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Minneapolis Jet Ski Accident Attorney

Minnesota’s sparkling lakes present the perfect opportunities to jet ski on a warm summer day. Jet skiing is a popular water sport and activity around Minneapolis, with hundreds of registered vessels throughout the state. A day on the lake can end in tragedy when a jet ski collides with another water vessel or object, flips upside down, or malfunctions. Jet ski accidents can lead to serious impact injuries, accidental drownings, and deaths. The legal team at Knutson + Casey has experience handling jet ski accident cases and wants to hear about yours at our Minneapolis office.

Personal Watercraft Laws in Minnesota

A personal watercraft is a motorboat designed for operation by someone sitting, standing, or kneeling on the craft rather than the traditional style of sitting/standing inside the boat. There are specific laws that go along with operating a personal watercraft such as a jet ski. All operators must obey these laws and strive to keep others on the water safe. The laws in Minnesota include:

  • Do not modify your machine. It is illegal (and dangerous) to modify your jet ski to make it faster or louder than the manufacturer intended.
  • Do not drink and jet ski. Intoxicated watercraft operation from drugs and/or alcohol is illegal regardless of the type of vessel.
  • Obey waterway rules. Like the road, there are certain rules you must follow while jet skiing. For example, don’t ride too close to other vessels and look before making a turn.
  • Operate your vessel safely. Do not ride facing backward, operate your jet ski in a way that endangers yourself or others, speed, or weave through congested waterways.
  • Operators must be at least 13 years old. If the operator is 13, someone at least 21 must be on board, or the operator must have a watercraft operator’s permit and be in visual observation of someone 21 or older. If between 14 and 17, the operator must have a permit or someone at least 21 on board.

The law also recommends that jet skiers wear proper gear, such as eye protection, footwear, wetsuits, and high-impact life jackets to protect their bodies while riding and in the event of an accident. This gear is not mandatory – however, the law does require all riders to wear US Coast Guard-approved life jackets. Failure to obey any and all applicable laws while jet skiing, resulting in someone else’s injury or property damage, is grounds for a personal injury claim.

Filing a Claim for Your Jet Ski Accident

After a jet ski accident, remain on the scene and gather the information of anyone who was involved in or witnessed the crash. This includes names, addresses, and phone numbers. Take photos of property damage and the scene of the accident, if possible. Report the incident to the police or proper waterway authorities, even if it seems minor. Be prepared to show your personal watercraft permit. Go to a doctor for any accident-related injuries, and follow the doctor’s treatment plan exactly. Once you’re on the mend, call Knutson + Casey.

After a jet ski accident, don’t hesitate to contact us. You may have sustained serious personal injuries or expensive property damage that amounts to thousands of dollars. Our attorneys will investigate your jet ski crash, determine fault (if applicable), and help you pursue compensation from the responsible party or parties. This may be another boater or jet skier, the jet ski manufacturer, or the party responsible for the maintenance of the waterway.

If you were partially at fault for your accident for speeding, weaving, or otherwise operating your craft recklessly, this does not necessarily bar you from recovery. If the courts find you less than 50% at fault, you can still take home compensation. Call (507) 344-8888 to discuss your case today.