RedactedNarrative: Notification of the accident was 2 days after the occurrence. Operator stated they were in the staging area and were the 4th or 5th boat in line awaiting the 04:00 start. At 04:00 the boats in front of him took off and he followed. He then advised he thought the boat in front of him slowed so he swerved and hit a tree and continued to "bounce" off trees until he hit one head on. 
  
  A witness to the accident confirmed the operator's story. The witness stated v1 operated for about 20 seconds before it began "pinballing" off trees.  Estimated speed at the time was between 25 and 35mph.  The occupant/victim was unable to make a statement as he doesn't remember anything about the accident because he was knocked unconscious.  The operator said he had just bought v1 a couple weeks ago but had not yet obtained a registration in his name.
  
  Occupant suffered SHATTERED T7, PINS PLACED IN T5 AND T9 WITH 55 STITCHES AND STAPLES IN BACK. ALSO LACERATION ON HIS HEAD THAT REQUIRED 6 STITCHES