Hampton Boating Accident Attorney
According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, every day, thousands of recreational boaters take advantage of the state’s miles of rivers and acres of lakes. In Hampton, boaters can enjoy nearby Warren Lake or drive to popular locations like Hilton Head Island and Edisto Beach.
However, boating can be dangerous, especially when those on the water behave negligently. If you suffered injuries in a boat accident caused by negligence, a Hampton boating accident attorney can pursue compensation. Poulin | Wiley | Anastopoulo, LLC. can fight for what you need.
Causes of South Carolina Boating Accidents
According to the United States Coast Guard, there were nearly 200 boating accidents and 18 boating accident fatalities in South Carolina in 2021. During that same year, more than 4,000 boating collisions occurred nationwide, resulting in more than 650 deaths, 2,600 injuries, and $6.75 million in property damage costs.
The United States Coast Guard reports that the top five causes of boating accidents are:
- Collisions with recreational vessels
- Collisions with fixed objects
- Flooding/swamping
- Running aground
- Falling overboard
The organization also identifies the top 10 contributing factors to boating accidents, many of which relate to driver error or equipment issues:
- Operator inattention
- Operator inexperience
- Improper lookout
- Machinery failure
- Excessive speeding
- Alcohol use
- Force of a wave or wake
- Navigational rules violations
- Hazardous waters
- Inclement weather
Furthermore, the United States Coast Guard lists the top causes of boating accident deaths. Drowning leads the list, followed by trauma, cardiac arrest, hypothermia, and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Boaters Have a Legal Obligation to Operate Vessels Safely
According to S.C. Ann. § 50-21-112, it is illegal to operate a boat negligently, recklessly, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Examples of negligent and reckless boating under the law include:
- Driving faster than idle speed in a no-wake zone
- Failing to look out for people or other vessels
- Driving too fast for current water conditions
- Racing
- Pulling a skier through a designated swimming area
- Weaving through boat traffic at more than idle speed
- Jumping the wake of another vessel within 200 feet
- Maintaining a collision course with another vessel
- Operating a vessel with the “willful or wanton disregard” for the safety of people or property
If another party’s wrongful behavior caused your boating accident, our Hampton personal injury attorneys can hold them responsible. We can build a case against a negligent or reckless boat operator. We can also assist with a claim against a vessel or boating equipment manufacturer if your accident was related to a mechanical defect.
For a free legal consultation with a boating accidents lawyer serving Hampton, call 803-222-2222
Hampton Boating Accidents In the News
Unfortunately, the Hampton area has recently become nationally known for a tragic boating accident near Beaufort that took the life of 19-year-old Mallory Beach in February 2019. The case made headlines due to the involvement of Paul Murdaugh, a member of a prominent Hampton County family.
According to Greenville News, Murdaugh faced three felony charges concerning the boating accident, including boating under the influence and causing death. However, in June 2021, Murdaugh was fatally shot alongside his mother, Maggie Murdaugh, at the family estate in Islandton. Paul Murdaugh had previously pled not guilty to the charges, but his murder occurred before his second court hearing.
According to AbcNews4, Beach’s family is pursuing a $50 million wrongful death lawsuit against the estates of Paul and Maggie Murdaugh. Additionally, boat accident survivors Morgan Doughty and Miley Altman have filed personal injury lawsuits against the Murdaughs for $10 million and $5 million, respectively.
Hampton Boating Accident Lawyer Near Me 803-222-2222
Our Boating Accident Attorneys Can Help You Seek Justice
Not every boating accident case splashes across the headlines, but that does not make the victims less deserving of justice. No matter what walk of life you come from, our Hampton boating accident attorneys will advocate for you. Our team can:
Determine Liability
Building your case begins with understanding how and why your accident occurred. We will interview eyewitnesses and collect case evidence, including:
- Available cell phone or video footage of your accident
- Official accident and police reports
- Medical records
- Vessel maintenance records
- Witness testimony
Once we have a clear picture of the accident’s cause, we can pursue a case against the liable party. You could seek awards with a liability insurance claim. However, boating insurance is not required in South Carolina. If the at-fault party does not have insurance, you can file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.
Identify and Pursue Your Damages
Your financial future should not be in jeopardy because of another person’s negligent behavior. We can help you get the monetary awards you need and deserve for your boating accident in Hampton, South Carolina. Compensation may include:
- Emergency medical transportation
- Emergency department treatment
- Hospitalizations
- Surgeries
- Medications, medical equipment, and medical devices
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Long-term nursing care
- Lost income, including back pay, benefits, bonuses, and loss of future wages
- Vessel repair costs or the fair market value of a replacement vessel
- Physical pain
- Loss of a limb, body part, or bodily function
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Stress, anxiety, depression, and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death-related damages
Represent You and Your Best Interests
Fighting for personal injury victims is what we do. Let our attorneys use their legal expertise, knowledge of South Carolina law, and resources to build the most robust case possible. We will deal with insurance agents, opposing attorneys, paperwork, deadlines, and other “red tape” so that you can turn your attention to healing.
We will fight aggressively to achieve the most advantageous settlement possible, but we will not back down from going to trial if necessary. Do not wait too long to reach out. According to S.C. Ann. § 15-3-530, you generally have three years to file a personal injury or wrongful death case. Failing to act within that period could jeopardize your right to damages.
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Call Poulin | Willey | Anastopoulo, LLC.
Poulin | Willey | Anastopoulo, LLC. can get started on your case today. Contact us 24/7 for a free consultation or call us today. A member of our team can connect you with a boating accident attorney who can take your case on contingency.
Call or text 803-222-2222 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form