From the scenic waters of Charleston Harbor to Lake Marion and the Intracoastal Waterway, South Carolina is a boater’s paradise. One careless mistake on the water can turn a day of fun into a medical emergency—or worse.
You may be entitled to compensation if you were injured in a boat or lost a loved one due to negligence on the water. The boating accident attorneys in Charleston, South Carolina, at Berly Rouse are ready to protect your rights and fight for the maximum recovery.
South Carolina ranks among the top states for boating accidents, and Charleston is a hot spot due to its popularity with residents and tourists.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard’s 2023 Recreational Boating Statistics, South Carolina reported 156 boating accidents and 23 fatalities, placing it fourth in the nation for both total incidents and deaths. Only Florida, California, and Texas had higher numbers.
Understanding what leads to these incidents can help victims recognize negligence when pursuing a boating accident claim.
Boat accidents include incidents caused by:
Whether you’re dealing with boating accident injuries or property damage, it’s important to know that many boat accidents in Charleston, SC, could have been prevented. Those responsible for causing these accidents through negligence or reckless behavior should be held fully accountable.
Unlike car accidents, boating crashes often occur in open waters, delaying emergency response. Victims may suffer:
Boat injuries can lead to overwhelming medical bills, especially if you can’t return to work right away. If you’re struggling with pain and suffering, lost wages, or permanent disability, a skilled Charleston boating accident lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you need to recover.
Determining liability in a boating accident case isn’t always straightforward. In South Carolina, boat operators are expected to follow state and federal boating laws and operate their vessels safely. When they fail to do so, they may be held financially responsible.
Potentially liable parties may include:
Boating accident victims often face pushback from insurance companies that try to minimize or deny claims. That’s why working with an experienced boat accident attorney is important to the outcome of your case.
If you’ve been involved in a boating accident in South Carolina, your next steps can make or break your boating accident claim.
even if injuries aren’t obvious.
Report the accident to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR).
photos, witness information, and property damage.
Avoid talking to insurance companies without legal guidance.
Contact a qualified South Carolina boat accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Time is critical. South Carolina’s statute of limitations gives you only a limited window (three years) to file a claim, and evidence can disappear quickly, especially on the water. Meeting with a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident allows them to investigate the scene while the evidence and witness memories are still fresh.
At Berly Rouse, our boating accident lawyers understand the unique challenges of boating accident cases in the Lowcountry. We team up with investigators, maritime experts, and accident reconstruction specialists to build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
We can help you:
Whether your crash involves a speedboat, jet ski, fishing vessel, or yacht, we can guide you through every step of the process.
Legal issues take on a different shape when they happen on the water. Typical land-based laws don’t cover boating injuries—they may fall under maritime law, a complex set of federal rules that require specific legal experience to navigate.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a boat accident in Charleston, SC, you need a skilled maritime lawyer to fight for you because these cases are never cut and dry.
If your crash happened on a navigable waterway like Charleston Harbor, the Intracoastal Waterway, or a major river, maritime law likely applies—even for recreational boats.In other cases, South Carolina state law may govern.
Put your boat crash case on solid ground. Contact our law firm for a free, no-obligation consultation with a local Charleston boating accident lawyer.
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