843-636-TREY
Recreational boating is a common pastime in South Carolina. As of 2021, there were over 36,000 boats registered in Charleston County, and ownership is booming. So too are the number of boating accidents across South Carolina.
More boat operators on the water also mean more accidents. If you have been hurt in a boat collision, you could be eligible for a large settlement check. Trey Harrell Auto Accident & Personal Injury is ready to fight on your behalf. All you have to do is reach out to us to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case with our boat accident attorney.
Common Causes of Boating Accidents
Many things can go wrong that can cause a boating accident. Common causes include:
- Speeding
- Traveling in the wake of another boat
- Operator inexperience
- Operating a boat while intoxicated
- Boating in inclement weather
- Boat equipment failure
- Debris in the water
What to Do After a Boat Collision
After you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident, health should be your first priority. It is essential to get all the medical help that you need to recover to the fullest extent possible. Make sure to attend all doctor’s appointments and take all prescriptions.
At the same time, you must also be mindful of the legal process. The insurance company for the other boater involved in the accident may already try to contact you, which presents danger for your legal case. You should reach out to an experienced boating accident attorney as soon as possible after the collision to preserve your legal right to full compensation.
Potential Defendants in a Boating Accident Lawsuit
In many cases, the operator of the other boat involved in the collision would be the most likely defendant for your boating accident lawsuit. If you were a passenger on a boat, and your operator was at fault, you may be able to sue them for negligence, such as a violation of South Carolina’s boating laws. This is the case when you are on a charter boat.
Other defendants in a boating accident lawsuit include:
- The boat’s owner for a lack of safety equipment or for renting a poorly maintained boat to you
- The boat’s manufacturer if the boat itself was defective
- The owner of a marina where the boat was docked
- A company that was hired to repair or maintain the boat
A lawyer can investigate your boat accident and can help you determine who you could sue. It may be possible for you to sue more than one defendant.
Damages in a Boat Accident Lawsuit
If you are able to prove that someone else was to blame for your boat collision injuries, you are entitled to receive full compensation for your damages. Your attorney may need to negotiate with the responsible party’s insurance company to maximize the size of your settlement check.
You may be entitled to payment for the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- Scarring and disfigurement
How We Can Help You
Trey Harrell Auto Accident & Personal Injury Attorney makes it our job to get you the most possible money for your boating accident claim or lawsuit. Our Charleston personal injury lawyer will work to gather the evidence that you need to show that someone else should be made to pay for your injuries. Then, we will fight hard for you to get all that you deserve, even when the insurance company is trying to stand in the way.
The most important thing that you need is to know that you could receive compensation for your injuries. You must know your legal options to pursue compensation.
Contact a Charleston Boat Accident Lawyer Today
Boat accident cases have their own legal complexities that you may need to deal with when seeking financial compensation. Trey Harrell Auto Accident & Personal Injury Attorney works to protect your legal right to full payment when someone else’s negligence harmed you.
Reach out to us today to schedule a free initial consultation, where you can speak with a lawyer. Call us today at 843-636-8739 or message us online to talk about your case. You owe us nothing unless you win.
Boating Accident Case FAQs
Can boat accidents cause whiplash?
Any sudden movement that causes your head and neck to snap forward can cause whiplash. This can happen when there is a collision between boats.
Do boat accidents have to be reported to the state?
There is a legal requirement to report any boat accident where there is more than $500 worth of damage or personal injury to South Carolina. You can report the accident online to the Department of Natural Resources.
