Steps to Take After a Boating Accident Involving Jet Skis in West Palm Beach

Jet skis are a common sight on the waters around West Palm Beach. They’re fast, exciting, and offer a fun way to enjoy Florida’s coast. But like any other watercraft, jet skis can be dangerous. Collisions and accidents involving jet skis happen more often than many people realize—and they can lead to serious injuries or even fatalities.

If you’ve been involved in a jet ski accident, it’s important to take certain steps right away. Whether you were the rider, a passenger, or another person affected by the crash, what you do in the minutes and days following the incident can directly impact your ability to recover damages for your injuries or losses.

Below are the key steps to follow after a jet ski accident in West Palm Beach to protect your health, your legal rights, and any potential claim you may have.

Make Sure Everyone Is Safe and Accounted For

Immediately after the crash, check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is missing or in the water, call for help and assist as much as possible without putting yourself in further danger. If you’re wearing a life jacket, keep it on. Help others get to safety, especially if there are strong currents or boat traffic nearby.

Once everyone is safe, get to shore or a stable location if possible. If you can’t move due to injury or equipment damage, stay calm and wait for help.

Call 911 or Report the Accident to Authorities

In Florida, boating accidents—including those involving jet skis—must be reported under certain circumstances. If there are injuries, fatalities, or more than $2,000 in property damage, the accident must be reported to one of the following:

• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)

• The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office

• The local police or U.S. Coast Guard if in federal waters

Call 911 if emergency medical help is needed. Responding officers will file an official report, which can be vital for your personal injury claim. Be clear and factual when describing what happened. Avoid guessing or admitting fault.

Exchange Information With Others Involved

If you’re physically able, exchange the following information with the other parties:

• Names and contact details

• Driver’s license or ID

• Registration numbers for the jet skis or boats involved

• Insurance information, if applicable

Also note the make, model, and color of each watercraft involved. If there are any independent witnesses, get their contact information as well.

Take Photos and Document the Scene

Use your phone to take pictures or videos of the accident scene. This can include:

• The condition of each jet ski or boat

• Damage to property or equipment

• Injuries sustained

• Position of the watercraft

• Water and weather conditions

• Any nearby signage or obstacles

The more visual evidence you collect, the easier it will be to support your claim. If your injuries prevent you from taking photos, ask someone else to help if possible.

Seek Medical Attention as Soon as Possible

Even if your injuries seem minor, get checked by a medical professional. Some conditions—like internal injuries, concussions, or whiplash—may not show symptoms right away. Early treatment not only protects your health, but it also creates medical records that connect your injuries directly to the accident.

Keep all medical records, including discharge summaries, prescriptions, and follow-up recommendations. These documents help show the extent of your injuries and how they are affecting your life.

Do Not Admit Fault or Make Assumptions

After a jet ski accident, emotions can run high. You may feel shock, guilt, or anger. It’s important to avoid saying anything that could be used against you later. Do not admit fault, apologize, or speculate about what happened.

Statements made in the heat of the moment can be misinterpreted and used by insurance companies to deny or reduce your claim. Stick to the facts when speaking to law enforcement or anyone else at the scene.

Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurance provider of the accident as soon as possible. Provide basic details but avoid giving a recorded statement until you’ve spoken with an attorney—especially if the other party’s insurer contacts you.

Jet ski accidents often involve multiple insurance policies, including boat, auto, or even homeowners’ policies depending on the circumstances. Navigating these policies can be complex, and mistakes could hurt your claim.

Preserve Evidence and Keep Detailed Records

Start a file for everything related to the accident. This should include:

• Photos and videos from the scene

• Medical bills and records

• Accident reports

• Contact information for witnesses

• Communication with insurance companies

• Notes about your physical pain, emotional distress, and time missed from work

All of this information will help support your case if you decide to pursue compensation.

Speak With a Personal Injury Attorney Familiar With Florida Boating Laws

Jet ski accidents fall under Florida’s maritime and boating laws, which are different from the rules that apply to car crashes. These cases often involve rental agreements, waivers, and insurance disputes. Having an attorney who understands the legal complexities can make a significant difference.

A West Palm Beach personal injury lawyer can investigate the accident, determine liability, and help you file a claim against the responsible party. This may include another rider, the rental company, a manufacturer, or even a boat operator who caused the collision.

Most personal injury attorneys offer free consultations, so it’s a good idea to explore your legal options—even if you’re unsure who was at fault.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

If someone else’s negligence caused the accident, you may be eligible for compensation. Damages in a jet ski accident claim can include:

• Medical expenses (past and future)

• Lost wages or earning capacity

• Pain and suffering

• Emotional distress

• Property damage

• Rehabilitation or therapy costs

If the accident was caused by extreme recklessness—such as operating a jet ski while intoxicated—you may also be able to pursue punitive damages.

Conclusion

A jet ski accident can be physically and financially overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing with injuries, medical bills, and insurance complications. In West Palm Beach, where boating and personal watercraft are part of everyday life, knowing what steps to take after an accident is essential.

Focus on your safety first, report the crash properly, document everything you can, and speak with a lawyer who understands boating injury claims. By taking the right actions early, you can protect your health, your rights, and your ability to seek the compensation you deserve.