Jet Ski Accident Lawyer in Southwest Florida
Hurt in a jet ski crash? You may be owed compensation — and you won't pay unless we win.
Southwest Florida's warm waters and 1,400+ miles of navigable coastline make personal watercraft accidents a year-round reality. At Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, Purtz, Smith & Smith, P.A., our attorneys have fought for injured clients across Lee, Collier, and Charlotte counties for over 60 years. If a negligent operator, rental company, or another vessel caused your injuries, we're ready to act.
Call Now: 239-500-4878 | Schedule a Free Consultation
Trusted by Southwest Florida for Over Six Decades
- Over $825 Million recovered for SWFL clients
- Board-Certified attorneys recognized by the Florida Bar
- Five offices serving Lee, Collier, and Charlotte counties
- No fee unless we win — free consultations, always
- Recognized by Super Lawyers and featured on LexisNexis
Jet Ski Accidents Cause Serious Injuries — and Someone Is Often at Fault
Florida leads the nation in registered boats and boating accidents. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, a significant percentage of operators involved in watercraft accidents had no formal boater education. On the Caloosahatchee River, in Naples Bay, off Marco Island, and throughout Charlotte Harbor, jet ski accidents happen without warning — and the injuries that follow are rarely minor.
Common injuries include spinal cord trauma, traumatic brain injuries, shoulder and limb fractures, and internal organ damage. These injuries carry steep medical bills, lost income, and life-altering consequences.
The right jet ski accident lawyer can identify who was at fault, gather evidence before it disappears, and fight to recover what you're owed.
How a Jet Ski Accident Claim Works in Florida
Goldstein Buckley's attorneys investigate every angle of your case, including:
- Operator negligence — reckless speeding, wake jumping, or inattention
- Rental company liability — failure to inspect equipment, skipped safety briefings, or renting to unqualified operators (Florida Statute 327.54)
- Third-party vessel fault — another boat striking you or forcing a collision
- Product defects — faulty steering, throttle failures, or defective safety equipment
- Waivers and releases — a signed rental waiver does not automatically bar your claim; gross negligence and safety violations are not protected
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning your recovery is reduced by your share of fault — but you may still recover damages if you were not primarily responsible. Florida also requires qualifying boating accidents to be reported to the FWC within 48 hours. Our team handles all of this for you.
Why Choose Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, Purtz, Smith & Smith, P.A.
- 60+ years serving Southwest Florida exclusively — we know the local courts, including the Lee County Circuit Court in Fort Myers, Collier County Circuit Court in Naples, and Charlotte County Circuit Court in Port Charlotte
- Board-Certified attorneys with a demonstrated record in watercraft and boat accident litigation
- Over $825 million recovered for real clients across the region
- No out-of-pocket costs — we work on contingency
- Five convenient offices in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Lehigh Acres, and Port Charlotte
Real Results for Real People in Southwest Florida
Our attorneys have recovered millions on behalf of injured clients, including:
- $10 Million — ATV Accident
- $6.3 Million — Motorcycle Accident
- $3.5 Million — Motor Vehicle Accident
- $2.5 Million — Wrongful Death
Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome, but they reflect our commitment to pursuing full and fair compensation for every client we represent.
What Our Clients Say
"Goldstein Buckley treated us like family from day one. They handled everything so we could focus on recovery."
— Southwest Florida Client
"I didn't know what to do after my accident. Their team walked me through every step and fought hard for a result I didn't expect to see."
— Fort Myers Client
How the Process Works
- Call or contact us for a free attorney consultation at 239-500-4878
- Meet with an attorney — not a paralegal or intake agent — who will evaluate your case
- We investigate — gathering evidence, accident reports, and witness accounts promptly
- We negotiate or litigate — taking on insurance companies and opposing counsel on your behalf
- You receive your settlement or award — without paying a cent unless we win
Frequently Asked Questions: Jet Ski Accident Claims in Southwest Florida
How long do I have to file a jet ski accident claim in Florida?
Florida's statute of limitations for negligence cases is generally two years from the date of the accident. Acting quickly protects your right to recover.
Can I sue a jet ski rental company?
Yes. If the rental company provided unsafe equipment, skipped a required safety briefing, or rented to an unqualified person, they may share liability for your injuries.
Does a signed rental waiver mean I can't recover damages?
Not necessarily. Florida courts do not enforce waivers that cover gross negligence, reckless conduct, or safety violations. The language and facts of your case matter.
Who can be held liable in a jet ski accident?
Potentially the jet ski operator, a rental company, another vessel's operator, the watercraft owner, or a manufacturer — depending on the cause of the accident.
Do I need to report my accident?
Yes. Florida law requires qualifying boating accidents to be reported to the FWC within 48 hours when injuries require more than first aid or property damage exceeds $2,000.
What if I was partially at fault?
You may still recover damages under Florida's comparative negligence rules, provided you were not more than 50% responsible for the accident.
Serving Jet Ski Accident Victims Across Southwest Florida
Our attorneys represent clients injured on the Caloosahatchee River, Pine Island Sound, Estero Bay, Naples Bay, Charlotte Harbor, and the waterways surrounding Sanibel, Captiva, Cape Coral, and Marco Island. With offices throughout Lee, Collier, and Charlotte counties, Goldstein Buckley is always close by.
We also handle related claims for boat accident injuries, motorcycle accidents, and wrongful death resulting from watercraft collisions.
Take Action Today - Contact Our Southwest Florida Office
If you or someone you love was injured in a jet ski accident, do not wait. Evidence disappears quickly and deadlines are strict. Call Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, Purtz, Smith & Smith, P.A. at 239-500-4878 or visit our contact page to schedule your free attorney consultation. Our team is ready to fight for you — and you won't pay a thing unless we win.
Related Pages:
Southwest Florida Boat Accident Lawyers
Southwest Florida Wrongful Death Lawyers
Southwest Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Southwest Florida Car Accident Lawyers
Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers
Contact Us