Were You Injured In A Boat Accident in South Carolina?
At the David W. Martin Accident and Injury Lawyers, our skilled South Carolina boat accident lawyers know that no one anticipates getting hurt while spending a day out on the water. The problem is, whether you are on a lake, river, or the Atlantic, even the most prepared, experienced, and cautious boaters can fall victim to negligence.
When boating accidents happen, the danger is widespread. Not only are victims at risk of severe injury or death during a collision, but without lifejackets, they are also in danger of drowning.
The next challenge, depending on where the accident occurs, is that it could take time for first responders to locate the vessel and the injury victims, further placing them in peril.
Unfortunately, statistics reveal that the leading causes of boating accidents in South Carolina are primarily the result of negligence, reckless actions, or inaction that places everyone on the water in danger.
If you or someone you love has been injured or lost their life in a boating accident, you may be entitled to pursue financial compensation, and our South Carolina personal injury attorneys will lead the way in developing your success case, starting with a consultation.
Are Boat Accidents and Injuries Common in South Carolina?
With 3,000 miles of coastline, 8,000 miles of rivers, and over 450,000 acres of lakes, boating is not just a hobby or sport, it is a way of life in Palmetto State.
There are more than 500,000 vessels registered in South Carolina, which is enough for nearly one in ten people to own a boat.
Whether you are one person who enjoys fishing, or a family that likes to water ski, no one is exempt from the dangers posed by negligence on our waterways.
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources listed that 142 recreational boating accidents occurred throughout the state last year, causing:
- 65 injuries requiring medical care
- 15 fatalities
If your loved one lost their life to negligence on a vessel, or if you have been seriously injured, our South Carolina boat accident attorneys will help determine who was at fault for the crash, so we can pursue the maximum outcome for your damages.
Our South Carolina personal injury lawyers represent individuals and families who have been hurt or have lost a loved one in:
- Auto Accidents
- Bicycle Accidents
- Dog Bites
- Medical Malpractice
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Negligent Security
- Nursing Home Negligence
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Sexual Abuse
- Slip and Fall Injuries
- Truck Accidents
- Workers’ Compensation
- Wrongful Death
- Rideshare Sexual Assault
What are the Most Common Causes of South Carolina Boat Accidents?
Because of the inherent nature of water, dangers can lie in wait for inexperienced and veteran boaters alike.
Whether it is an onboard electrical issue that has gone unnoticed or an underwater object that is hard to see, boat captains and/or their lookouts must be alert and always proactively navigating the water.
Even then, negligent boaters can disrupt a quiet day and cause serious injuries or death during some of the most common ways boat accidents occur.
Including:
- Operating a Boat While Impaired
As is true while on our roadways, operating a boat while under the influence of drugs or alcohol will significantly skew the captain’s ability to make sound decisions, which means recklessness will follow and accidents will occur.
- Colliding with Other Vessels or Objects
Without appointing a designated person who will help look out for other vessels — including boats, kayaks, dinghies, or even swimmers — and underwater objects or low-water areas, everyone on the boat is in danger of a collision occurring. These crashes cause significant injuries, and often the loss of life because occupants can be easily thrown from the boat.
- Excessive Speed
Speed and water do not mix, as it is simply too easy to lose control of a boat and collide with another vessel or object in the water. Unfortunately, inexperienced boaters are often unable to differentiate between a safe speed — especially when there are other boats or swimmers in the area — and excessive speed, which places everyone nearby in danger.
- Distracted Operation of a Boat
Just as distracted driving is one of the main causes of vehicle collisions, the same is true for boaters. Boat captains must focus all their attention on the water while operating a vessel to ensure everyone on board is safe while the boat is moving. The same is true when they are anchored, as other boaters can easily collide with a vessel that is not moving, simply because its operator is not paying attention.
Other causes of boat accident dangers include:
- Falls overboard
- Lack of lifejackets and/or safety gear
- Overloading the vessel
- Standing or sitting in unauthorized areas
- Running aground
- Capsizing and/or sinking
- Navigational errors
- Electrocutions from stray currents
- Propeller accidents
- Force of waves/wake
- Dangerous weather conditions
- Fires or explosions
- Obstructed vision
- Sharp turns
- Slips and falls aboard the vessel
- Mechanical or equipment failures
If you have been hurt while boating in South Carolina or have tragically lost a loved one in a boating accident, contact our experienced boat accident lawyers today to learn more about your legal rights and options to hold the negligent party liable for your full financial recovery.
What Type of Financial Recovery May I Be Entitled to After a Boat Accident in South Carolina?
Boat accidents can happen in an instant, and suddenly your whole life has changed.
Your physical and emotional recovery could take months, even years. And the financial fallout from the boat accident including mounting medical bills lost wages, and out-of-pocket expenses — is going to overshadow your ability to heal.
We can help.
If you have been hurt in a South Carolina boat accident caused by negligence, you may be entitled to pursue:
- Medical expenses, including all home or facility healthcare needs
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Pain and suffering, including mental anguish and emotional distress
At the David W. Martin Accident and Injury Lawyers, our boating accident attorneys in South Carolina are committed to helping our clients understand their financial recovery options, including their present needs while proactively anticipating their future requirements, so they can confidently look forward to their returned quality of life.
Contact Our Experienced Boat Accident Attorneys in South Carolina at David W. Martin Accident and Injury Lawyers today
Getting hurt in a boating accident does not have to define your future. Contact our skilled boat accident lawyers in South Carolina at David W. Martin Accident & Injury Lawyers today to schedule a consultation by calling 803-258-6199 to learn more about how we customize our legal strategies to meet the complete needs of each of our clients, so they can pursue the maximum financial recovery for their unique case.