Jet Ski Accident Injuries in California: Get Justice

California’s coastline, bays, rivers, and lakes make personal watercraft like Jet Skis, Sea-Doos, and WaveRunners especially popular. But their speed, maneuverability, and small size can make collisions and falls extremely dangerous. According to U.S. Coast Guard data, personal watercraft account for a significant share of reported recreational boating accidents and injuries nationwide.¹

If you or a loved one was injured in a California jet ski accident, you may be able to seek financial compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering through a civil claim. Beyond compensation, a successful claim can help hold negligent parties accountable and encourage safer practices on the water.

If you have questions about your specific situation, you can contact our firm to discuss a potential California jet ski accident claim.

Why Jet Ski Accidents Are So Dangerous

Unlike occupants of larger boats, jet ski riders and passengers have very little protection. In a crash, victims are often thrown directly into the water or against other vessels, docks, rocks, or fixed objects. High-speed impacts can cause catastrophic trauma even when life jackets are used.

Personal watercraft handle differently than traditional boats. Their quick acceleration and tight turning ability can surprise inexperienced riders, especially in crowded or choppy conditions. When operators misjudge speed or distance, there is often little time or space to avoid a collision.

Common Causes of Jet Ski Crashes

Many jet ski accidents are preventable. They frequently involve a combination of inexperience, carelessness, and unsafe conditions. Common contributing factors include:

• Operator inattention or distraction – Looking at phones, talking to passengers, or sightseeing instead of watching for hazards.
• Excessive speed – Traveling too fast for conditions or for crowded areas like marinas, narrow channels, and swimming zones.
• Alcohol or drug use – Operating a personal watercraft while impaired can slow reaction times and impair judgment.
• Inexperienced or untrained operators – Jet skis respond differently than cars or larger boats. Sudden throttle changes or sharp turns can lead to loss of control.
• Reckless maneuvers – Wake jumping, weaving between boats, or riding too close to other vessels can quickly turn dangerous.
• Failure to yield or follow navigation rules – Ignoring right-of-way rules, restricted zones, and posted signs.
• Overcrowding and rental operations – Busy rental areas can pack many inexperienced riders into tight spaces, increasing collision risks.
• Equipment failure or poor maintenance – Faulty throttles, steering mechanisms, or safety lanyards may contribute to an accident.

Understanding exactly what caused the crash is key to figuring out who may be legally responsible for your injuries and which insurance policies may apply.

Serious Injuries from Jet Ski Accidents

Jet ski accidents often result in severe injuries because of the forces involved and the lack of protection around riders. Common injuries include:

• Head and brain injuries – Concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries from impact with water, vessels, or objects.
• Spinal cord and back injuries – Herniated discs, fractures, and in severe cases, partial or complete paralysis.
• Broken bones and joint injuries – Fractures of arms, legs, ribs, shoulders, and hips from high-impact collisions or being thrown.
• Internal injuries – Damage to organs, internal bleeding, and other life-threatening conditions that may not be immediately obvious.
• Soft tissue damage – Severe sprains, strains, torn ligaments, and muscle injuries.
• Lacerations and degloving injuries – Deep cuts from contact with debris, docks, or other boats.
• Drowning and near-drowning – Even strong swimmers may become disoriented or unconscious after impact.
• Psychological trauma – Anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and fear of the water following a violent crash.

Prompt medical evaluation is crucial after any jet ski collision, even if you initially feel “okay.” Some injuries—especially brain, internal, and spinal injuries—can worsen significantly if not diagnosed and treated quickly.

Who Can Be Held Liable After a Jet Ski Accident?

Liability in a California jet ski accident depends on how the crash happened and who contributed to the unsafe conditions. Potentially responsible parties may include:

• The jet ski operator – If the operator was speeding, intoxicated, distracted, or ignoring safety rules, they may be liable for injuries to passengers or others on the water.
• The owner of the jet ski – Owners can sometimes be held responsible when they allow an unfit, unlicensed, or underage person to operate their personal watercraft.
• Rental companies and tour operators – Businesses that rent jet skis or lead guided tours may be liable if they:
  • Failed to provide appropriate instructions or safety briefings,
  • Rented to visibly intoxicated or clearly unqualified riders,
  • Did not maintain equipment safely, or
  • Ignored hazardous weather or water conditions.
• Boat operators – Operators of other vessels who collide with or endanger jet ski riders by speeding, failing to keep a lookout, or violating navigation rules may be liable.
• Manufacturers or distributors – In some cases, a defect in the jet ski or safety equipment may make the manufacturer or others in the supply chain responsible.
• Property owners or marinas – If unsafe docks, ramps, or poorly marked hazards contributed to the crash, the property owner or manager may share liability.

California follows a pure comparative negligence system. Your compensation, if any, can be reduced in proportion to any percentage of fault assigned to you, but you are not automatically barred from recovery just because you may have contributed to the accident.² Even if you think you may be partly at fault, it is important to talk with a lawyer before assuming you do not have a case.

What To Do After a Jet Ski Accident in California

Your safety and health come first, but the steps you take after a jet ski accident can also affect any future legal claim. When possible, consider the following:

1. Get medical care immediately

Call for help or get to shore and seek emergency treatment. Follow all medical advice and attend follow-up appointments. Be sure to tell providers that your injuries are related to a boating or jet ski incident so that your records are clear.

2. Report the accident

Serious boating and jet ski accidents in California generally must be reported to authorities. State law typically requires a written report to the Division of Boating and Waterways when a person dies or disappears, needs medical treatment beyond first aid, or when property damage exceeds certain thresholds.³ If law enforcement responds to the scene, cooperate with officers, but avoid speculating about fault.

3. Gather information at the scene when it is safe

If you are able and it is safe to do so:

• Get names and contact details of all operators, passengers, and witnesses.
• Record the registration numbers of all involved vessels.
• Take photos or video of the scene, damage, injuries, weather, and water conditions.

4. Preserve evidence

Keep any damaged equipment, clothing, and gear. Avoid repairing or discarding potentially important items before speaking with an attorney, as they may help establish how the crash occurred.

5. Be cautious with insurance communications

Insurance companies may ask you for recorded statements or push for a quick settlement. These early offers often do not fully account for your long-term medical needs and other losses. Consider getting legal advice before giving detailed statements, signing documents, or accepting any settlement.

6. Speak with a California jet ski accident lawyer

An attorney can explain your rights, conduct an independent investigation, and communicate with insurers on your behalf while you focus on healing. Many personal injury firms offer free initial consultations, so you can learn about your options before deciding how to proceed.

If you were hurt in a jet ski crash, you can contact our team to discuss your potential claim and next steps.

Compensation You May Be Entitled to Seek

If someone else’s negligence caused your jet ski injuries, California law may allow you to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim or lawsuit. Depending on the facts, recoverable damages may include:

• Medical costs – Emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgery, medications, rehabilitation, and reasonably anticipated future medical needs.
• Lost income and diminished earning capacity – Wages lost while you cannot work and the impact on your ability to earn in the future.
• Pain and suffering – Physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Scarring, disfigurement, and disability – The long-term impact of permanent injuries.
• Property damage – Damage to the jet ski, personal items, and other property.
• Wrongful death damages – In fatal accidents, certain surviving family members may seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.

Every case is unique. The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, how they affect your life and work, the degree of fault assigned to each party, and the insurance coverage and assets available.

Deadlines for Jet Ski Injury Claims in California

California law limits the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit after a jet ski accident. These time limits—known as statutes of limitation—can vary based on factors such as:

• Whether the claim is for personal injury or wrongful death,
• Whether a government entity may be involved (for example, if the crash occurred in an area managed by a public agency), and
• The age of the injured person.

In many California personal injury and wrongful death cases, the general statute of limitations is two years from the date of injury or death, but exceptions apply and deadlines can be shorter or longer in specific situations.⁴ When a public entity is potentially at fault, you may have to present a government claim within a much shorter period (often six months) before you are allowed to file a lawsuit.⁵

Because these rules are technical and time-sensitive, it is important to speak with a California personal injury attorney as soon as possible to protect your right to pursue a claim.

How a California Jet Ski Accident Lawyer Can Help

Handling a serious watercraft injury claim on your own can be overwhelming. An experienced California jet ski accident attorney can:

• Investigate the crash – Gather witness statements, photos, video, and official reports; consult with accident reconstruction or maritime safety experts where appropriate.
• Identify all liable parties – Including individual operators, rental companies, owners, manufacturers, and others who may share responsibility.
• Deal with insurance companies – Manage communications, challenge inadequate settlement offers, and pursue a full and fair resolution.
• Calculate your damages – Work with medical and financial experts to understand your current and future losses.
• Negotiate and, if necessary, litigate – Pursue settlement negotiations and, where warranted, take your case to court.

Your focus should be on healing. A lawyer’s role is to shoulder the legal burden, explain your options clearly, and advocate for your best interests at every stage.

Frequently Asked Questions About California Jet Ski Accidents

Do I still have a case if I signed a waiver at a rental company?

Possibly. Many waivers have limits, and they do not always shield a company from liability for its own negligence or for violations of safety laws. California law also restricts contracts that attempt to exempt a party from responsibility for certain types of misconduct, such as fraud or willful injury.⁶ The effect of any waiver depends on its language and the specific facts, so it is important to have an attorney review your documents.

What if I was a passenger on the jet ski?

Passengers injured due to an operator’s potential negligence may have claims against the operator, the owner, or the rental company, depending on how the accident occurred and what agreements were in place. Insurance coverage may come from more than one policy.

Can I bring a claim if a family member died in a jet ski accident?

In California, certain surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit and, in some cases, a related survival action. These claims can seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the loss of the deceased person’s love, companionship, and guidance. An attorney can explain who may be eligible in your situation.

How much does it cost to hire a jet ski accident lawyer?

Many personal injury attorneys handle cases on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you typically do not pay attorney’s fees unless there is a monetary recovery. Fee percentages, costs, and other terms can vary, so it is important to discuss the details during your consultation and review any fee agreement carefully.

What should I do right now if I’m unsure whether I have a case?

Collect any documents you have—medical records, photos, rental contracts, accident or incident reports, and insurance information—and speak with a California injury lawyer. An initial consultation can help you understand your options without committing to a course of action.

Taking the Next Step Toward Justice After a Jet Ski Injury

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a jet ski accident on California waters, you do not have to navigate the aftermath alone. Medical bills, time away from work, and the emotional toll of a serious injury can feel overwhelming, especially when you suspect someone else’s negligence is to blame.

A California jet ski accident lawyer can review the facts of your case, explain how the law applies, and help you pursue accountability and fair compensation where the law permits. Reaching out for legal guidance as soon as you can helps preserve evidence, protect your rights, and put you in the strongest position to seek justice.

To speak with someone about a potential claim, you can contact our firm today.

Legal Disclaimer

This blog post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is based on publicly available sources and California law as of the last review date listed above, which may change over time. Laws may apply differently depending on the specific facts, and reading this post does not create an attorney–client relationship. You should consult a licensed California attorney about your particular circumstances before making any legal decisions.

Sources

1. U.S. Coast Guard, Recreational Boating Statistics.
2. Li v. Yellow Cab Co. of California (1975) 13 Cal.3d 804, available at Justia.
3. California State Parks, Division of Boating and Waterways, Boating Accident Reporting.
4. California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, available at California Legislative Information.
5. California Government Code § 911.2, available at California Legislative Information.
6. California Civil Code § 1668, available at California Legislative Information.