Charleston Boat Accident Lawyer

Recreational boating, jet skiing, water skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, and other water activities bring great joy to many residents and visitors across South Carolina. However, boating and related water activities can be hazardous, and the results of these accidents can be tragic.

South Carolina is unique in that adults don’t need a boating license to operate a boat. An overall lack of boating education/experience, boating while consuming alcohol, easier access to boats via up and coming boat rental services and apps, and crowded waters can all lead to accidents on the water.

At Cavanaugh & Thickens, our Charleston boat accident lawyers are here to help when the worst happens. We understand that nobody gets on a boat or goes in the water expecting to get injured, and we’ve seen first hand the effects serious accidents and loss of life can have on victims and their families physically, financially, and emotionally. While it never gets easier to help a grieving family, our work is fueled by our passion of getting justice for injured victims and their loved ones, helping them get the best outcome possible for the situation that they’re in.

Passenger Injuries

The first step when injured in a boating or other accident on the water is to seek medical attention. Common injuries following boat, jet ski, and other water sport accidents can include:

• Soft tissue injuries
• Head/brain injuries
• Whiplash/spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Burns
• Exposure to toxic chemicals
• Wrongful death

Even if you feel okay after an accident, it is critical to get checked out by a medical professional because your injuries might not be apparent immediately. In fact, it can take some people days for injury symptoms to begin.

Wrongful Death

Tragically, some boat accidents can lead to untimely loss of life. Fatal boating accidents are devastating for all parties involved. If you lost a loved one in a boating or similar accident, you may feel completely lost and left with a million questions.

We recognize that the South Carolina legal system is not an easy process to take on alone, especially after a tragic loss. Our team is here to change that for you so that you and your family can put all of your focus and effort into healing. Let us handle the legal intricacies for you and get you what you deserve for the physical, emotional, and financial impact of the accident. You can rest assured that our team will do everything in our power to get the justice you deserve.

Damages Recoverable in a Charleston Boat Accident Case

Following a boat accident leading to injury or loss of life, there are a few different damages you can seek compensation for. Compensation refers to the monetary amount you may claim based on the losses sustained from the accident. These can include, but are not limited to:

• Past, current, and future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of services
• Intangible losses, and more.

Who Can Be Held Liable For a Boat Accident?

Who is held liable for the accident and resulting damages depends on your case. An attorney will work with you to determine who is at fault, especially if multiple parties may be liable.

The Boat Operator –

Typically, the boat operator is the first person looked at when it comes to determining fault in an accident. An operator may be held liable if they were speeding, under the influence, driving recklessly, driving distracted, not skilled enough to operate the boat, violating navigation rules, and more.

The Owner of the Boat –

The boat owner is responsible for the maintenance, upkeep, safety equipment on board, and making sure the boat is operating correctly. When this fails to happen, the boat owner may be held liable for the accident.

Other Parties –

In addition to the boat operator or owner, others may be held liable for the accident and damages, including the boat manufacturer, the company/person leasing the boat, and other passengers on the boat at the time of the accident.

If you have any questions about liability in a boat accident, our team is happy to discuss them with you during a free confidential case consultation. To schedule yours today, please call (843) 888-9000 or complete our online form. For your convenience, we are available 24/7.

What Are Common Causes Of Charleston Boating Accidents?

Many causes of boat accidents can be attributed to driver negligence. This can happen if a boat operator was:

• Speeding
• Under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Improper lookout
• Inexperienced
• Violating navigation rules
• Violating safety precautions

In addition, other causes may include:

• Poor weather conditions
• Overloaded boats
• Mechanical failures
• Collisions between boats
• Collisions between swimmers/jet skiers/kayakers/snorkelers, and boats.

How Does Insurance Work in These Accidents?

Boat/jet ski insurance is not required in South Carolina but can protect boat owners in the case of an accident by helping cover related injury, property damage, and other damages. There are many forms of boat insurance coverage available. This includes:

• Liability coverage
• Uninsured and underinsured coverage
• Collision coverage
• Towing assistance
• Fuel spill insurance
• Wreckage removal
• Water sports coverage, and more.

If the boat owner did not have boat insurance, your case may be a bit more complicated. You’ll likely need to file a lawsuit in order to recover compensation for your injuries and related damages, possibly filing a claim through homeowners’ insurance. Our team can help you determine your options. Give us a call at (843) 888-9000 to learn more.

How Our Attorneys Can Help You

With over 60 years of combined experience, our team has the experience and dedication needed to get you the best result possible. We are a client-focused, results-driven law firm with a history of proven results.

Should you hire Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC, you can expect our team to:

• Keep you updated on the status of your case, including what to expect next
• Manage communication, while keeping you informed, relating to the accident to ensure your rights are protected
• Answer any questions you may have
• Thoroughly investigate your case to prove negligence
• Prove liability
• Value your past, current, and future expenses and losses based on our vast experience
• Optimize your claims to make sure you get the maximum of what you’re owed under South Carolina law
• And much more.

Did you know our law firm has a 5-star Google rating? Read our client reviews here.

Talk to An Experienced Boat Accident Attorney For Free

If you have any questions or are looking for legal help following a boat accident in Charleston, our award-winning legal team is here for you 24/7. For your convenience, our office offers free consultations during which we will discuss the specifics of your case, your rights under South Carolina law, and lay out your options moving forward. To get started, simply call our office at (843) 888-9000, send us an email at info@ctlawsc.com, or submit our secure online form.