases can help you recover the full amount you deserve under Wisconsin law.
Statute of Limitations in Wisconsin Personal Injury Cases
In Wisconsin, most personal injury lawsuits, including those from jet ski and other boating accidents, must be filed within three years of the date of the accident. This is outlined in Wisconsin Statutes § 893.54.
If the accident caused a death, the family usually has three years from the date of death to file a wrongful death action. Missing these deadlines can mean losing your right to recover damages altogether. Speak with a lawyer from our team soon after the accident to help protect your case.
What to Do After a Jet Ski Crash in Wisconsin
The steps you take after a jet ski crash can affect your safety, recovery, and ability to pursue a case. Here’s what you should do immediately after the accident:
- Get medical help: Even if you feel okay, injuries from watercraft crashes can be serious.
- Report the accident: In Wisconsin, you must report certain boating accidents to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) within 10 days.
- Gather evidence: Take photos of the scene, the watercraft, and your injuries.
- Get witness information: Names, phone numbers, and statements can help your case.
- Avoid talking to insurance alone: Their goal is to pay as little as possible.
Going Out on the Water? Follow These Jet Ski Safety Tips
While not every accident is preventable, following these basic safety steps can lower your risk:
- Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
- Keep a safe distance from other vessels, swimmers, and shorelines.
- Follow all posted speed limits and slow-no-wake zones. Move your vessel at the slowest possible speed, but be extra careful. These zones are usually near shorelines, docks, swimming areas, or other boats.
- Avoid operating a PWC while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Make sure your jet ski is well-maintained before heading out on the water.
We Will Find Out Who’s Responsible for Your Jet Ski Accident
At Gruber Law Offices, we handle complicated cases involving liability in jet ski accidents and work to hold every responsible party accountable. Our firm is based in Milwaukee, and we have helped tens of thousands of clients across Wisconsin for more than 40 years.
With over 130 legal professionals on our team, we have the resources to take on insurance companies right away. You should not communicate with an insurer by yourself after a jet ski or boating accident. We know Wisconsin watercraft laws and will fight for your full award while you recover.
We work on a contingency fee, which means you pay nothing up front and owe us nothing until we win your case. Your first consultation is free. Just Make One Call…That’s All! to learn more about how we can help you.
Call or text (414) 276-6666 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
