South Carolina Boat Accident LawyerÂ
South Carolina is home to 8 major river basins, 460,000 acres of lakes, and miles of Atlantic Ocean coastline, so it makes sense that boating is a popular activity. However, a fun time on the water is not without its risks. According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, there are more than 140 recreational boating accidents in an average year. Approximately 15 victims are killed in these incidents and hundreds of victims are injured in boat accidents annually, leading to extensive financial, physical, and emotional losses.
Fortunately, state law protects your interests if you were hurt in a boating collision. It may be possible to obtain compensation for your losses, though the legal process can be complex. Instead of putting your rights at risk, trust our team at the Gus Anastopoulo Law Firm to pursue your remedies. Please call to set up a complimentary case assessment with a South Carolina boat accident lawyer today. You may also benefit from reviewing some basic information about your options.
How Boating Accidents Happen
The details may vary, but most boat collisions are a result of operator negligence. The term has a very specific meaning in the practice of law; to qualify for compensation, you must prove that the boat accident occurred because the operator failed to exercise reasonable care. To illustrate, common causes of boat crashes include:
- Lack of experience;
- Failure to comply with boating regulations;
- Operating a vessel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
- Not properly preparing for weather conditions; and
- Neglect in inspecting or maintaining the boat.
When boating accidents do occur, victims suffer many different types of injuries. However, the biggest threat is drowning in the water that surrounds you.
Seeking Compensation for Your Losses
Most boaters carry liability insurance to protect against loss, so your first step in the legal process will usually be filing a claim. Because insurance companies are focused on their own financial interests and not yours, you could encounter hurdles in obtaining a fair amount by settlement. The Gus Anastopoulo Law Firm has extensive experience dealing with insurers, so we are adept at negotiations. If the insurer denies your claim or refuses to pay fair compensation, our South Carolina boat accident attorneys are equally skilled at taking boat accident cases to trial.
It is our goal to make sure you receive monetary damages for:
- Costs of medical care, including hospitalization, surgery, outpatient procedures, pain medications, and other treatment;
- Lost wages;
- Pain and suffering;
- Emotional distress;
- Losses based upon how your injuries affect your personal relationships; and
- Amounts to compensate you for the numerous ways your injuries impact your quality of life.
Set Up a Free Consultation with a South Carolina Boat Accident Lawyer
As you can see, the legal process after a boating collision is more complicated than you expect. For personalized details regarding your legal rights, please call the Gus Anastopoulo Law Firm at 843-310-5555 or check out our website. We can schedule a no-cost consultation to review your circumstances and determine next steps.
