In Hilton Head, boating accidents are all too conventional and can end in serious injuries or even fatalities. Victims and their families are frequently left feeling helpless and unclear on what to do next in the aftermath.
Our legal team is here to help you and your loved ones through complicated legal and insurance issues so you can concentrate on getting well and moving forward.
Our reliable attorneys are committed to making Hilton Head and all of South Carolina safer by holding those responsible for boating accidents accountable. We will support you at every stage and uphold your legal rights.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident, know that you don’t have to face this alone. Contact us or initiate a chat below to find out how we can assist you.
How Can Our Hilton Head Boating Accident Attorneys Help After an Accident?
Engaging the right Hilton Head personal injury lawyer is essential for a successful outcome after a boating accident. We’ll work closely with you, your doctors, and your family to understand the impact of the injury on your life.
We aim to recover the maximum compensation possible to aid your recovery. We have achieved significant results for countless individuals and families in Hilton Head.
When you trust our team to protect your family, you can expect us to:
- We will determine the cause of your accident and gather compulsory evidence.
- We will determine who is responsible for your damages and hold them accountable.
- We collaborate with respected experts to accurately calculate the value of your claim.
- We protect you against any claims that you caused the accident.
- We strive to recover the maximum compensation you deserve.
We understand that you may be suffering right now. Our Hilton Head Boating Accident Lawyers will handle the legal details while you focus on your recovery.
If you’re ready to learn more, contact our law firm to schedule a free consultation today.
Get Legal Support With Our Hilton Head Boating Accident Law Firm
Our law firm specializes in providing legal representation for individuals who have suffered injuries in water-related accidents. To ensure justice, we diligently represent victims and build strong cases against negligent or reckless boaters.
Due to the complexity of Hilton Head claims involving US and international laws, working with our experienced attorney is highly recommended. Our expert Hilton Head Law Firm can help determine your legal options and guide you through the necessary steps.
At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, our boat accident lawyers are dedicated to evaluating the facts and seeking maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
Contact us today for a consultation about how we can help you guide your Hilton Head claims.
Causes of Boat Crashes in Hilton Head
To receive justice for injuries sustained in a boat crash, you must demonstrate that the boat operator’s negligence was the cause. This could involve the operator breaching their duty of care or violating maritime laws.
Common reasons for preventable boat accidents in Hilton Head and throughout South Carolina include:
- Distracting: Boat operators must stay attentive to their driving, the boat, weather conditions, and other potential hazards.
- Improper Lookout: Accidents occur when there is no watchout or the lookout is not vigilant about looking for obstacles and hazards in the water.
- Inexpert: Operator inexpertise is a leading cause of boating accidents. Operators need to understand both the boating rules and how to manage troubles.
- Speeding: Similar to vehicle drivers, boat operators can lose patience or fail to react quickly enough, resulting in crashes.
- Impaired Driving: Operating a boat while intoxicated impairs driving skills, reduces reaction time, induces drowsiness, and can lead to risky decisions.
- Supplies Problems: Boats that are not correctly maintained or need repairs can lead to life-threatening emergencies on the water.
- Navigational Rule Violations: Navigational rules are akin to traffic laws. Violating these rules can cause collisions with other boats, land, docks, or docked boats.
- Scary Waters: Water conditions can suddenly become dangerous. While some conditions are unpredictable, many can be anticipated, and operators should avoid taking passengers out during such times.
- Congested Crowd: Overcrowding a boat can cause it to take on water, sink, capsize, or lead to other emergencies, putting passengers and crew at serious risk of drowning. Additionally, some recreational boat operators lack sufficient life jackets or rafts for passengers in these situations.
What You Need to Know About Boating Accident Laws in Hilton Head, SC?
Boaters in Hilton Head, SC, are required to follow stringent regulations to ensure safety on the water. Failing to comply with these laws can lead to significant penalties, including hefty fines, suspension of a boating license, and even imprisonment.
Some of the essential boating laws in South Carolina include:
- Boating Under the Influence (BUI): It is illegal to operate a boat while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
- Life Jackets: Every vessel must have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person on board.
- Navigation Lights: Vessels must display navigation lights from sunset to sunrise.
- Speed Regulations: Boats must not exceed idle speed within 50 feet of anchored boats, docks, piers, or people in the water and within 100 yards of the Atlantic coastline.
- Distress Signals: Boats in coastal waters must carry flares.
- Accident Reporting: Any accident involving injury, loss of life, unconsciousness, or requiring medical treatment must be reported to the Department of Natural Resources.
- Sound Devices: Depending on the vessel’s size, boats must be equipped with a sound-producing device, such as a bell or whistle.
Recoverable Damages After a Boating Accident in Hilton Head
After a boating accident, most people want to return to normal quickly. However, new challenges like medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity can complicate recovery.
Securing compensation for these issues is not always straightforward. Working with a Hilton Head boat accident lawyer can help you recover damages, including:
Medical Expenses
Even if you do not have severe injuries, seeking medical attention following a boating accident is required. Injuries can manifest days or weeks later, and insurance companies may argue that you didn’t properly seek medical care or that your injuries are unrelated to the accident.
Seeing a doctor immediately can support your claim and ensure any injuries are documented.
Property Damages
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, recreational boating accidents caused almost $5.6 million in property damage in Hilton Head in 2023. If your boat or personal items were damaged in the accident, our attorneys will include these damages in your claim.
Pain and Suffering
A traumatic boating accident can lead to emotional distress, depression, fear, or a loss of quality of life. Our South Carolina boat accident lawyers can help you recover compensation for the pain and suffering caused by the accident.
Lost Wages and Earning Potential
An accident may cause you or a loved one to miss work or be unable to return to the same type of work, leading to lost income. Our lawyers will seek compensation for these financial losses.
What Should You Do After a Boating Accident in Hilton Head?
After a boating accident, it’s essential to prioritize your safety before taking further steps.
Here are the essential actions to take:
- Ensure Safety: Your priority should always be ensuring everyone involved is safe. Check for injuries and, if necessary, call for medical assistance immediately.
- Report the Accident: Notify the United States Coast Guard. They will provide emergency rescue services if needed and prepare an accident report, which will detail the cause of the accident and the extent of the damage. This report is vital evidence for any claims you may make.
- Document the Scene: Capture videos or photos of the accident scene, including any damage and injuries sustained. This documentation is crucial for proving your case when seeking compensation.
- Seek Medical Attention: Get a medical evaluation, even if you think your injuries are minor. Some injuries, like concussions or whiplash, may not be immediately apparent but can become serious over time.
- Consult a Boating Accident Lawyer: Hiring our experienced boating accident attorney can significantly improve your chances of recovering fair compensation. The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm has a proven track record of securing substantial settlements for accident victims. Contact us for a free consultation on your boating accident.
Common Types of Boat Accidents in Hilton Head
Boat accidents in Hilton Head can take many forms, including collisions with other boats or objects, capsizing, flooding, and fires. Here are some of the most common types:
Collision Accidents
A collision accident occurs when two boats collide, resulting in property damage and potential injuries to passengers or crew. Collisions can happen due to various factors, such as operator error, navigational mistakes, or mechanical failures.
The impact of a collision can be severe, leading to significant damage to the boats involved and posing serious risks to the safety of those on board.
Capsizing Accidents
Capsizing accidents happen when a boat overturns in the water due to high waves or instability caused by overloaded cargo or passengers. These accidents can be particularly dangerous, as they can cause severe injuries and even fatalities, especially if passengers become trapped under the overturned boat.
Capsizing can occur suddenly and unexpectedly, making it crucial for boat operators to maintain balance and adhere to safety regulations.
Flooding Accidents
Flooding accidents occur when water enters the boat, causing it to sink or become unstable. This can happen due to leaks, structural damage, or severe weather conditions.
Flooding accidents can make the boat unmanageable and potentially sinking, putting all passengers and crew at risk. Preventative maintenance and regular inspections are essential to avoid such incidents and prepare for adverse weather conditions.
Fires and Explosions
Fires and explosions on boats can occur due to various factors such as fuel leaks, electrical malfunctions, or improper handling of flammable materials. These accidents can be catastrophic, leading to severe injuries, loss of life, and destruction of the boat.
Proper maintenance of fuel systems and electrical wiring and safe handling of flammable materials are critical in preventing fires and explosions on boats.
Being prepared with firefighting equipment and emergency procedures can also help mitigate the impact of such incidents.
Get a Free Consultation With Our Hilton Head Boating Accident Lawyers!
If you were injured in a boating accident that wasn’t your fault, you deserve the means to recover and receive the compensation you need. At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, we are dedicated to using our skills and resources to assist innocent victims of recreational boating accidents in Hilton Head.
Contact our Hilton Head Boating Accident Lawyers at our firm today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced legal team member. Complete the free evaluation form below or call (864) 664-3865 or schedule your complimentary consultation. We’ll help you explore your legal options.
