Getting thrown from a boat or personal watercraft can lead to severe injuries or death in a matter of seconds. Unlike car accidents, there are no seat belts, airbags, or barriers on the water. When someone is ejected, they may strike the water at high speed, collide with other objects, or become stranded without help nearby. If the boat is still moving, a spinning propeller or another vessel can cause life-threatening harm.
Many of these incidents happen when a boat hits a wake too fast, makes a sharp turn, or when the operator loses control due to speeding or intoxication. Some victims are passengers who were standing, sitting on the edge, or riding without a safety tether. These accidents are preventable, and in many cases, someone else’s carelessness is to blame.
If you were injured after being ejected from a boat or Jet Ski in Michigan, you may have a legal claim. This page explains what causes these crashes, how liability is determined, and what steps to take if you or a loved one was hurt.
What Causes Ejection from a Boat or Personal Watercraft
Ejection accidents are often sudden and violent, caused by a mix of speed, water conditions, and unsafe behavior. Inexperienced or reckless operators may make sharp turns, jump waves, or overload the vessel. Equipment issues like a stuck throttle or failed steering can also cause a boat to lurch or roll, throwing riders into the water.
In Jet Ski and personal watercraft crashes, riders are even more exposed. A quick turn, unexpected wave, or impact can send someone flying. Without a kill switch or engine cutoff device, the vessel may keep moving, putting the ejected rider at further risk. Many ejection accidents stem from operator error in boat crash cases, including unsafe speeds, poor judgment, and lack of training.
📊 Table 1: Leading Causes of Boating Ejection Accidents
Common Injuries After Being Ejected from a Vessel
Being ejected from a moving boat or Jet Ski can result in traumatic and even life-altering injuries. Riders who hit the water at speed may suffer blunt force trauma, broken bones, or head injuries. If the impact renders the person unconscious or they cannot swim, drowning becomes a serious risk. Even those who remain conscious may struggle to stay afloat without a life jacket or immediate rescue.
Other dangers include being struck by the vessel after ejection or being pulled into the propeller. Victims often require emergency medical care, hospitalization, and long-term rehabilitation. These injuries are not only physically devastating but can also lead to lasting emotional and financial strain.
📊 Table 2: Injuries Caused by Boat and Jet Ski Ejections
Riders who aren’t wearing flotation devices are at even greater risk, making it essential to understand Michigan’s life jacket laws and when personal flotation devices are required.
Who May Be Liable in an Ejection Accident on the Water
In many boating ejection cases, the accident could have been avoided if someone had acted responsibly. That means more than just blaming the operator. Depending on the situation, liability may fall on the boat owner, a rental company, or even an equipment manufacturer. These parties have a duty to ensure the vessel is operated safely and that passengers are protected from preventable harm.
For example, if the operator was speeding or ignoring safety rules, they may be at fault. If the boat was rented without proper safety checks or lacked a kill switch, the rental company may be responsible. Each case requires a careful look at what happened and who had control over the vessel and its safety features.
📊 Table 3: Responsible Parties in Ejection-Related Claims
Legal Options if You Were Thrown from a Boat or Jet Ski
If you were injured after being ejected from a boat or personal watercraft, you may be entitled to pursue a personal injury claim. Unlike car accidents that often involve no fault insurance, most boating accidents require proving that someone else’s negligence caused your injuries. That may be the operator, a rental company, or another party responsible for maintaining the vessel.
Your legal claim can seek compensation for emergency care, hospital bills, lost income, rehabilitation costs, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. In more severe cases, long-term care or disability benefits may also be necessary. If someone died in the crash, surviving family members may have a wrongful death claim.
Because these cases often involve complex questions about boating laws, equipment failures, and safety standards, it is important to act quickly. A lawyer can help preserve evidence, identify all responsible parties, and protect your rights from the start. Families who lose a loved one in one of these tragic accidents may be entitled to pursue wrongful death claims after fatal boating accidents under Michigan law.
Boating Ejection Accident Questions Answered
Talk to a Lawyer About a Boating Ejection Injury
Being thrown from a boat or personal watercraft can leave you with serious injuries, rising medical costs, and questions about what to do next. Whether the accident involved a reckless operator, faulty equipment, or a negligent rental company, you deserve answers and support.
At The Clark Law Office, we represent injured boaters and passengers across Michigan. Attorney Matthew R. Clark handles every case himself and is ready to help you understand your legal options. If you or a loved one was ejected during a boating accident, we are here to provide experienced guidance and personal attention from start to finish.
Call today for a free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your rights and pursuing fair compensation.
