Two Teenagers Critical After Jet Ski Accident
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Service are investigating a jet ski accident that sent two teenagers to the hospital in critical condition in Brevard County. The accident took place in Indialantic near The Banana River, behind a home on Finch Drive at around 2:00 p.m. Authorities have said that two 19-year-olds, Ryan Meek and Jaime Tewlat, were both taken to Holmes Regional Medical Center in critical condition.
According to a Fish and Wildlife spokesperson, Mr. Meek was driving the jet ski with Ms. Tewlat as a passenger when he ran into a boat dock. Both teenagers were thrown off of the jet ski, but they were also both wearing life jackets. The homeowner where the accident took place heard the accident happen and ran out to help.
Senior Master Sergeant Steph Schwartz owned the property and boat dock where the accident occurred. He saw Mr. Meek lying on top of his wooden boat dock and Ms. Tewlat floating face down in the canal. Mr. Schwartz managed to revive Ms. Tewlat, and one of the teen’s uncles who saw the accident rushed over to help, as well.
The watercraft itself was wedged underneath the boat dock and bent a metal ladder attached to the boat. It also sent debris floating down the canal. Investigators now believe that the watercraft throttle got stuck, sending the two teens slamming into the dock. Ms. Tewlat was diagnosed with a broken pelvis and Mr. Meek broke multiple bones in his legs. Both underwent surgery and are now in recovery.
Florida Jet Ski Accident Compensation
If you or a loved one has been injured in a jet ski accident because of the negligence of another person, you may have a claim for compensation. Jet ski accidents have the potential to cause more harm than a boating accident because, like a motorcycle accident on the road, there is less protection available for a driver or passenger on a jet ski.
Many victims of jet ski accidents are unaware that damages for this type of accident are comprised of more than just the medical costs following the accident. Compensation for this type of accident can include:
- Past, present, and future medical bills;
- Lost wages;
- Impaired earning ability;
- Rehabilitation costs;
- Scarring and disfigurement;
- Disability;
- Pain and suffering;
- Emotional distress;
- Loss of enjoyment of life;
- Loss of consortium;
- Property damage;
- Wrongful death;
- Funeral costs;
…and other costs that are reasonably related to the damage caused by the jet ski accident.
Call a Florida Jet Ski Accident Lawyer
Jet ski accidents can be particularly devastating because of how vulnerable the riders of the vehicle are in the water. If you or someone that you know has been injured in a jet ski accident near Orlando, Jacksonville, Tampa, Fort Myers, or West Palm Beach, let the experienced lawyers at The Pendas Law Firm help. Call or contact the office today for a free and confidential consultation of your case.
