Oakdale, CA – According to ABC10, at Woodward Reservoir on Saturday afternoon, July 27, 2024, two children were hospitalized after being struck by a jet ski. The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office reported that the accident happened around 2:30 PM near the Bay View Boat Ramp.
The victims, a nine-year-old and an eleven-year-old, were immediately taken to the hospital for medical treatment. According to a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, the nine-year-old is expected to recover, though the condition of the eleven-year-old remains unclear.
The individual operating the jet ski was arrested on suspicion of felony hit-and-run. Deputies confirmed that alcohol was not a factor in this incident.
Jet Ski Personal Injury Claims
The State of California treats accidents involving jet skis similar to how it treats accidents involving any other kind of vehicle. This means that, in cases where the vehicle operator injures another through negligence on their part, they can be held responsible for the victim’s recovery costs and other damages. Victims can pursue compensation for their injury whether or not criminal charges are filed with the at-fault party.
However, insurance companies will always attempt to low-ball any personal injury claim they cannot deny and will attempt to shift blame whenever possible. Assigning liability can also be more complex if the vehicle operator was renting their ski at the time of the accident. This is why the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney is crucial in ensuring victims receive fair compensation.
