South Carolina Boating Accident AttorneysWith a beautiful coast that attracts industry and tourists from around the United States, South Carolina may end up with more than its share of boating accidents. Inattention, intoxication or ignoring the rules of the sea can turn a relaxing and fun day on the water into a nightmare. The U.S. Coast Guard, which keeps statistics on serious recreational boating accidents, reports that in 2005, there were almost 5,000 accidents, causing almost 700 deaths, 3,450 injuries and $38.7 million in property damage. The majority of those deaths -- 70% -- were from drowning, and a staggering 87% of those may have been prevented if the victim had worn a life jacket. The most common type of boating accident was a collision, but the most fatal type of accident was capsizing or falling overboard, which caused 59% of the boating deaths. The most dangerous types of boats were open motorboats, personal watercraft (such as a JetSki) and cabin motorboats. If you or someone you care about was hurt or killed in a boating accident, contact the Louthian Law Firm today at 1-866-410-5656 for a free evaluation of your case. The Coast Guard reports that the top ten factors that contribute to boating accidents are:
Most of these factors spring from simple carelessness. Almost all can be prevented by a responsible, experienced boat operator who cares enough to ensure that the boat is as safe as possible before it leaves port. Adults do not need a boating safety certification to operate watercraft in South Carolina, but teens and safety-conscious adults should take a South Carolina boating safety course and follow boating regulations from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Boating accident law can be complex. All the same laws that apply to accidents on the land apply to recreational boating accidents -- but special laws may apply on a commercial vessel, even a small charter boat. That's why it's imperative to speak with the Louthian Law Firm if you or someone you love has been hurt in a boating accident. We can help evaluate your case, protect your right to sue and get the best possible financial outcome from your case. And because we know injured people are often stretched thin financially, we always offer free consultations to potential clients. To speak with an experienced Columbia SC boat accident lawyer, call our office at 1-866-410-5656 or fill out our convenient online case evaluation form. For additional information on vehicle accidents, please browse our website: South Carolina Boating Accident Lawyer Disclaimer: The boat accident, boating injury, watercraft accident, jet ski injury or other legal personal injury information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice, nor the formation of a lawyer or attorney client relationship. Further communication with our attorneys through the website and email may not be considered as confidential or privileged. Any results set forth herein are based upon the facts of that particular case and do not represent a promise or guarantee. Please contact a Columbia SC personal injury attorney at the Louthian Law Firm, P.A. for a consultation on your particular personal injury matter. This web site is not intended to solicit clients for matters outside of the state of South Carolina. |