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Columbia Boat Accident Attorneys Helping Clients Get Compensation
South Carolina boasts some of the most beautiful waterfronts in the country, with over 3,000 miles of coastline and 465,000 acres of lakes and ponds. Boating in South Carolina can be a wonderful way to enjoy the water, but unfortunately, it can sometimes be dangerous if boat drivers are inattentive or reckless.
Recreational boating accidents injure thousands of people yearly, causing severe injuries that could have been prevented.
If you or a loved one are a boat accident victims, boating accident lawyers can help. By filing a boating accident personal injury claim, you can get help paying your medical bills, recover lost wages, and receive compensation for other pain and suffering because of the injuries caused by a boat accident.
When seeking compensation for your catastrophic injuries, you need Columbia boating accident lawyers who are familiar with the laws and will quickly and easily determine who was at fault, protect your interests, and make sure justice is served.
At Lee Injury Law, LLC, our boating accident attorney has the experience necessary to build a strong case that gets you the positive outcome you need. You can then spend your time resting and recovering from your boating accident injuries. Please don’t go it alone during the legal proceedings following your watercraft accident. Reach out to us today at (803) 855-1012.
What Actions Can Cause A Boating Collision?
While a watercraft accident can occur because of malfunctions in the craft, the truth is that the majority of boating accidents happen because of operational error. These actions include negligence and recklessness that could have been prevented if the boat owners and operators had been more careful. Because of this lack of attention, the driver at fault should be held liable for the injury and suffering their careless acts have caused you and your family.
The following are some mistakes that boat operators make that often lead to boating accidents in South Carolina:
- Operating the vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Not obeying laws, such as driving at excessive speed
- Failing to anchor, load, or unload the vehicle properly
- Seating passengers improperly
- Improper lookout
- Operating a boat during hazardous weather conditions or hazardous waters
- Reckless boating, such as making sharp turns
- Operator inexperience
- Machinery failure
- Operator negligence
- Navigation rules violation
If you have suffered a personal injury because of a boat accident that resulted from someone else’s poor decisions, you may be eligible for compensation for your medical expenses and other pain and suffering. Seeking compensation after such an accident has little to do with seeking revenge and everything to do with avoiding expenses you don’t deserve to pay.
Please speak with our experienced attorney today to see how Lee Injury Law, LLC can help take legal action that recovers the damages you’re owed following your boat accident.
What Are Some Common Boating Accident Injuries?
Because they occur in water and involve heavy boats with powerful motors, boating accidents can be very serious and even deadly. Many boating accidents (or other recreational vessel) in South Carolina result in catastrophic injuries requiring hospitalization and multiple surgeries to recover. Sadly, some boating accident victims don’t survive.
Some common common boating accidents injuries are:
- Drowning – Sadly, drowning is one of the most common results of boating accidents. While many drowning victims can be revived, it is still a traumatic experience for everyone involved and can lead to lasting injuries.
- Traumatic brain injuries – brain injuries can occur when a person’s skull collides with another object and when the person is submerged in the water long enough for the lack of oxygen to cause brain damage.
- Lacerations – one severe injury that occurs when boats collide or if a boat runs over someone else is for the rotating propeller to come in contact with someone. This can cause deep and painful injuries.
- Spinal cord injuries – falling while on a boat can injure the back and spinal cord, resulting in a painful condition that can take months to heal. Severe spinal cord injuries can even lead to paralysis.
No matter what suffered injuries you or your loved one have from a boating accident, you deserve legal counsel from a law firm with experience with boating laws that can get the results you need. Our Columbia boat accident lawyer offers a free consultation to discuss the details of your case and see how we can help you.
In many circumstances, we can help you recover financial compensation for medical treatment, reduced ability to earn income, and other damages. Reach out to us today to see what our law firm can do to help you.
What Compensation Will I Get For My Columbia, SC Boat Accident Injuries?
Boat accidents can quickly turn a fun day at the beach or the lake into a nightmare. If you have sustained a personal injury from a South Carolina boating accident, you might find yourself facing medical bills, reduced income-earning capacity, and a great deal of emotional stress. South Carolina law permits you to seek compensation for these damages when the accident occurred because of operator inattention or other recklessness of the boat operator.
If you have been injured in an accident involving personal watercraft, please first seek proper medical care to be sure you are safe and getting the treatment you need! Once you have received medical treatment, you should seek out a personal injury law firm with a Columbia boat accident attorney like lawyer Tyler Lee at Lee Injury Law, LLC. We can help make sure you receive maximum compensation for your Columbia boat accident.
Some items a skilled boating accident lawyer can help you collect damages for are:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Past and future pain and suffering
- Past and future lost income
- Reduced ability to earn income
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Please call us today to find out how we can help with your boating accident claims.
How Can a Columbia Boat Accident Lawyer Help?
Columbia boating accident attorneys can help immensely when you’ve been in a boating collision or other watercraft-related incident. An experienced legal team like Lee Injury Law, LLC can provide support as you demonstrate that you were not at fault during the event.
A Columbia boat accident lawyer can advise you on responding to other individuals and investigators to protect your innocence. They can also conduct a thorough investigation of the event to uncover details that show that the other party was at fault.
When you are recovering from severe injuries due to a boating accident, you need someone on your side who can handle the details of the legal work. Let our law firm deal with your lawsuit so you can spend your time resting and recovering.
We understand your unique needs as the victim of someone else’s negligence, and we will not rest until you receive the total compensation you deserve. These cases can be complicated, but our Columbia boating accident lawyer will explain every option you have in terms you can understand so you will make the best decisions along the way. Contact us today for a free consultation to get started.
5 Signs You Need A Boating Accident Attorney
Have you been the victim of a boating accident in South Carolina? Are you wondering if you need a boat accident lawyer?
With Labor Day right around the corner, South Carolina lakes and rivers are likely to be a popular destination for celebrations. Like cars, boats can run out of gas or catch fire. Speeding and alcohol use can play a part in harmful things that happen. Yet boat passengers also take a risk of sinking or falling overboard.
In some cases, you may be able to collect insurance. Yet a boating accident lawyer is often required in order to make sure you get the compensation you need to get back on your feet.
Here’s when you may want to consider hiring a boating accident attorney.
1. The Boat Owner Doesn’t Have Insurance
Boat owner’s insurance will protect the owners of boats in case there is physical damage to their boat. It will also handle claims related to any injuries or death that get caused by the operation of the boat.
Boat owner’s insurance isn’t legally required in South Carolina, although it is recommended. If the owner of the boat where your accident occurred isn’t insured, you’ll want a quality legal team to represent your interests as you seek compensation.
2. The Insurance Settlement Isn’t Fair
You may be able to file a claim with the boat owner’s insurance company in order to get some remuneration for your injury. Your settlement may not, however, cover all of the expenses you’ve incurred due to your injury.
Your accident may have resulted in hospital stays, emergency room visits, and medical tests. And it may require ongoing care such as doctor visits and physical therapy. You’ll also need to think about the wages you’re losing if you need to miss work because of your injury.
If the costs of your accident are more than what an insurance settlement is offering, you may need a qualified lawyer on your side.
3. The Boat Operator Was Negligent
Accidents can happen when a boat operator is following all of the rules and looking out for your safety. However, if the driver of the boat wasn’t doing their job when you got injured, you may want to contact an attorney.
Your driver may, however, have gotten distracted by their cell phone or a conversation while they were supposed to be paying attention to the wheel. They may have been operating the boat at high speeds or driving it while they were under the influence.
A boat operator could also have been taking unsafe risks, such as sailing in bad weather or in areas designated “hazardous.” If this is the case, you were needlessly put at risk by someone who should have been looking out for your safety. It’s important to have a legal team that can argue your case and gets you the compensation you deserve.
4. Your Accident Got Caused By A Poorly Maintained Boat
A boat owner should regularly be checking their vessel’s safety. They should take it regularly to professionals who will make sure that the boat’s engine, hull, and electrical systems are functioning correctly.
Also needing regular inspection are the HVAC system, plumbing, and upholstery. A boating expert will also check for moving parts, such as zippers or hinges.
Your boat owner is responsible for keeping the boat clean, fueled, and well-lubricated. If your accident got caused by a mechanical issue with the boat, it wouldn’t be uncommon. Yet the boat’s owner is responsible for regular maintenance to ensure that anyone on board is protected.
If your accident resulted from a boat that wasn’t properly cared for, you need to contact a South Carolina boating accident attorney so you get compensated for damages.
5. Your Injury Is More Serious
Some injuries are minor and require only temporary medical attention. These could include bumps and bruises or a few stitches.
Some injuries, however, require more prolonged attention and can impact your ability to function in your everyday life. These include injuries to your head, spine, or neck.
If your injury resulted in a real change to your ability to compete for daily tasks and requires regular medical attention with fees that add up, you’ll want to get a competent attorney on your side.
The Right Boating Accident Lawyer
Before you hire an accident attorney, you’ll want to do a little research to find a qualified professional. It’s important to choose someone local, as these folks will have intimate knowledge of the laws and regulations in your area.
Many lawyers offer free consultations, which gives you a chance to interview them and see if they’re a good fit for your case. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions.
What percentage of their caseload is devoted to personal injury cases? Can they give an example of a boat accident case similar to yours that they won? What was their strategy?
You’ll also want to get your lawyer’s fees in writing. The right attorney will be willing to explain anything you don’t understand.
Should You Hire Our Columbia Boating Accident Attorney?
If you’re a victim of boating accident injuries in South Carolina, you need an experienced, knowledgeable Columbia boating accident attorney who can give you legal counsel as to how to proceed with your case.
At Lee Injury Law, LLC, we know this is a difficult time for you and your family. We promise to listen compassionately to your story, so we understand exactly what happened in your boat accident and your goals with your boating accident claim. We will gather evidence and counsel you throughout the legal process so you never feel alone.
When you’re in a boating accident in Columbia, SC, you simply can’t rely on your insurance company to cover the damages from the incident. Please reach out to us today to meet with our caring and capable Columbia boat accident lawyer to see how our law firm can help you get the full compensation you deserve. Call us today at (803) 855-1012 to schedule a free consultation.
