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Authorities were first alerted in the early morning hours of Sunday, May 16th, around 1:30 AM, by the wife of one of the victims when her husband didn't come home. She indicated that he had left around 4 PM the day before to go jet skiing with his young brother.
Soon after, Utah County Sheriff's Officers found a vehicle belonging to the men parked on the west side of Utah Lake in Utah County, near an area known as the Knolls area. Their personal effects were observed to be inside the vehicle, though the brothers were nowhere to be found.
Later that morning, SAR teams aided by volunteers and a Utah Department of Public Safety helicopter began searching the area. Soon after, they discovered the WaveRunner as well as the bodies of the two brothers, around one mile southeast of where their vehicle was parked.
Both victims were found with lifejackets but nevertheless, it is believed that they drowned. Witnesses reported seeing the men leaving the shore area on the jetski around 7 PM on Saturday, May 13th, yet no suspicions arose at that time. Autopsies will be performed to confirm the cause of death.
Tragically, jetski accidents often cause drowning deaths, even when riders know how to swim and are wearing life jackets. An impact or other collision can knock the riders off the craft and leave them in the water, incapacitated and unable to keep their heads above water.
A jet ski driver may sometimes be blamed for an accident when it manifests, but negligence is often the real culprit.
Suppose, for example, that a jet ski rental business fails to maintain their watercraft and this causes an accident. That business could be held liable. The same applies to businesses that fail to ensure patrons can safely operate jet skis, which will also be held responsible for damages.
There is much danger to unsuspecting riders along any waterway, be it a lake, a bay, or the open ocean. The concessionaire may be held liable for any injuries or deaths caused if he or she fails to inform patrons about hazardous conditions or otherwise allows those patrons to unknowingly put themselves in harm's way.
It is not just jet skis that can crash, though. Other vessels and product defects can also cause watercraft accidents. The facts of each jet ski accident lawsuit vary, so it is crucial to speak with a legal professional before deciding whether or not to take legal action.
Get in touch with our law firm today for a free consultation if you or someone you know has been injured in a jet ski accident and do not know if you have a valid legal claim. Having years of experience handling all types of water sport accident cases, we can assist you with analyzing your case and explaining any legal remedies available.
No matter what kind of question you have, we are happy to offer a free case review. So getting the answers you need is no burden or cost. In the event you choose to retain our services, we'll fight on your behalf on a contingency basis. If we fail to gain compensation for you, you'll owe us nothing.