Suffering an injury from a WaveRunner® accident can significantly impact your life. Our law firm offers free case reviews for those injured in Mobile, Alabama. During your case review, we’ll go over all the details of your accident to determine whether you may be eligible to receive compensation for your injury. Speak with a WaveRunner® accident lawyer in Mobile today at 251-265-8984.
Were You Injured in a WaveRunner® Accident?
When you’re hurt on a watercraft, you need the help of a skilled attorney to fight for fair compensation for your injuries. Long & Long has been serving the Mobile, AL, community for decades, and our team understands the intricacies of local laws. Call 251-265-8984 to get a free case evaluation today.
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What Are WaveRunners®?
WaveRunners® are a type of personal watercraft (PWC) similar to jet skis. They are designed to be ridden like a motorcycle on water, where the rider either sits or stands. These vehicles are popular for recreation and sport on lakes, rivers, and coastal areas. They can be used for everything from leisurely rides to racing and performing various water-based stunts.
Causes & Types of WaveRunner® Accidents
WaveRunner® accidents in Mobile can occur due to various factors, each presenting unique legal challenges. Some of the most common causes include:
- Operator Inexperience: New riders losing control, leading to collisions with objects like docks or other watercraft.
- Speeding & Recklessness: High-speed riding causing crashes with other watercraft or obstacles.
- Failure to Observe Waterway Rules: Ignoring rules like right-of-way, resulting in collisions.
- Mechanical Failure: Equipment malfunctions leading to loss of control or inability to stop.
- Environmental Factors: Accidents due to poor visibility, strong currents, or adverse weather conditions.
- Intoxication: Operating a WaveRunner® under the influence of alcohol or drugs, impairing judgment and reaction times.
Each case is unique, and the specifics of your case will determine not only whether you can pursue compensation, but also how much you may be able to recover. Our role as your Mobile WaveRunner® accident lawyer is to conduct a thorough investigation into your case and collect evidence to strengthen your claim.
We’ve won MILLIONS of dollars for our INJURED neighbors.
Possible WaveRunner® Accident Injuries
Injuries from WaveRunner® accidents can be severe, ranging from fractures and lacerations to more serious conditions like head trauma and spinal injuries. The impact of these injuries can be life-changing, necessitating substantial medical treatment and possibly leading to long-term disabilities. Potential injuries can include:
- Whiplash: Caused by the sudden, forceful movement of the neck, leading to pain, stiffness, and headaches.
- Concussions & Head Injuries: Occurring from impacts to the head, potentially causing long-term cognitive and neurological issues.
- Fractures & Broken Bones: Resulting from high-impact collisions or falls.
- Spinal Injuries: Including herniated disks or more severe spinal damage, potentially leading to paralysis.
- Contact Burns: From contact with hot materials on the WaveRunner®.
- Cuts & Bruises: Often occurring from collisions with objects or other vessels.
- Drowning: A risk of water sports that is more likely to occur when a WaveRunner® capsizes or collides with another watercraft.
Understanding the full scope of these injuries is vital in pursuing a WaveRunner® accident claim. Our attorneys will dig deep to gain a thorough understanding of your injuries so that they can pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
Water Sports Laws in Mobile
In Mobile, water sports laws and regulations, particularly for WaveRunner® use, are primarily governed by Alabama’s boating regulations. These laws cover speed limits, right-of-way rules, and required safety equipment. Compliance with these laws is crucial for safe WaveRunner® operation. Here’s a breakdown of some specific laws that apply:
- Operator Age & Restrictions:
- Operators under 12 years old cannot legally operate a vessel.
- Those aged 12 or 13 may operate a vessel if supervised by a certified adult aged 21 or over.
- Individuals 14 years or older can operate a motorized vessel for up to 45 days per year without supervision, after which a boater safety certification is required.
- Boating Under the Influence:
- It is illegal to operate a vessel or waverunner while having a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or more, or being under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances.
- Refusing a breath test can result in penalties similar to those for motor vehicle operation on state highways.
- Water Traffic Rules:
- Specific “Rules of the Road” for water traffic include right-of-way rules, such as vessels passing head-on keeping to the right and motorboats yielding the right-of-way to non-motor powered boats under certain conditions.
- Reckless operation of a vessel is prohibited, defined as operating in a manner that endangers life, limb, or property.
- Safety Equipment:
- Vessels, including WaveRunners®, must be equipped with the required safety equipment, like life jackets for every person on board.
- Fire extinguishers and flame arrestors are required on vessels as per specified conditions.
- An emergency cut-off switch is mandatory for vessels less than 24 feet in length with more than 50 horsepower.
- Navigation Lights & Sound Devices:
- Prescribed navigation lights are required for operation at night or during restricted visibility, and vessels of certain lengths must have the proper signal device on board.
- Visual Distress Signals:
- Vessels must be equipped with day and nighttime visual distress signals when operating in certain conditions.
- Personal Watercraft Regulations:
- Includes requirements like the operation of personal watercraft in a reasonable and prudent manner and restrictions on reckless maneuvers.
Violations of these jet ski and WaveRunner® laws can lead to accidents and legal liabilities, which are critical factors in establishing fault and pursuing claims for compensation.
Put an Award Winning Firm on Your Side
How Our Injury Attorneys Can Help with Your Claim
A Mobile WaveRunner® accident attorney can provide crucial assistance after an injury in several ways:
An attorney can evaluate the specifics of your case, determine if you have a viable personal injury claim, and estimate the potential compensation for your injuries and damages.
Lawyers can conduct a thorough investigation of the accident and gather evidence such as witness statements, accident reports, medical records, and expert opinions to build a strong case.
An attorney can guide you through the legal procedures and requirements, ensuring that necessary documents are filed correctly and within the deadlines.
Attorneys can handle communications and negotiations with insurance companies to ensure you receive a fair settlement that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs.
If necessary, a lawyer can represent your interests in court, presenting your case and arguing on your behalf to secure the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been injured in a WaveRunner® accident, consulting with an attorney who has experience in watercraft accidents can be a critical step in protecting your legal rights and securing compensation for your injuries.
How Much Will Legal Representation Cost Me?
Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay us anything unless we win your case. This allows you to pursue compensation with qualified legal counsel at no out-of-pocket cost to you.
Speak to a WaveRunner® Accident Lawyer in Mobile Today
If you’ve been involved in a WaveRunner® accident, don’t delay. Get the legal representation you need to obtain the compensation you deserve. A WaveRunner® accident lawyer in Mobile is standing by to discuss your injury for free. Call 251-265-8984 for a $0 case review.
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