Lexington Boat Accident Lawyer
Located just short of a 20-minute drive from Lake Murray–a popular place for boating and other forms of water recreation–and only a few hours from the coast, heading to the water is a popular activity for families in Lexington. But while a day on the water can be a fun way to get some sun and spend time with friends and loved ones, it can also be dangerous. Indeed, there have been numerous boating-related fatalities reported in South Carolina over the years.
If you’ve been in a boat accident in our state, our Lexington boat accident lawyers can help you to understand what happens next and what your rights are. Call us today to learn more.
Common Causes of Boat Accidents
Most boating accidents are the result of someone’s error – it is rare for a boat accident to be caused by bad weather alone. Examples of top causes of boat accidents include:
- Operator inexperience;
- Operator error, such as driving while distracted or drunk;
- Lookout error;
- Speeding;
- Reckless operation;
- Violation of navigational rules; and
- Excessively rowdy or risk-taking passengers (i.e. standing up while the boat is in motion).
In some cases, boating accidents can occur because of equipment or machinery failures, collision with an unseen object (such as a rock under the water that’s not visible), or hazardous waters.
Injuries from Boating Accidents
Boat accidents pose many of the same risks as do traditional motor vehicle accidents – occupants may be hit with force during the collision, leading to traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, neck and back injuries, internal injuries, soft tissue injuries, or bone fracture injuries. In addition to the risk of these injuries, however, boating accidents also pose another serious threat: the risk of drowning.
If a person is thrown overboard, they may suffer a near-drowning injury, which can lead to permanent and irreparable brain damage. In some cases, drowning can be fatal.
Liability for a Boating Accident – Who Pays for Damages?
As with traditional motor vehicle collisions, after a boat accident occurs, it’s important that a thorough investigation is conducted so that the precise cause of the boat accident is determined. The party whose negligence caused the boat accident will be liable for damages.
One of the complicated things about a boat accident claim, however, is that boat insurance is not mandatory in South Carolina. While many boat owners carry this insurance type to protect them from personal liability, if you’re in a crash, there may not be enough insurance coverage in place to fully compensate you. When you work with our lawyers, we’ll dig deep to uncover all potential sources of recovery and improve your chances of recovering the settlement that you deserve.
Call Our Boat Accident Lawyers in Lexington Today
We know how terrifying a boat accident can be, especially one that results in serious or fatal injuries. If you’ve been harmed in a crash, please call our lawyers at The Stanley Law Group today for a free consultation.We work on a contingency fee basis and are available to explain your legal options today.
