Recent High-Profile Victims of Personal Watercraft Accidents

One of the most tragic and high profile Sea-Doo accidents that occurred over the past summer involved the stepson of rapper Usher, Kyle Glover. Kyle, aged 11, was rendered brain-dead after he was struck by a personal watercraft in Atlanta, Georgia. Kyle was on an inner tube on Lake Lanier, Georgia when he was struck in the head by the personal watercraft. Another child, aged 15, suffered a broken arm and a head injury. Both children were airlifted to the hospital for treatment — but it was too late for Kyle. He later died of heart failure.

A Jet Ski accident also claimed the life of retired NASA astronaut, Alan Poindexter, in Pensacola, Florida.  Poindexter was riding jet-skis with his sons at the beach when one of the sons crashed into the rear of the Jet Ski that Poindexter was riding with his other son. The impact knocked Poindexter into the ocean. He was pulled from the water and flown by helicopter to the hospital, but could not be saved.

Factors Contributing to Sea-Doo Accidents

Personal watercrafts like Sea-Doos have been likened to motorbikes — and for good reason. They share some design features and can both be operated at high speeds. The same manufacturer also commonly builds both. Operating Sea-Doos at high speeds through waters also filled with swimmers and other vehicles is a potential recipe for disaster. Couple speeding with failure to yield to others in the water, driving while intoxicated and driving too close to other watercraft provides the “perfect storm” for bodily injuries, fatalities and property damage.

Victims of these accidents often suffer one or more of the following outcomes:

• Bone fractures
• Head and spine injuries
• Lacerations
• Drowning

If you have been involved in an accident involving a Sea-Doo or other watercraft, a personal injury attorney will help determine who was at fault for the accident and help protect your rights against the wrongdoers. Damages can include medical expenses, lost income and earning capacity, as well as pain and suffering.