Injured in a Jet Ski Accident?

For residents and visitors in Eau Claire, River Falls, and La Crosse, heading to the lake is a way of life in the summer months. While most jet ski operators are responsible and careful, accidents caused by irresponsible or negligent operators account for thousands of boat and jet ski accidents each year. The result? Life-altering injuries for those involved. In the most tragic cases, lives are lost.

Jet ski accidents can be more complicated than motor vehicle accidents. Physical evidence of the crash can sink or be washed away. We understand that jet ski accidents can be serious, which is why you need serious lawyers on your side. At Bye, Goff & Rohde, our jet ski accident attorneys team can help you seek damages to cover medical bills and changes to your life and livelihood after a serious jet ski crash.

Common Causes of Jet Ski Accidents in Wisconsin

 Inattention, excessive speed, and even momentary misjudgments can send a rider hurtling into another craft, swimmers, or fixed objects. 

• Human Error 
• Mechanical Failure
• Unsafe Rental Practices
• Environmental Hazards

Many accidents are caused by inexperienced or distracted operators miscalculating turns or overtaking without sufficient visibility. Excessive speed often plays a role, pushing the jet ski beyond safe handling thresholds. Alcohol and drug impairment remain persistent threats, eroding judgment and reaction times.

Equipment failure or defects can lead to sudden loss of control, as steering systems or throttle mechanisms malfunction. Rental operators who fail to maintain or inspect their jet skis properly increase those risks. Crowded lakes and marked “no-wake zones” create additional hazards that require heightened vigilance. Finally, water-borne collisions are compounded by the dynamic nature of the environment. Waves, currents, and wake turbulence can unexpectedly push riders into danger zones.

Injuries Commonly Sustained in Jet Ski Accidents

Unlike boats, jet skis offer no structural protection, increasing the risk of serious injury. Their lightweight nature and powerful engines can deceive operators into thinking they are safer than they are. Some of the most common injuries our attorneys see in jet ski accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Broken bones
• Spinal cord injuries (SCI)
• Lacerations
• Burn injuries from exhaust
• Drownings 

Even non-fatal jet ski accidents can lead to long-term impairment, lingering or chronic pain, and diminished quality of life. When injuries are the result of negligent or reckless behavior by other operators or jet ski companies, victims deserve justice. The lawyers at Bye, Goff & Rohde can help seek compensation to cover lifelong medical care, rehabilitation, and pain and suffering.

Potential Liability in Jet Ski Accidents Claim

Liability in jet ski accidents can fall on multiple parties depending on the cause of the incident and various contributing factors.

• Another Water Vehicle Operator – Another jet ski operator or driver of a boat may have been distracted or reckless while on the water, causing a serious accident.
• The Jet Ski Rental Company – A rental company may be at fault for failing to maintain equipment or for renting machines to unqualified or impaired guests.
• The Jet Ski Manufacturer – In cases of defective jet ski parts or poor design, manufacturers like Yamaha, Sea-Doo, and Kawasaki can be held liable for causing or contributing to an accident.
• Local Wisconsin Authorities – Policymakers or local authorities in Eau Claire, River Falls, and La Crosse may be liable for an accident if they failed to post warnings or properly regulate waterway traffic.

Identifying every possible source of compensation requires a detailed investigation, one that combines knowledge of maritime rules, state law, operator behavior, and forensic evidence. You can trust the attorneys at Bye, Goff & Rohde to thoroughly investigate your jet ski accident.

Estimating Compensation: What Wisconsin Jet Ski Accident Cases Show

According to Wisconsin legal sources, settlements for boat and jet ski accidents in Wisconsin can generally range from $50,000 to over $500,000, depending on the nature of the incident. Jet ski accidents that result in catastrophic injuries or wrongful death can even exceed $1 million. Settlement value depends on factors including injury severity, fault, insurance coverage, potential for permanent disability, and lasting emotional or psychological harm. 

Our seasoned jet ski accident attorneys can help ensure that victims do not walk away with less than what their recovery requires. If you or a loved one were involved in a serious jet ski accident, our law firm in Wisconsin can note the need for long-term medical care or if catastrophic outcomes were involved.

What to Do After a Jet Ski Accident to Improve Your Legal Case

When a jet ski accident occurs, taking certain steps can have a significant impact on your case. The team at Bye, Goff & Rohde recommends the following actions after any accidents involving boats or jet skis on Wisconsin lakes and waterways.

1. Report the accident to local authorities immediately. This will send emergency medical assistance to the scene and allow local authorities to create an official incident report.
2. Document the accident if possible. Take photos and video of the wreck if you can access your phone. Saving damaged jet skis and other equipment is also important for expert inspection.
3. Gather information from those around you, such as witness names, contact information, and insurance details.
4. Seek medical attention, even for injuries that appear minor. This is critical for your health as well as creating medical documentation of the harm caused by the jet ski accident.
5. Contact our attorneys when you are able to do so. The lawyers of Bye, Goff & Rohde can review your case and get the legal process underway.

What to Expect from the Legal Process in a Jet Ski Accident Case

The legal process varies from case to case, though it generally involves gathering accident reports, reviewing your medical records, and examining any evidence from the jet ski crash. From this information, our attorneys can work with accident reconstructionists, watercraft mechanics, and other specialists to determine what happened and who was at fault.

Armed with that detailed information, your legal team can negotiate a settlement with insurance companies or, if needed, prepare for trial. 

Our skilled jet ski accident attorneys here in Wisconsin will advocate for compensation that adequately covers your medical bills, physical rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and loss of future income due to long-term disability. We can also seek non-economic damages related to the jet ski accident, including compensation for your pain and suffering and emotional trauma.

Why Local Representation Matters in Eau Claire, River Falls & La Crosse

When the attorneys of Bye, Goff & Rohde represent clients in Wisconsin jet ski accident claims, we bring our local insight to every case.

We have law offices in Eau Claire, River Falls, and La Crosse, and our lawyers are deeply familiar with lakes and local waterways all over the state. Our lawyers know the unique hazards and waterway traffic concerns in places like the St. Croix and Kinnickinnic rivers or Half Moon or Onalaska lakes.

Having local attorneys also means you have legal professionals who understand Wisconsin’s different county courts and which local medical experts to consult about jet ski accidents and other incidents on our waterways.

Contact Our Jet Ski Accident Attorneys Law Firm in Wisconsin Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a jet ski accident in the Eau Claire, River Falls, or La Crosse area, you need skilled legal representation to help you get the compensation you deserve. Bye, Goff & Rohde is here to help. Contact our Wisconsin law offices today for a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win.