Jet Ski Accident Claims

Jet skis are a popular choice for summer recreation in the UK and abroad, offering speed and excitement on the water. While they provide fun for people of all ages, their high speeds also come with risks, sometimes leading to serious injuries. If you have been injured in a jet ski accident, you may be eligible to make a compensation claim.

To pursue a successful claim, you must demonstrate that another party was at least partially responsible for the accident. This could include factors such as mechanical failures, reckless behaviour from other riders, inadequate safety training, or being provided with a faulty jet ski by a rental company.

To find out if you can make a jet ski accident claim, call our team on 0800 470 0474 for free legal advice. You can also use our online claim form to request a call back. If you have a valid claim, a solicitor will offer you a 100% no win no fee service. This ensures there are no upfront costs and no risk, as you have nothing to pay if your claim is unsuccessful.

Find out if you can claim

Call 0800 470 0474 now or request a call back below:

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By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners. Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy. With no win no fee you typically pay 25% of your compensation if your claim is successful, but the fee can vary. Termination fees may apply if you fail to co-operate with your solicitor.

Table of Contents

• Am I eligible to make a jet ski accident claim?
• Who could be at fault for my accident?
• What should I do if I have a jet ski accident?
• What is the process of making a personal injury claim?
• Evidence needed to support a jet ski injury claim
• Common accidents and injuries involving jet skis
• Can I make a claim for a jet ski accident abroad?
• Claims for fatal jet ski accidents
• What damages can I claim for a jet ski accident?
• Time limit to start a jet ski accident compensation claim
• How long will my accident claim take?
• Can I claim compensation on a No Win No Fee basis?

Am I eligible to make a jet ski accident claim?

An experienced personal injury solicitor can knowledgeably assess the circumstances of your accident and determine whether you can make a claim. They will take on your case if each of the following statements can be established:

• Another party (the defendant) owed you a duty of care legally;
• They breached this duty, which led to your jet ski accident;
• You suffered injuries and other losses due to that accident.

Proving a duty of care is not something you should worry about. Your solicitor will be able to establish liability based on relevant legislation and your particular situation.

Who could be at fault for my accident?

Various parties could be responsible for your accident, including:

• Another jet ski rider who acted recklessly
• A boat owner or operator who failed to keep a safe distance or was under the influence
• A rental company that failed to maintain the jet ski
• An event host who did not take adequate safety measures
• A jet ski manufacturer if your accident was due to design flaws or defects
• A mechanic who failed to maintain or repair a jet ski properly
• A tour operator who was unable to arrange a safe jet ski activity
• The authorities, if they failed to enforce water safety or signpost dangerous areas

Your solicitor will be able to identify the liable party and help you gather the necessary evidence to support an accident compensation claim.

What should I do if I have a jet ski accident?

Jet skis, also known as personal watercraft (PWC), are fun but can also be dangerous due to their high speed and lack of protection for the rider. If you were involved in a jet ski accident, you should take several essential steps to help protect your rights and safety:

• Check yourself and anyone else involved for injuries and move to a safe location. If necessary, seek immediate medical attention by calling an ambulance or going to the A&E.
• Report the incident to the local authorities and ask for a copy of their official report.
• If you rented the jet ski or the accident happened during an event, report it to the operator or organiser and ask for a signed copy.
• If possible, gather evidence at the scene, such as witness contacts, insurance policy details, and photographs or videos of the scene and surrounding area.
• Do not apologise or admit fault for the accident, as this could affect a subsequent claim.
• Keep track of all related financial losses and expenses incurred so you can claim them later.
• Contact an experienced solicitor who can advise you on your legal rights and help you start the jet ski accident claims process.

What is the process of making a personal injury claim?

The process of making a jet ski injury claim starts with consulting a personal injury lawyer for a free case assessment. If you can proceed, they will offer you a no win no fee service and guide you through the next steps.

Your solicitor will determine who is responsible for the harm you suffered. They will help you assemble the evidence to prove liability, the extent of your injuries, and how these have affected your life.

If you have suffered severe injuries, your solicitor will also arrange a free medical exam with a specialist to determine their long-term impact and your future care needs.

Once you have the necessary information, they will send a letter of claim to the responsible party, outlining the details of your case and how much compensation you seek.

The defendant has three months to investigate and respond to your claim. If they admit fault, you can begin to negotiate a compensation amount. If they deny it, your solicitor will be prepared to issue court proceedings and argue your case in court if necessary.

If your claim is successful, you will receive compensation for your jet ski accident within four weeks.

Evidence needed to support a jet ski injury claim

The evidence you could use to support a claim and maximise your chances of getting compensation includes the following:

• Medical records showing the extent of your injuries and the treatments you received;
• A specialist report detailing your prognosis and any ongoing care needs;
• Photographs or videos of the accident scene, your injuries and damage to your property;
• Statements from witnesses, such as bystanders, other riders or staff;
• Copies of accident reports filed with the authorities, a rental shop or any other relevant party;
• Maintenance, inspection and rental records for the jet ski that caused your accident;
• You also need proof of financial losses, such as payslips and receipts for medical costs and travel expenses.

Do not worry if you do not have all of these readily available. Your solicitor will help you gather everything you need to build a compelling case.

Common accidents and injuries involving jet skis

Jet skis are among the most common types of watercraft involved in accidents. Some of the most common jet ski accidents and injuries include:

• Collisions with other jet skiers due to reckless driving or inexperience
• High-speed impacts with fixed objects such as docks, piers or rocks;
• Being hit by another recreational vehicle, such as a boat or yacht;
• Rollovers and capsizing due to sudden sharp turns, rough waters or other manoeuvres;
• Being thrown off the jet ski due to sudden acceleration, waves or poor balance;
• Fires or explosions caused by faulty engines;
• Incidents caused by manufacturing defects such as faulty brakes or steering;
• Poor maintenance by rental companies or mechanics.

These dangerous occurrences can lead to various types of injuries, ranging from minor to severe:

• Head injuries ranging from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries;
• Spinal cord injuries such as fractured vertebrae, nerve damage or even paralysis;
• Broken bones in the arms, legs, ribs or collarbones due to collisions or falls;
• Facial injuries such as broken teeth, broken nose, jaw fractures and lacerations;
• Internal injuries like organ damage, internal bleeding or punctured lungs;
• Whiplash and other neck injuries that can lead to long-term pain;
• Drowning and near-drowning incidents;
• Cuts and lacerations, some of which may need stitches and cause permanent scarring;
• Burn injuries can range from superficial wounds to deep tissue damage.

This list is not exhaustive, and your particular situation may not have been mentioned here. Nonetheless, as long as you suffered any type of harm due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation.

Can I make a claim for a jet ski accident abroad?

Yes, you can potentially make a jet ski accident claim even if you were injured on holiday abroad. However, the process could be more complex if you made your own travel arrangements.

In this case, you would likely need to make a negligence claim against the liable party directly in the foreign country. This could be a rental company, a boat operator or another jet skier. A solicitor with expertise in international claims can guide you through the process.

However, things are easier if your holiday and jet ski activity were part of a package deal purchased through a UK tour operator. In this case, you could make a claim directly in the UK and under UK law.

Your holiday provider has a duty to ensure that any activities booked through them, including jet skiing, are as safe as possible. If they fail to uphold this duty and you suffer avoidable injuries as a result, they may be liable for compensation.

Claims for fatal jet ski accidents

Sadly, severe jet ski accidents can result in fatalities. And while no amount of compensation can make it easier to deal with losing a loved one, it can help you ease any financial strain their loss may have caused.

Any dependent of the deceased could make a compensation claim, including spouses, civil partners, children and parents. A fatal accident claim can include:

• The pain, suffering and financial losses incurred by your loved one before passing away;
• The lost income and other financial benefits provided by the deceased;
• Loss of services such as house maintenance, childcare and personal care;
• Reasonable funeral and burial costs;
• A bereavement award of £15,120 for the wrongful death and the grief it has caused you.

What damages can I claim for a jet ski accident?

There are two types of jet ski accident damages that your solicitor will include in your claim:

General damages are awarded for the pain and suffering you were caused, as well as the injury’s impact on your life. Examples include:

• Physical pain and disability
• Emotional and psychological distress
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life, such as inability to participate in hobbies
• Chronic pain and reduced quality of life

Special damages are awarded for financial losses and expenses directly resulting from the accident, such as:

• Medical expenses like prescriptions, private medical treatment and rehabilitation
• Lost wages during recovery and loss of earning capacity
• Property damage
• Travel expenses to medical appointments
• Care and assistance if you need help with daily activities

The award for special damages is calculated based on physical evidence, such as receipts and invoices. General damages do not have a monetary value attached to them and are based on guidelines from the Judicial College.

Our personal injury compensation calculator can give you a rough idea of how much you could receive for your injuries.

Time limit to start a jet ski accident compensation claim

The Limitation Act 1980 imposes a three-year time limit for making a claim, starting from the date of your accident. Once this time expires, your case will be barred, and you will lose your opportunity to receive compensation.

To ensure this does not happen and improve your chances of success, you should preferably seek legal advice as soon as possible. A few exceptions apply to this rule:

• The three years only begin to run once you turn 18. Before that, a parent or legal guardian could make a child injury claim on your behalf at any time.
• If the injured party lacks mental capacity, the limitation date is suspended, and a litigation friend could claim for them anytime.
• You have three years from the date a loved one passed away to make a fatal accident claim.
• If you were injured abroad, the time limit could vary from country to country and be shorter than three years.

How long will my accident claim take?

Each case is unique, and various factors will determine how long your claim will take to settle. These include:

• The type and extent of your injuries
• Your recovery process and any long-term complications
• How long it takes to investigate the case and gather evidence
• The response and collaboration from the defendant and their insurer

A straightforward claim where liability is admitted from the beginning could be resolved within several months. On the other hand, if your case is particularly complex or you suffered severe injuries, it could take years to conclude.

Your solicitor will work hard to secure the compensation you deserve as soon as possible. Under certain circumstances, securing interim payments to help with your ongoing expenses and medical needs may also be possible.

Can I claim compensation on a No Win No Fee basis?

If you have a valid claim, a jet ski accident lawyer can help you seek compensation under a no win no fee agreement. That means you do not have to pay them anything upfront, which can make it easier for you to take legal action.

Moreover, you will not be taking any financial risks, as you only pay your solicitor if you win the claim. In this case, they are entitled to a success fee that will be deducted from your compensation. This fee is capped at 25% of your damages and agreed upon from the start.

For a free case assessment, contact us by calling 0800 470 0474 or arrange a call back. You will find out within minutes if you can proceed with a claim and how much compensation you could potentially receive.

Last edited on 8th Aug 2025

With over 15 years’ experience in the legal sector, Nicholas Tate (LLB Hons, LLM in Health Law) has extensive experience across all areas of personal injury and medical negligence claims.