Waverunners, Jet Skis, and other personal watercraft continue to grow in popularity, particularly along the New York coastline, where rental crafts often line the sand.
At the New York Lawyers Team, our personal watercraft accident attorneys routinely represent victims of personal watercraft accidents throughout New York. After an accident it may be possible to bring a claim against a negligent PWC operator but that is not always the only possible defendant. Even when a rental customer signs a liability waver, a business can still be responsible, particularly when renting unsafe, poorly-maintained or defective equipment. The company can also face consequences if they rent during unsafe weather conditions or to someone who is underage, intoxicated or clearly lacks the skills needed to ride safely.
Today, there are more than 10,000 Waverunners, Jet Skis and personal watercraft along New York’s shoreline. Personal watercraft now account for 3 percent of all registered vessels in New York, according to the New York Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Division of Law Enforcement (FWCC).
PWC’s are involved in 20 percent of all boating accidents – or about 50 reported accidents each year. Nearly half of those accidents involve collision with another vessel. One-third of all personal watercraft accidents in New York occur on lakes.
Many PWC accidents resulted in very serious injuries and even death. Lacerations, broken bones, head injuries and back injuries were among the leading injuries reported.
In fact, while rental units account for only 2 percent of the personal watercraft on the water, they account for 40 percent of accidents. Riders on borrowed watercraft are responsible for another 25 percent of accidents. The most well known PWC manufacturers are Kawasaki (Jet-Ski), Bombardier (Sea-Doo), Yamaha (Waverunner), and Polaris.
Rental agencies must ensure their equipment is free from defects, properly maintained and in good working order. Users must be properly trained, not under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and of a proper age to operate the equipment safely. State statistic show that 30 percent of serious and fatal accidents are reported in accidents involving riders under the age of 21.
If you have been involved in a New York watercraft accident, contact the New York Lawyers Team for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights.