Have you been injured in a boating accident due to someone else’s negligence? The experienced boating accident attorneys at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm are here to help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Whether the incident occurred on Lake Wylie, Lake Murray, or any other waterway in South Carolina, we are committed to defending your legal rights.
Boating accidents are unfortunately common. According to recent data from the United States Coast Guard (USCG), there were 4,291 recreational boating accidents in one year alone, resulting in 658 fatalities and 2,600 injuries.
These incidents not only pose risks of serious injury or death from the impact but also the threat of drowning. Shockingly, drowning accounts for three-quarters of all boating accident deaths.
If you or a loved one has suffered due to a boating accident caused by someone else’s reckless or negligent behavior, our dedicated team is ready to assist you. You deserve a strong legal representation to obtain the compensation needed to rebuild your life.
Our attorneys are well-versed in maritime law.
Reach out to the Simpsonville personal injury lawyers if you’ve been injured in a boating accident. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation by calling us or completing our contact form today.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring Our Simpsonville Boating Accident Attorneys?
A boating accident can result in severe injuries or even fatalities, leaving you to manage both recovery and legal complexities. Handling a lawsuit on top of your injuries can be overwhelming, but an experienced lawyer can alleviate much of this burden.
Hiring a skilled Simpsonville boating accident attorney from the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm can provide long-term support. Here’s how we can help:
We’ll begin with an initial case evaluation to review the specifics of your case and determine the best legal approach. Our team will then gather all necessary evidence, including accident reports, witness statements, and medical records, to build a strong case.
We will assess the total value of your economic and non-economic damages to ensure you seek appropriate compensation. We handle all communications with insurance companies, negotiating on your behalf to secure a fair settlement.
If a settlement cannot be reached, we’ll advocate for you in court, presenting a compelling case to achieve the best possible outcome.
Our commitment goes beyond legal representation. We aim to be a supportive ally in your recovery journey by offering advice on obtaining necessary medical treatments and managing healthcare documentation.
We build a caring attorney-client relationship to provide emotional support during this challenging time. We have successfully represented clients throughout South Carolina, from Myrtle Beach to Columbia and Simpsonville.
Our testimonials reflect the positive impact we’ve had on our clients’ lives, demonstrating our dedication and expertise.
Choosing our Simpsonville boating accident lawyer means gaining a dedicated partner in your fight for justice and recovery. Let us handle the legal complexities so you can focus on healing.
What You Can Expect From Our Simpsonville Boating Accident Law Firm
Each boating accident lawsuit is unique but generally follows a similar process. Here’s an overview of the typical steps involved when you hire our law firm:
Initial Consultation
Our process begins with a free consultation to determine if you have a viable case. During this initial meeting, we will provide preliminary legal advice and gather essential information about your situation, including actions you have taken and steps that still need to be addressed.
Accident Investigation
We will conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence and build your case. This includes identifying the cause of the accident and determining liability.
Knowing your role, if any, in the incident is also important for developing a comprehensive case strategy.
Documentation of Injuries and Losses
We will collect all relevant medical records and bills, speak with your healthcare providers, and assess your employment situation to quantify lost wages. Additionally, we will evaluate property damage and assign a value to your pain and suffering and other non-economic damages.
Settlement Negotiation
Our team will negotiate with the insurance company to secure a fair settlement. This phase can be lengthy as insurance companies often start with low offers. Our goal is to reach a mutually acceptable agreement that compensates you adequately for your losses.
Potential Court Trial
While most cases are settled through negotiation, sometimes reaching a fair settlement isn’t possible. If negotiations fail, we are prepared to take your case to trial.
Throughout the entire process, we will stand by your side, advocating for your right to full and fair compensation.
Main Common Causes of Boating Accidents
Knowing the root causes of boating accidents is essential for determining the appropriate compensation in maritime injury cases. Here are some of the most frequent causes:
- Operator Error: Mistakes due to inattention, distraction, or impaired driving are common. According to the 2023 Recreational Boating Statistics Report from the U.S. Coast Guard, alcohol use is the leading cause of boating fatalities.
- Lack of Experience: Operating a boat requires significant training and experience. Inexperienced operators are more likely to make poor judgments, fail to gauge distances correctly or neglect important checks, leading to accidents.
- Excessive Speed: Similar to car accidents, speeding in watercraft can result in loss of control, difficulty in steering, and inability to stop in time. Speeding is a major factor in collisions, particularly in recreational boating involving speedboats and jet skis.
- Mechanical Failures: Boats rely on complex systems, including engines, radar, sonar, and various gauges. Failures in these systems can lead to serious accidents.
- Adverse Weather: Sudden storms or severe weather conditions can pose significant dangers, particularly for less experienced boaters.
- Wildlife Encounters: Interactions with birds, large sea animals, and other wildlife can be hazardous. Incidents involving wildlife can cause serious injuries or even fatalities.
- Inadequate Lookout: Fatigue, distraction, or neglect can result in failure to properly monitor the surroundings, increasing the risk of accidents at sea.
Common Types of Boating Accidents in Simpsonville
Boating accidents can occur for various reasons, each presenting unique hazards. Here are the most common types of boating accidents:
Waterway Collisions
Collisions are a frequent cause of boating accidents. These incidents can involve two boats, a boat and a personal watercraft (PWC), or a boat and a stationary object like a dock or pier.
Collisions with fixed objects often happen when water levels are high, concealing obstacles beneath the surface. Familiarity with the area can help avoid these situations, but this isn’t always possible in new or unfamiliar waters, particularly in areas with extensive coastlines and numerous lakes.
Flooding and Swamping
While boats are generally stable, overloading and uneven weight distribution can cause them to take on water. This can happen when too many people or too much gear are on one side of the boat.
Sharp turns can also lead to swamping. Ensuring the bilge pump is operational and using it regularly can help prevent a water-logged vessel.
Personal Watercraft (PWC) Incidents
PWCs, such as jet skis, are popular for their speed and agility, but these qualities also make them prone to accidents. PWCs are jet-propelled and do not have propellers.
The steerable nozzle propels the craft, and most people instinctively release the throttle when facing a collision, rendering the PWC unsteerable. PWCs require significant stopping distance, and collisions often result in blunt force trauma rather than drowning.
Operators and passengers must wear lifejackets, which help prevent drowning but offer no protection against impacts.
Falling Overboard
Accidents involving falling overboard are particularly dangerous, especially in boats under 21 feet long. According to the American Boating Association, most fatal boating accidents involve drownings, and 86% of those who drowned were not wearing lifejackets.
Wearing a lifejacket significantly increases the chances of survival when thrown overboard. If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident, seeking advice from our qualified boat accident attorney can provide the support and guidance needed.
Common Injuries from Boating Accidents
Boating accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, each requiring immediate medical attention and often resulting in significant recovery time.
Here are some of the most common injuries associated with boating accidents:
- Lacerations: Cuts and gashes can occur from various sources, such as sharp objects, broken equipment, or even marine life. These injuries can cause severe bleeding and potential nerve damage.
- Fractures: Falls on wet decks or impacts with heavy equipment can lead to broken bones. These injuries are common and often require immobilization and extensive healing time.
- Sprains: Violent twists and strains of the ligaments, particularly in the ankles, wrists, or shoulders, can result in painful sprains. These injuries can weaken the joint and limit mobility.
- Burns: Boats often have engines and other mechanical equipment that can cause burns. Fuel spills and fires are also risks that can lead to severe burn injuries.
- Head Injuries: Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) from blows to the head are serious and require immediate medical attention. These injuries can have long-term effects and lead to significant medical expenses.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Injuries to the spinal cord can disrupt the communication between the brain and the rest of the body, potentially causing chronic pain, loss of function, or paralysis.
- Amputation: Severe injuries may necessitate the amputation of a limb to prevent further health complications. Accidents involving heavy machinery or severe trauma can lead to immediate limb loss.
- Hypothermia: Exposure to cold water for extended periods can result in hypothermia, which can cause nerve damage, limb loss, or even death. Immediate medical intervention is crucial.
- Internal Injuries: Blunt force or penetrating trauma can damage internal organs, causing internal bleeding and other serious health issues. These injuries might not be immediately visible, making prompt medical evaluation essential.
- Drowning: A significant number of drowning incidents occur due to the lack of life jacket use. Drowning can lead to severe brain damage or death and emphasizes the importance of wearing safety gear.
- Fatalities: Boating accidents can result in wrongful death, often due to negligence or unsafe practices. Families of the deceased may be entitled to compensation for their loss.
Recovering Damages in a Simpsonville, SC, Boat Accident Case
If you’ve been involved in a boating accident in Simpsonville, SC, you might be eligible to recover a variety of damages, depending on your specific situation. Our team is here to help you understand the types of compensation that may be available to you following a thorough investigation of your case.
Medical Expenses
After a boating accident, medical care is often the first and most significant expense. You may be able to recover costs for:
- Ambulance Services: Transportation from the accident scene.
- Emergency Room Treatment: Initial evaluation and immediate care.
- Hospitalization: Costs for your stay, surgeries, and treatments.
- Medications: Both prescription drugs and pain management.
- Rehabilitation: Inpatient rehabilitation services and prescribed therapies.
- Ongoing and Future Medical Care: Long-term treatments and follow-up care.
- Assistive Devices: Adaptive equipment and mobility aids.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover financial losses related to the accident. This can include:
- Lost Income: Compensation for wages lost during recovery.
- Reduced Earning Capacity: If your ability to work is affected long-term.
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement costs for your boat and other personal items.
- Household Support: Compensation for loss of household services.
- Out-of-Pocket Costs: Expenses directly tied to the accident and injuries.
Emotional and Psychological Damages
Accidents can have significant emotional impacts. You may be entitled to:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain endured.
- Mental Anguish: Emotional distress and trauma experienced.
- Other Emotional Damages: Any other psychological impacts caused by the accident.
Punitive Damages
In certain cases where the at-fault party’s actions were especially reckless or intentional, punitive damages might be awarded. These damages serve to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
Our experienced team is dedicated to ensuring you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to. We will guide you through the legal process, advocate on your behalf, and work passionately to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Unsatisfied With the Results From Your Current Attorney? Call Our Boating Accident Lawyers Today!
Our Simpsonville boating accident attorneys are dedicated advocates for victims of boating accidents. We handle cases involving negligent parties who were intoxicated, distracted, inexperienced or failed to adhere to boating laws.
During your free case evaluation, our team will thoroughly go into the details of your incident to determine the most effective strategy for your case.
To build a strong case, we aim to visit the accident scene to document every crucial detail. This hands-on approach ensures that we capture all relevant evidence and formulate the best plan of action.
Financial concerns should not deter you from seeking justice; with our zero-fee guarantee, you won’t owe us anything unless we win your case.
Take the first step towards recovery by calling us at (864) 664-3865 for a free consultation. There are no fees due until we secure a recovery for you!
