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Jet Ski Accidents on Georgia Lakes

Many Georgia residents and visitors to State frequent our beautiful lakes during the summer months, and jet skiing is an increasingly popular way to have fun on the water. Just spend some time on Lake Allatoona, Lake Blackshear, Lake Lanier, High Falls Lake, or Lake Oconee and you are likely to see jet skiers skimming over the waves. Unfortunately, the number of jet ski accidents in Georgia has risen with the number of watercrafts on the water, not only due to volume but also because of factors such as inexperienced and underage operators, risk taking, and alcohol consumption.

Factors Contributing to Jet Ski Accidents

According to the United States Coast Guard (USCG), jet skis (officially referred to as personal watercrafts or PWCs) have a higher collision rate than any other type of boat, and there are several reasons why, including:

  • Jet ski operators are often inexperienced, and many jet ski owners think nothing of allowing a novice friend or relative to take a jet ski out for a spin with no safety education or special instructions. The USCG found most jet ski accidents involve operators aged 11-20, and 73% had been riding less than an hour when their accidents occurred.

  • Jet skis have very limited slow-speed maneuverability and hardly any high-speed maneuverability when the throttle is suddenly closed. If a jet ski operator releases the throttle to avoid hitting another boat or person in the water, he or she effectively loses the ability to turn, and is likely to cause a collision notwithstanding the decrease in speed.

  • Jet ski operators frequently engage in potentially dangerous behaviors like wake jumping or making sudden turns. When these maneuvers go wrong, the operator (and/or passenger) is typically thrown from the jet ski, often resulting in broken limbs, broken tailbones, broken necks, and in the most serious cases, death.

In addition to operator error and the deceptively simple nature of jet skis and wave runners, mechanical failure and defective or missing safety equipment can also contribute to accidents. Unsurprisingly, intoxication is another leading cause of jet ski accidents, with either the waver runner operator or the operator of another vessel (or both) under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

After a Jet Ski Accident in Georgia, Call the Legal Team at KWF

If you or a loved one has been injured in a jet ski or wave runner accident, please contact the legal team at Katz Personal Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation. Jet ski, wave runner, and boating accidents are often complex, and we can determine if a watercraft operator, manufacturer, rental company, or other party caused or contributed to your injury. We will also fight to ensure you are compensated for your lost wages, hospital bills, damaged property, and pain and suffering. Our office is here to assist you at 404-460-0101.

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I was in a head-on collision last year that put me in a wheelchair with a fractured femur. I needed an attorney and my cousin recommended this firm because he had used Briant Mildenhall for his accident. I was glad I called Briant because he always did what he said he would do and kept me informed. We settled with the insurance company and I'm happy with the result. If someone I know needs an attorney, I will tell them to call Briant because he will get the job done. Michael G.
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After a head–on collision I had extremely serious injuries to my back and neck, and some internal injuries. I was airlifted to the hospital and started a huge amount of medical expenses accumulating. I hired a lawyer recommended by a friend but I was not satisfied. My cousin told me about this firm so I talked to Briant Mildenhall about handling the case. I was at ease from the get–go. Briant kept me informed all the way through, was always reassuring and did everything he said he would do. He helped us get the money we needed to get the treatment we needed. Briant was fantastic! Ronda W. (Car Accident)
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After my car accident, I was looking for an attorney and came across the name Katz Personal Injury Lawyers. My intuition told me to call. I called in and Briant Mildenhall talked to me. He was very clear and honest about my options. As the case went forward, Briant and the staff at the law office always answered my questions right away. I was very confident in Briant's legal ability. He kept me informed every step of the way. I would recommend Mr. Mildenhall and the firm to anyone who needs an attorney. Antonio J. (Car Accident)
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