(843) 361-7549Involved in a boating accident in Myrtle Beach? A Myrtle Beach boat accident lawyer can help you secure compensation and handle the legal complexities. This article will cover why you need a lawyer, common accident causes, potential injuries, and what steps to take afterward.
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Key Takeaways
- Engaging an experienced Myrtle Beach boat accident lawyer is crucial for navigating legal complexities and securing deserved compensation following a boating accident.
- Common causes of boating accidents in Myrtle Beach include operator inattention, excessive speed, inexperience, and alcohol use, highlighting the importance of vigilance and proper training.
- Boating accidents can result in severe injuries such as spinal cord damage, drowning, and lacerations, necessitating prompt medical attention to ensure proper care and support future compensation claims.
Why You Need a Myrtle Beach Boat Accident Lawyer
Boating accidents, including those involving jet skis, can leave victims overwhelmed with the ensuing legal and insurance issues. Overcoming these challenges allows victims to focus on healing and moving forward. This is where an experienced boat accident lawyer, or a jet ski accident attorney, steps in. In Myrtle Beach, engaging a lawyer becomes a necessity to secure deserved compensation and manage intricate legal complexities.
Experienced boat accident lawyers play a pivotal role in proving that the injuries were caused by another party’s recklessness or negligence. Their expert knowledge and skills guarantee accountability for wrongdoers, fostering overall safety and discouraging future similar incidents. For families dealing with severe injuries or wrongful death resulting from a boat accident, having a skilled boating accident lawyer can provide much-needed guidance and support.
Moreover, personal injury attorneys, such as those at the Maguire Law Firm, are dedicated to pursuing the financial compensation needed for recovery and moving forward with life. Working with their client’s best interests at heart, they diligently manage all aspects of the personal injury claim.
Common Causes of Boating Accidents in Myrtle Beach
Boating accidents in Myrtle Beach are often the result of various factors, many of which can be prevented with proper attention and care. Some common causes of accidents include:
- Operator inattention, such as failing to keep a proper lookout and improper observation of other vessels or people
- Excessive speed
- Inexperience or lack of boating knowledge
- Alcohol or drug use while operating a boat
- Equipment failure or malfunction
By being aware of these factors and taking the necessary precautions, you can help prevent boating accidents and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the water with your boat or jet ski.
Inexperience among boat operators is another significant contributor to accidents. Inexperienced operators often lack the necessary skills to handle hazardous conditions or emergencies, leading to panicked responses and accidents. Excessive speed is also a frequent cause, with operators ignoring safe speed limits or wake zones, thus increasing the risk of collisions.
Common causes of boating accidents, including jet ski accidents, are:
- Operator inattention
- Excessive speed
- Inexperience
- Alcohol use
- Weather conditions
Understanding these common causes empowers boaters to take proactive safety measures on the water.
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Types of Boat Accident Injuries
Boating accidents can result in a wide array of boating accident injuries, ranging from minor to severe. Broken bones are common, often affecting extremities, facial bones, and ribs. Drowning remains one of the most severe risks, frequently resulting from the victim’s inability to swim or unconsciousness after falling overboard.
Spinal cord injuries are particularly devastating, potentially leading to paralysis and life-long consequences. Severe lacerations caused by propeller blades or other sharp objects can result in significant bleeding and long-term health issues. In extreme cases, amputation may be necessary if limbs are severely damaged beyond repair.
Other serious injuries include electrocution from on-board electrical systems, concussions from sudden impacts, and whiplash from forceful movements. Immediate medical treatment is not only vital for appropriate care, but it also substantiates any future compensation claims. Prompt medical attention can make a significant difference in recovery and legal proceedings.
Steps to Take After a Boat Accident
Ensuring the safety of all passengers should always be the primary concern after a boat accident. Here are the steps to take:
- Stop the boat immediately.
- Check for any injuries and provide first aid if necessary.
- Ensure everyone is wearing a life jacket.
- If necessary, move the boat to a safe location to prevent further collisions.
Contact the Coast Guard immediately and request an ambulance if there are injuries. Federal law mandates filing a boat accident report if there is a loss of life, disappearance, or significant property damage, such as in a jet ski accident. The Coast Guard will gather evidence at the scene for their report.
To file a personal injury claim after a boating accident, follow these steps:
- Exchange information with other boaters involved in the accident.
- Take photos of the boats, safety gear, visible injuries, and anything that could have contributed to the accident.
- Even if there are no visible injuries, seek medical attention as some symptoms might appear later.
South Carolina Boating Laws and Regulations
South Carolina has specific boating laws and regulations designed to ensure safety on the water, including those for personal watercraft. All boats must have a US Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) for each person on board or being towed. Boats 16 feet or longer must also carry a Type IV throwable device in addition to the wearable PFDs.
Children under the age of 12 are required to wear a US Coast Guard-certified Type I, II, III, or V personal flotation device when on board. This is a measure taken to guarantee their safety during emergencies. If law enforcement officers have probable cause to believe that a boat operator is impaired, they can arrest them for boating under the influence (BUI). This is a serious offense and can result in significant legal consequences. Operating a motorized water device under the influence is prohibited by South Carolina statute.
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources offers the Boater Education Course, which is mandatory for boaters under 16 years of age operating certain watercraft without supervision. You can find more information about South Carolina boating laws and safety regulations on the website of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. It is a helpful resource for understanding and following the rules while boating in the state.
Determining Liability in Boat Accidents
Determining liability in boat accidents can be complex, involving various parties. The following parties can be held liable for an accident:
- Careless operators
- Boat owners
- Charter companies
- Marinas
Boat operators are responsible for ensuring the safety of their passengers and adhering to boating laws.
Boat owners must maintain their vessels and provide necessary safety equipment. Rental companies have the duty to ensure their boats are in good condition and rented to qualified operators. Manufacturers can be held liable for accidents caused by design flaws or faulty components.
Dock or marina owners can also be responsible if an accident occurs due to their negligence in maintaining the dock. In some cases, negligent passengers can be held liable if their actions cause harm to others on board. An experienced boat accident lawyer can help determine liability and insurance coverage to pursue compensation.
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Importance of Boat Insurance in South Carolina
Although South Carolina does not mandate recreational boaters to carry boating insurance, it is strongly advised. Boat insurance can provide coverage for:
- Physical damage
- Liability
- Medical payments
- And more
Such coverage becomes indispensable in the event of accidents as it aids in covering medical expenses and losses.
Boat insurance can provide various types of coverage, including:
- Bodily injury liability coverage, which helps pay for medical expenses if a boater is found at fault for causing injuries to others. This coverage offers financial protection in the event of an accident on the water.
- Uninsured boater insurance, which provides compensation if you’re in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured boat owner.
- Comprehensive coverage, which protects against losses due to weather, theft, and non-accident-related incidents.
Towing coverage can help cover the cost of towing and related expenses if your vessel becomes disabled. Boat insurance policies can also include coverage for on-water towing assistance and rental reimbursement. Having boat insurance ensures that you’re financially protected against various risks and expenses.
How to File a Boat Accident Claim
The process of filing a boat accident claim encompasses several pivotal steps. First, report the accident to the Coast Guard or local law enforcement authorities to have an official accident report. South Carolina law requires reporting a boating accident if it results in over $2000 in property damage, a totaled vessel, a missing person, serious injury, or death.
Exchange contact information, vessel identification numbers, and insurance details with other boat operators involved in the accident. Photographs of the vessels, damage, identification numbers, positions, injuries, and the accident scene are essential for investigating liability.
Report the accident to your insurance company but avoid admitting any fault. Consulting a boat accident lawyer can help investigate the accident, interview witnesses, and negotiate a fair settlement. This ensures that all necessary steps are taken to file a comprehensive and effective claim.
What to Expect During Your Legal Consultation
In the initial consultation, a Myrtle Beach boat accident lawyer will:
- Assess your case details to gauge its potential merit
- Discuss possible outcomes based on the specifics of the boat accident and any injuries sustained
- Explain the legal process, including the steps involved in filing a claim and pursuing compensation
Clients can expect to learn about their options and receive guidance on how to proceed with their case.
The lawyer will also:
- Identify all available sources of recovery, such as insurance policies or other liable parties
- Inform clients about the potential compensation they can claim, which may include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
- Explain how evidence will be collected and used to support your case.
Boater Safety Tips to Prevent Accidents
All boat operators must prioritize safety. Wearing life jackets can greatly reduce the risk of fatalities in boating accidents. Given that a significant percentage of boating deaths stem from drowning, often where victims were not wearing life jackets, it underscores the importance of life jackets for boating safety.
Proper safety equipment on board the boat is essential to ensure everyone’s safety in case of an emergency. Good swimmers should still wear life jackets as falling off a boat can lead to disorientation, injury, or unconsciousness. Children should be dressed in a life jacket at all times during boating.
Following boating laws, taking safety courses, and respecting weather conditions are also vital. Avoiding alcohol while operating a boat and respecting your limits can prevent many accidents. By taking these precautions, boaters can protect themselves and others on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I hire a Myrtle Beach boat accident lawyer?
You should hire a Myrtle Beach boat accident lawyer to navigate legal and insurance issues, secure compensation, prove negligence, and hold responsible parties accountable. An experienced lawyer is crucial for these complex matters.
What are the common causes of boating accidents in Myrtle Beach?
The common causes of boating accidents in Myrtle Beach include operator inattention, inexperience, excessive speed, alcohol use, and adverse weather conditions. It’s important to be aware of these factors to prevent accidents.
What types of injuries can result from a boat accident?
Boat accidents can result in various injuries, such as broken bones, drowning, spinal cord injuries, severe lacerations, amputations, and more. Seeking immediate medical treatment is essential for proper care and supporting any compensation claims.
How do I file a boat accident claim?
To file a boat accident claim, report the accident to the Coast Guard, exchange information with other boaters involved, and contact your insurance company. It’s also important to document the accident scene and consult a boat accident lawyer for further assistance.
What are the key boating laws and regulations in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, key boating laws and regulations include mandatory life jackets for all passengers, boater education courses for operators under 16, and penalties for boating under the influence. These measures are in place to prioritize safety and prevent accidents on the water.
