Bethany, DE (July 23, 2026) – A 13-year-old was hurt Wednesday afternoon, July 22, after being struck from behind by another jet ski near Harpoon Road.
The crash was reported around 4:23 p.m. Bethany Fire and emergency units and medics arrived to find the teen with injuries from the impact.
Given the nature of the injuries, the teen was airlifted for further care and taken to A.I. duPont Hospital for Children. The teen was reported to be in stable condition at the time of transport.
The full sequence of events continues to be investigated.
We are thinking of the teen and hope for a full recovery.
What Should Parents Know After a Jet Ski Accident in Bethany, DE?
Parents should know that watercraft crashes, including jet ski collisions, can fall under both boating safety laws and personal injury law depending on how the crash occurred. Areas near Assawoman Bay and the Indian River Inlet see some of the highest concentrations of jet ski activity in Sussex County, which can raise the risk of collisions between riders.
Watercraft crashes are commonly governed by Delaware’s boating safety laws, which set rules around speed, right-of-way, and safe distances between personal watercraft. Under Delaware Code, operators are required to maintain a proper lookout and avoid crossing too closely behind another vessel.
Separately, personal injury law allows an injured rider or their family to pursue a claim against the operator responsible for the crash, regardless of any boating safety violations that may have occurred.
Jet ski crashes can cause a range of injuries, from bruising and fractures to more serious harm depending on the speed and angle of impact. Even when a patient is stable after transport, follow-up care and monitoring are often needed in the days that follow.
A personal injury attorney in Delaware can help a family understand how Delaware law applies to watercraft collisions, including how fault may be determined between operators. Legal guidance can also help clarify what types of compensation may be available to help with medical expenses tied to the crash.
Our team at Murphy & Landon is available to offer clear legal guidance to anyone dealing with a watercraft accident in Delaware. We can evaluate what options may be available for you based on the details of your case.
To learn more, you can reach Murphy & Landon at (302) 472-8100. We are her to help you clear your doubts.
Note: Our law firm utilizes secondary sources to create this post. The facts surrounding this specific accident have not been independently verified. Contact Murphy & Landon if you locate any information that is inaccurate or incorrect. We will update the post right away to reflect the most accurate information available.
Disclaimer: None of the information in this post is intended to be legal advice or medical advice. This is not a solicitation for business. If you have been injured in an accident, get medical attention as soon as possible. The photo used in this post was not taken at this accident scene.
