Chicago Jet Ski Accident Lawyer

Financial Compensation After Jet Ski and Boating Accidents in Chicago

At Chicago Injury Center, our jet ski accident lawyer team understands how devastating these crashes can be. Whether the accident happened on Lake Michigan, the Chicago River, or another local waterway, we have seen firsthand the serious injuries that result from negligent operators, rental companies, and even a manufacturer.

Victims often face overwhelming medical bills, lost wages, and lasting trauma. That’s why our law firm is dedicated to guiding accident victims through every step of the legal process, helping them hold responsible parties accountable and secure the financial compensation they need to move forward.

Recreational Boating Accident Settlements & Verdict Recovered by Our Law Firm in Chicago

$3,250,000 – Drowning Fatality on Lake Michigan

Our client, James, was a passenger on a recreational boat when the operator’s reckless maneuvers caused him to be thrown overboard. Tragically, he drowned.

$2,333,333 – Jet Ski Collision With a Boat

Michael, a 22-year-old student, was riding a personal watercraft near Navy Pier when he was struck by a boat operator who failed to yield. He suffered a closed head injury and ruptured eardrum, requiring extensive treatment and rehabilitation.

$2,000,000 – Alcohol-Related Boating Crash

Sophia and several friends were out on a summer evening when their vessel, operated by an intoxicated driver, slammed into an abandoned dock on the Chicago River. Multiple passengers sustained serious injuries, including fractures and concussions.

Why Choose Chicago Injury Center

At Chicago Injury Center, we know that a jet ski accident can change your life in an instant. That’s why our legal team has built a reputation as one of the top-rated Chicago personal injury firms, fighting relentlessly for accident victims across the city.

With decades of combined experience, we’ve helped clients recover millions in verdicts and settlements after serious injuries caused by negligent owners, reckless operators, and unsafe rentals. Our firm has been recognized by leading legal organizations for excellence in advocacy and client service, including:

• Million Dollar Advocates Forum
• Super Lawyers
• American Association for Justice (AAJ)
• Illinois Trial Lawyers Association

What Are the Most Common Causes of Jet Ski Accidents?

On Lake Michigan, the Chicago River, and nearby harbors, jet ski accidents often happen because someone failed to follow safety rules. The most common causes we see include:

• Reckless operation – speeding, weaving through traffic, or ignoring no-wake zones
• Alcohol use – operating under the influence is a major factor in local boating accidents
• Inexperienced riders – first-time operators renting a personal watercraft without proper instruction
• Collisions with boats or other watercraft – often occurring in crowded areas near Navy Pier or Montrose Harbor
• Inadequate maintenance – when companies fail to service their equipment
• Defective jet skis – issues tied to a manufacturer that contribute to crashes

What Are the Most Common Injuries Sustained in Jet Ski Accidents?

A jet ski accident can leave riders with devastating injuries that change their lives forever. At Chicago Injury Center, we frequently represent accident victims who suffer from:

• Traumatic brain injuries and long-term brain damage from high-speed collisions
• Spinal cord injuries leading to partial or permanent paralysis
• Broken bones and fractures from being thrown off a personal watercraft
• Internal trauma and lacerations caused by impact with docks or other watercraft
• Serious injuries like concussions, ruptured eardrums, and burns from fuel explosions

What Damages Are Jet Ski Accident Victims Entitled to in Illinois?

After a jet ski accident on Lake Michigan or another Chicago waterway, victims often face overwhelming costs. Our law firm helps clients recover full and fair damages, including:

• Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
• Future medical costs for ongoing treatment needs
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Compensation for pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
• Reimbursement for out-of-pocket medical bills

What Is the Average Jet Ski Accident Payout?

According to VerdictSearch, the average payout for cases involving jet ski accidents is $1,501,558, with a median of $1,926,456. Settlements range from just over $10,000 to nearly $3.8 million, depending on the circumstances.

The value of a case depends on several factors, including:

• The severity of the resulting injuries (such as traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries)
• The degree of negligence, including intoxication or reckless operation
• Whether renters, owners, or a jet ski’s manufacturer contributed to the crash
• The amount of lost earnings, accumulated and future medical expenses involved

Example Jet Ski and Boating Accident Cases

$3.3 Million – A 51-year-old drywall contractor was snorkeling near a resort when a speeding personal watercraft operator struck him. The accident caused fractures, herniated discs, and permanent disability, leaving him unable to continue his career.

$1.95 Million – A 19-year-old student riding a jet ski with a passenger was killed when struck by a drunk boat operator. Her family pursued a wrongful death action.

Why You Need a Chicago Boating Accident Lawyer

Pursuing a claim after a jet ski accident isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. These cases often involve overlapping areas of maritime law, Illinois negligence statutes, and disputes with an insurance company determined to limit payouts. Without experienced representation, many accident victims struggle to prove fault, calculate damages, and push back against aggressive defense strategies.

In Chicago, cases may be filed in the Cook County Circuit Court or, depending on where the accident happened, may even touch on federal maritime jurisdiction. Proving liability requires collecting evidence from the scene, interviewing witnesses, and sometimes pursuing claims against multiple parties, including renters, owners, or a manufacturer.

What Are the Statistics of Jet Ski Accidents?

National data from the U.S. Coast Guard’s 2024 Recreational Boating Statistics shows that 601 total casualties were linked to jet skis in 2024, including 563 injuries and 38 deaths. PWCs ranked second only to open motorboats for total accidents and injuries. The most common incident types included collisions with other vessels (747 cases) and fixed objects (929 cases).

The top causes of accidents involving jet skis mirror broader boating trends:

• Operator inexperience – linked to over 800 incidents.
• Operator inattention – contributing to more than 700 crashes.
• Excessive speed – involved in nearly 300 incidents.
• Alcohol use – responsible for over 240 accidents, many tied to personal watercraft.

Jet ski riders are disproportionately young:

• Riders 13–19 years old accounted for 155 injuries and 34 deaths.
• Riders 20–29 years old had the highest injury totals, with 196 injuries and 86 deaths.
• Together, these age groups make up the majority of victims nationwide.

Out of 556 total boating deaths in 2024, 38 were linked to jet skis, with drowning as the leading cause. Nearly 75% of all PWC-related deaths involved riders not wearing life jackets.

Where Do Jet Ski Accidents Occur Most Often in Chicago?

While jet ski accidents can happen anywhere on the water, certain locations in and around Chicago see the highest number of incidents due to heavy traffic and recreational use. Common hotspots include:

• Lake Michigan Harbors – Areas like Burnham, Belmont, and Montrose Harbor often experience congestion with jet skis, sailboats, and larger vessels, leading to frequent accidents.
• Chicago River – Popular for sightseeing and rentals, the river’s narrow channels and busy boat traffic create dangerous conditions for inexperienced riders.
• Beaches near Navy Pier and Oak Street – Heavy summer crowds, combined with jet ski rentals, raise the risk of watercraft accidents in these waters.
• Rental zones – Many rental companies operate along the shoreline. When these businesses fail to provide adequate training or maintain equipment, riders face higher risks of severe injuries from improper maintenance or defective jet skis.

What Laws Govern Jet Ski Accident Claims in Chicago?

Claims involving jet ski accidents are shaped by a combination of Illinois statutes, Chicago ordinances, and even federal maritime law. Understanding which laws apply is critical for determining liability and building a strong case.

Under the Illinois Boat Registration and Safety Act (625 ILCS 45/), operators of personal watercraft must follow strict safety requirements, including:

• No operation within 150 feet of swimmers or shoreline unless at idle speed
• Mandatory life jacket use for anyone riding a jet ski
• Prohibitions on reckless operation, excessive speed, and operation under the influence

The Chicago Municipal Code 10-40-261 imposes local restrictions on watercraft accidents, including limits on noise, speed, and operating areas for jet skis within city waters. These ordinances reinforce safety on crowded waterways like the Chicago River and near Lake Michigan beaches.

In Holmgren v. Massey-Ferguson, Inc., Illinois courts reaffirmed that manufacturers can be held liable when defective equipment contributes to resulting injuries. Similarly, third-party liability claims against a jet ski’s manufacturer may arise if design flaws or warnings played a role in a crash.

How Long Do I Have to File a Jet Ski Accident Lawsuit in Illinois?

In Illinois, under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, most personal injury claims—including those from jet ski accidents—must be filed within two years of the date the accident happened. For wrongful death cases, under 740 ILCS 180/, families generally have two years from the date of death to take legal action.

Who Is Legally Liable for Jet Ski Accidents in Chicago?

When a jet ski accident occurs, multiple responsible parties may share fault. Our legal team investigates every angle to ensure no source of recovery is overlooked. Common defendants include:

• Reckless or intoxicated operators – Many accidents result from speeding, weaving through traffic, or alcohol use.
• Rental companies – Businesses that rent out personal watercraft can be liable for poor training, unsafe policies, or inadequate maintenance of their fleets.
• Boat owners – If a jet ski or larger vessel is loaned out to an inexperienced or reckless rider, the owner may share liability.
• Manufacturers – Defective design, mechanical failures, or lack of warnings can make manufacturers accountable under product liability law.
• Other operators – Collisions often involve negligent operation of boats, ferries, or sailboats.
• Third parties – In some cases, dock owners, event organizers, or even municipalities may be held responsible.

Identifying all potential defendants is critical to securing maximum compensation.

Common Defenses in Chicago Jet Ski Accident Cases

Operators or insurance companies may argue that the injured rider was speeding or careless. We combat this by presenting evidence from the scene, witness statements, and expert testimony.

A manufacturer may claim the rider failed to use the product properly. We examine manuals, warnings, and maintenance records to show when design flaws or defects played a role.

Many rental companies require riders to sign liability waivers. Illinois law does not allow businesses to contract away responsibility for gross negligence or failure to ensure safe equipment.

Defense attorneys often argue that riders accepted the dangers of jet skiing. We emphasize the difference between known risks and resulting injuries caused by another party’s recklessness or negligence.

How to Strengthen Your Jet Ski Accident Case in Chicago

The steps you take immediately after a jet ski accident can make a major difference in your ability to pursue compensation. Our legal team recommends the following:

• Seek medical care right away
• Document the accident scene
• Identify witnesses
• Report the incident
• Avoid dealing directly with the insurance company
• Contact a law firm quickly

How a Chicago Jet Ski Accident Lawyer Can Help

Working with an experienced Chicago jet ski accident lawyer gives you the support and resources you need while focusing on recovery. At Chicago Injury Center, our legal team assists clients every step of the way by:

• Investigating the scene – Collecting photos, maintenance records, witness accounts, and Coast Guard or police reports.
• Identifying liable parties – From negligent operators to rental companies, owners, or even a manufacturer.
• Handling insurance companies – We negotiate aggressively with every insurance company involved, ensuring they don’t minimize your claim or deny coverage.
• Calculating damages – Factoring in medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering from serious injuries or permanent disabilities.
• Litigating in court – If settlement negotiations fail, we prepare to present your case before a Cook County jury, using expert testimony and relevant evidence.

FAQs

How much does a jet ski accident lawyer cost in Chicago?

At Chicago Injury Center, our fee structure is a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we win your case. You owe us nothing unless we recover financial compensation for your injuries.

Who can file a jet ski accident claim in Chicago?

Any accident victim injured in a jet ski accident may file a claim. Families of victims killed in accidents can also pursue wrongful death actions.

Book a Free Case Evaluation

If you or a loved one were injured in a jet ski accident on Lake Michigan or anywhere in Chicago, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At Chicago Injury Center, our dedicated legal team fights for victims who deserve compensation for their injuries.

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no upfront fees, and you only pay if we win. Contact us for a free consultation today!