Boating accidents can cause someone serious physical, emotional, and financial burdens. As a result, if you were injured in one due to the negligence of another, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Give our firm a call today to speak with a Columbia personal injury lawyer about your options.
How do boating accidents occur in South Carolina?
There are a number of different causes of boating accidents. It is essential to recognize that the most common cause can be traced back to negligence. In the state of South Carolina, drivers must operate their boats with care and follow all rules. In the event that boating negligence occurs, and an accident occurs as a result, the boat operator can be held liable. Some of the many causes of boating accidents include the following:
- Operator inexperience
- Poor weather conditions
- Collisions with an object, including other boats
- Lack of safety equipment on board
- Boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Rough waters
- Speeding
What if an Individual Operates a Boat Under the Influence in South Carolina?
Recognize that in the state of South Carolina, boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol is treated similarly to how driving any other motor vehicle while impaired would be. If a person who is operating a vessel has a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher, they can be charged with boating under the influence. Recognize that if a boat operator refuses to submit to a chemical breath test, they will automatically be subject to cancellation of both driving and boating privileges. If a boat operator is under the age of 21 and has a blood alcohol content of 0.02 percent or higher, they can be charged with boating under the influence as well.
Can I Recover Damages From a Boating Accident?
If you were injured as a result of boating negligence, you may be entitled to recover damages for the burdens you have sustained as a result. In order to obtain financial compensation, you will have to file a legal claim. To recover this type of compensation, you must be able to demonstrate that the negligent party was not operating in the same manner that a “reasonable boater” would and that these actions eventually led to your injuries. You can establish this by providing medical documents outlining your injuries sustained, pictures and videos of the accident, witness testimony, police reports, and more. You may be eligible to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and more. Do not wait to reach out to our firm today to discuss the details of your accident and legal options with our skilled team.
Contact Our Experienced South Carolina Firm
If you require legal representation for matters of personal injury, elder abuse, or whistleblower protection contact our Mann Blake & Jackson Law today.