Boating and Jet Ski Accidents

The extensive waterways and lakes of British Columbia make boating, jet skis and other personal watercraft (PWC) a popular activity. However, mistakes are sometimes made, causing serious injury and death.

If you have been injured because of a boating, jet ski or other PWC accident in British Columbia, or your loved one has, please contact us at John Mickelson Law Corporation. If the accident happened due to the negligence of another person or organisation, then you may have a personal injury case.

Causes of boating and jet ski accidents

Sometimes, boating accidents are just that: an accident which no one could have prevented or foreseen. Other times, however, the negligence of the boat operator, boat manufacturer or ship yard is to blame. Common causes of boating, jet ski and other PWC accidents where negligence is a factor include:

• Inexperienced or unqualified boat operator
• Reckless behaviour
• Operating a boat/PWC under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Failing to follow the rules of the water
• Failing to adhere to the law and regulations
• Defects in the boat/PWC
• Mechanical malfunctions
• Failing to follow safety measures
• Carbon monoxide poisoning

These accidents can lead to serious injuries, including brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, head injuries and amputations. Drowning is another frequent outcome of boating accidents, especially where a personal flotation device is not used. Sadly, boating and jet skis accidents do also lead to fatalities, particularly where there’s a crash, collision, fire or carbon monoxide leak.

Speak to our Vancouver personal injury lawyers

If you think another person or organisation is responsible for your boating accident, please contact us at John Mickelson Law Corporation to discuss your next steps. These accidents often involve some kind of collision, be it with another vessel, a fixed object, an underwater hazard or even another person in the water. However, that is not exclusively the case. Fault could just as easily lie with the manufacturer or those responsible for the vessel’s maintenance.

Whatever the circumstances, our lawyers can help you make sense of the situation.

Our first task will be to establish who was liable for your boating or jet ski accident. Boat owners and operators are subject to various laws, such as the Canada Shipping Act, the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations and the Criminal Code. Those in charge of a boat or PWC also have a duty of care towards their passengers and others in the areas. If the laws and regulations are not met, or a certain standard of care is not achieved, then there is a case of negligence.

Anyone who is harmed because of the negligence of another person or organisation is entitled to compensation for their damages. This includes compensation for their physical injuries, emotional harm and financial damage. If you have been injured in a boating or jet ski accident through no fault of your own, we can help you make a claim under the Marine Liability Act.

Fatal accidents

Boating and jet ski accidents can be fatal. If your loved one has tragically died in an accident for which someone else is to blame, the family members left behind can bring a wrongful death claim. This is something we can help you with. A claim can be made by the child, parent, grandparent, step-parent or step-child of the lost loved one.

Accidents involving children

Boating and PWC accidents also commonly involve children. Those under the age of 19 cannot bring a claim on their own. If your child has been injured, we can help you make a claim on their behalf.

Who pays my compensation?

A claim is made against the at-fault party’s insurance policy. This means their insurer pays your compensation. This is a common concern amongst those who are claiming against someone they know, such as a friend or relative, but you need not worry. Your main concern should be claiming the compensation you are entitled to. It can make a huge difference to your life, providing the funds needed to cover your lost wages, treatment and rehabilitation.

Start a boating accident claim today

If you or your loved one has been harmed in a boating, jet ski, sea-doo or other PWC accident, contact us to discuss your options. You may have been injured while on board a vessel, or while swimming, fishing or kayaking in the area. Whatever happened, if you suffered because of someone else’s mistakes, we can help you.