Name: LegalService
Item: The Louthian Law Firm
Rating: 5
Author: Linda Hawkins

South Carolina Boat Accident Lawyer

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With 8,000 miles of river, 460,000 acres of lakes, and 3,000 miles of beautiful coastline, South Carolina attracts industry and tourists from around the United States. But the same waters that are a source of economic benefit and pleasure can be the scene of tragic accidents.

Nearly 400,000 boats are registered in the state, and that number does not include personal water craft such as JetSkis. The U.S. Coast Guard, which keeps statistics on serious recreational boating accidents, reports hundreds of South Carolina boating accidents each year. Those SC boating accidents kill dozens and injured many others.

The majority of deaths in boating accidents are due to drowning, and 85% of those victims were not wearing a life jacket. Most accidents involve motorboats, but personal watercraft also account for about one-fifth of boating catastrophes. The most common type of boating accident is collision, either with another vehicle or with a stationary object.

If you or someone you care about was hurt or killed in a South Carolina boating accident, contact the The Louthian Firm Accident & Injury Lawyers today at 803-592-6231 for a free evaluation of your case.

What are the main causes of boating accidents?

According to Coast Guard reports for 2014, the top ten factors that contribute to boating accidents are:

Operator inattention
Operator inexperience
Improper lookout
Machinery failure
Excessive speed
Navigation rules violation
Alcohol use
Force of wave or wake
Weather
Hazardous waters.

While operator inattention caused the most accidents, alcohol use caused the most fatalities.

How can boating accidents be avoided?

Most boat accidents are caused by 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 boat operators under age 16 are required to complete a boating course approved by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources to operate a boat or personal watercraft with a 15 horsepower motor or greater, unless accompanied by an adult age 18 years or older. South Carolina regulations also require all boats to have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved wearable type PFD (personal flotation device) for each person on board or being towed. Help prevent water fatalities by wearing the life jacket and having your passengers do so as well.

Boating Safety Tips

South Carolina Water and Boating Safety from Bert Louthian

What should I do if I’m in a boating accident?

Boating accident law can be complex. All the same laws that apply to vehicle accidents on the land apply to recreational injuries and 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 personal injury lawyers at The Louthian Firm Accident & Injury Lawyers 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 SC boat accident lawyer, call our office at 803-592-6231 or fill out our convenient online case evaluation form.

Linda Hawkins

On behalf of my family and me, I would like to commend Bert Louthian and his firm for the exemplary handling of our recent wrongful death suit against a county whose employee was responsible for the death of my husband. Bert and his associates were successful in getting our family the maximum award allowed by law. More importantly, he did so while treating us like individuals and not as dollar signs for his firm. No one in my family had ever before been involved in such a situation. This was a very emotional time for us. We were coping with the loss of our loved one as well as the stress of attempting to right a wrong. We could never have achieved this alone. We were unfamiliar with what could or should be done, and during the course of litigation, we had many questions. Bert always accepted our calls with understanding and answered our questions in a timely manner. He never made us feel we were a bother or an unnecessary burden on his work load or on that of his staff. He treated us with compassion and with dignity. He continues to advise us as to our remaining rights even though our case has been settled. I did not know Bert before this incident. I therefore feel certain that he treats all his clients with similar concern and care.

Ruby Williams

I would like to thank the Louthian Law Firm for helping me with my personal injury legal matters. They were very professional and caring in handling my case. The staff there are well trained in what they do. I am glad that I went to the Louthian Law Firm to handle my legal case and would refer them to anyone that needs legal help!!!

Kenneth Watkins

I’m only 19 years old and never been in a car accident but when I called Louthian Law Firm and got legal representation I was relieved. They made sure I understood what was going on at all times. They even visited me at my home to make sure I was okay. If I had any questions they answered them. I truly felt blessed to have them working my case. Everyone was very pleasant and kind all the time. They always greeted me with a smile and I felt comfort from them. They provided comfort for my family through the trying times of my accident. I trust them and thank God for them!

Nicole Murphy

I had a great experience with Bert and he is an awesome attorney. There were plenty of moments when I didn’t think I would get through this but he was right there and I really appreciate his patience and understanding and couldn’t ask for anyone better. Thank you so much for helping me through this difficult time.

Maureen Higgins

Louthian Law Firm is a great firm. Compassionate, dedicated and professional. They handled my case concerning my Mother with compassion as though I was a member of the family. I would recommend them to anyone who wants the best.