Columbia Boating Accident Attorney

Ready to Help You Recover Your Entitled Compensation

Since South Carolina has numerous large lakes and rivers with thousands of miles of coastline, one of the most popular pastimes in the state is boating. Both residents and visitors enjoy boating, fishing, jet-skiing, and other activities on the water. Unfortunately, boating accidents occur far too often. The truth is many of these accidents involve some form of negligence.

If you have been injured in a boating accident caused by negligence or recklessness, let the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC hold the at-fault party accountable and help you obtain financial compensation on your behalf. Our legal team can investigate the accident, collect and analyze evidence, and protect your rights and best interests inside and outside the court.

Injuries sustained in these kinds of accidents may occur as a result of:

• Speed boats recklessly running through congested areas
• Boats failing to yield the right of way
• Failure to honor no wake zones
• Drunk boaters
• Boats running at night without lights
• Boats colliding with skiers, swimmers, or tubes

Do not hesitate to call (803) 359-3301 or fill out our online contact form today to request a free initial consultation.

Common Causes of Boating Accidents

Just like the traffic laws we obey while we are driving, there are rules and regulations while boating in order to ensure all boat operators and passengers are safe on the water. However, the U.S. Coast Guard says that most boating accidents were either partly or entirely caused by boat operators.

The following are the most common causes of boating accidents in South Carolina:

• Operator inattention – According to statistics, operator distraction and inattention is the leading cause of boating accidents. Boat operators must remain alert while out on the water and be mindful of the vessel, passengers, and weather conditions. Operator inattention can result in collisions, slip-and-fall accidents onboard, and even passengers falling overboard.
• Operator inexperience – While motor vehicles such as cars and motorcycles require the driver to have a license, most states do not have strict licensing requirements to operate a boat. All you need to do is take a quick online safety course in order to obtain a license and rent a boat. Novice boaters may not have a basic understanding of the boating rules and regulations and are unprepared to handle emergency situations.
• Improper lookout – Someone should be designated as a lookout or watch who is constantly surveying the waters for any potential risks of a collision. If a lookout is not properly paying attention, this action could result in a boating accident.
• Alcohol use – Many people host parties on their boat, which consist of ample alcohol consumption. Just like drunk driving accidents, intoxication can often lead to boating accidents. It is against the law to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in South Carolina.
• Inclement weather – Although it may appear clear and sunny one minute, it is possible that weather conditions can become unfavorable the next minute. Poor weather increases the risk of a boating accident.
• Mechanical failure – Before heading out to the water, boat operators must ensure that their vessel is properly maintained. If the boat is not in good condition, malfunctions can lead to serious accidents.
• Common types of boating accidents include collisions with other watercrafts, collisions with a fixed object, falls overboard, capsizing, and flooding. Examples of common boating injuries are broken and fractured bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, soft tissue injuries, burns and some inhalation, and toxic chemical exposure.

Legal Help for the Injured from our Columbia Injury Attorney

There are many causes for these accidents, and there are many different injuries that can be sustained by victims. One of the more serious injuries sustained in water-related accidents is brain hypoxia. It is caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain and can result in memory loss, difficulty learning in the future, coma, and even death in the more serious cases.

There are no training or licensing requirements to operate a boat in South Carolina, and as a result, inexperienced operators may become distracted or inebriated while out on the water. Negligent or drunk boat operation in South Carolina is a criminal offenses, and those injured in severe boating accidents truly are victims.

Contact Our Firm Today!

At the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC, we are committed to helping you make the best possible recovery from injury and obtain your entitled compensation. We are ready to maximize your damages by providing you with experienced and personalized legal representation.

Contact us today at (803) 359-3301 to discuss your case with our Columbia boating accident lawyer!