South Carolina Boating Accident Lawyer

(843) 314-4202

If you've been involved in a boating accident in South Carolina, it is crucial to have an experienced boating accident lawyer by your side who can expertly navigate the intricate complexities of maritime law and work diligently to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve. Our dedicated team of skilled boat accident attorneys is here to provide comprehensive assistance throughout the entire legal process, vigorously fight for your rights, and strive to secure a favorable outcome for your case.

If you experienced a boat accident because of someone else's negligence, our South Carolina boating accident team at Hopkins Law Firm can help. Read on to learn more about safe boating, and contact us for a free consultation.

Types of Boating Accidents

South Carolina is an ideal location for enjoying the open water, thanks to its coastal access and inland water options. However, what begins as a pleasant day can become tragic if someone is seriously hurt in a boating mishap. Whether you're with a friend or have hired someone to take you on the water, prioritizing safety is essential.

Regrettably, more individuals are on the water than ever before. Some lack the experience to manage a vessel, while others are overly confident in their skills. This increases their likelihood of being involved in a boating incident, which can occur anywhere and in various situations.

Some of the most frequent types of incidents our New Jersey boating accident attorneys have encountered include:

  • Propeller accidents

  • Falling overboard

  • Boat collisions

  • Kayaking and canoeing incidents

  • Drowning

  • Boating under the influence

  • Water skiing accidents

  • Capsizing

  • Airboat incidents

  • Explosions and fires

  • Slip and fall injuries near or on a boat

Causes of Boating Accidents

You might be eligible to file a personal injury claim if your injuries were due to a careless boat operator. Personal injury law in South Carolina safeguards you if someone else's reckless conduct resulted in your significant injury.

Some frequent causes of boating accidents include:

  • Operating the boat at excessive speed

  • Equipment malfunction

  • Boating in adverse weather conditions

  • Lack of attention

  • Boating under the influence

  • Distracted operation of the boat

Boating accidents can lead to various injuries. Many individuals tragically lose their lives in such accidents, and survivors often face increased challenges. Injuries such as burns, near-drowning, spinal cord damage, electrocution, cuts and bruises, and carbon monoxide poisoning can all occur due to boating accidents.

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in an accident, our South Carolina boating accident attorneys can assist you in determining whether you qualify to file a claim for compensation covering medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other costs related to your injuries.

Preventing Boat Accidents

Boating can become hazardous if the necessary precautions aren't observed. Adverse boating conditions, lack of experience, alcohol use, and careless actions can all lead to accidents. It's crucial for both the boat operator and passengers to know how to handle a watercraft, possess boater safety knowledge, and have a clear understanding of how to avoid accidents. Key tips for preventing boat accidents include:

  • Avoid drinking while operating a boat

  • Make sure there are sufficient life jackets for all passengers

  • Know and follow all boating laws

  • Ensure there is a radio on board for emergencies

  • Regularly check conditions to confirm the boat can be safely operated

  • Participate in a boater safety course

Although sometimes accidents are unavoidable, especially with other negligent boaters around, being well-prepared can help prevent accidents and the resulting damages.

Actions to Take Following an Accident

The moments right after a boating accident can be extremely disorganized. Depending on the accident's nature, individuals might be seriously hurt, and some could have been ejected from the boat. Without prompt action, the consequences can be severely damaging. After an accident, it's crucial to:

  • Secure the safety of passengers

  • Obtain medical attention

  • Report the incident

  • Contact a skilled lawyer

  • Receive medical care

  • Collect as much evidence as possible

  • Consider pursuing a legal claim for damages

To discover more about how our boat accident attorney from Hopkins Law Firm assists boating accident victims in obtaining what they are entitled to, arrange a consultation as soon as possible.

When to Contact Our South Carolina Boating Accident Lawyers

If you have been hurt, it is important to get medical attention immediately. Doing so allows you to get treatment for your injuries. You should then turn to a reputable personal injury attorney with experience handling these types of cases.

The team of accomplished lawyers at Hopkins Law Firm have decades of experience fighting for the rights of injury victims throughout South Carolina. We have the skills and resources to fully investigate your claim and build a strong case on your behalf. We will:

  • Evaluate evidence from the scene of the crash

  • Work with expert witnesses

  • Reconstruct the scene of the accident

  • Gather the latest video footage associated with the crash

  • Speak to witnesses who saw the accident unfold

  • Review your medical records

The only way to protect yourself after a serious boating accident is to hire a lawyer. Signing an agreement or waiving your rights could cost you in the long run if your injuries are severe. Make sure you take your own Hopkins Law Firm today for a free consultation. We do not get paid unless you do.

Assigning Responsibility in a Boat Accident

Boating has its own set of rules, similar to traffic laws on land, designed to ensure safety for all. Just like traffic laws, if someone is found violating these rules during an accident, they may be held accountable for the incident.

While there are intuitive rules for boating, it is crucial to adhere to the fundamental rules of right of way. Disregarding the right of way in boating can lead to legal complications, particularly if an accident occurs.

  • Top priority: Vessels not under command. Right of way rules in boating primarily depend on a vessel's ability to maneuver. A vessel that is not under command (or otherwise unable to maneuver) is given the highest priority in boating traffic.

  • Second priority: A vessel being overtaken. If you are approaching another boat from behind and it begins to maneuver, you must yield.

  • Third priority: A fishing boat. Boats engaged in fishing with gear deployed are less maneuverable than other vessels. You should give way to them and provide ample space.

  • Fourth priority: A vessel under sail. Sailboats, which depend on wind for movement, are less maneuverable than powered vessels. A sailboat using only sails for propulsion has higher priority over a powered vessel, but if it uses its inboard motor, it loses this priority.

  • Fifth priority: A powered vessel. Power-driven boats have the greatest maneuverability and thus hold the lowest priority for yielding.

If a boat disregards the right of way, the operator could face significant financial liabilities.

Filing a Legal Claim Following a Boating Incident

Watercraft accidents can be dangerous, and when someone else's negligence leads to harm such as injuries, property damage, or even fatalities, a boat accident lawyer in South Carolina can provide essential legal support. Boat accidents can occur for various reasons, and despite efforts to avoid them, one can still become a victim of such a serious incident. Watercraft operators have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their passengers and others on the water. When they fail to fulfill this duty, they can be held accountable for the victim(s)' losses. In the event of a water accident, Hopkins Law Firm understands that the situation can be extremely chaotic, particularly when victims are seriously hurt or ejected from the boat. Therefore, it's crucial to take important actions both immediately and in the subsequent days, weeks, and months.

Why Choose Our South Carolina Boat Accident Lawyers?

  • Experienced Legal Team: Our boat accident law firm specializes in maritime law, including boat accidents, personal injuries, and boating-related negligence. We have a proven track record of success in handling cases throughout Charleston, Myrtle Beach, and South Carolina.

  • Compassionate, Experienced Attorneys: We understand the pain and confusion that follows a boating injury. Our boating accident attorneys are here to offer compassionate legal guidance and aggressive representation to help you recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

  • Available Near You: Looking for a boating accident lawyer near me? We are conveniently located in Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island, and we serve clients throughout South Carolina.

Contact a South Carolina Boating Accident Lawyer Today

A boating accident can be dangerous and expensive, and you deserve all the legal help you can get to set things straight. Get in touch with Hopkins Law Firm today and see how a South Carolina boat accident attorney from our office can help.

Schedule a free consultation today and let us help you get back on the road to recovery.

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Principled. Practical. Personal.

When you have to go to court, you want to know your lawyer will fight for you so you get the best possible outcome. Here at Hopkins Law Firm, our team of personal injury, family law, and criminal defense lawyers has the experience and insights needed to help you present your best case. Our team has helped many clients to protect their future. With locations in Charleston, Pawleys Island, and Myrtle Beach, we can make sure you get the counsel you need anywhere in South Carolina.

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