Name: LegalService
Item: The Louthian Law Firm
Rating: 5
Author: Keiron Gibson

South Carolina Boat Accident Lawyer

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5.0 Google Rated

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.

Keiron Gibson

They were very down to earth and friendly, but they meant business. I would definitely recommend them. Thank you, attorney Bert Louthian!

Denisha Goodwin

The experience was excellent. They helped me in every way regarding my case. They are a very good law firm. I would recommend anyone to them.

Asijhana Watkins

This was a great experience despite me being in a car accident. Everyone at Louthian was and still is very caring and understanding. It is nice to be able to pick up the phone and call your lawyer and he answers the phone. They are wonderful people.

Steve Hanayik

At first I wasn’t thinking about obtaining a lawyer until I received a letter from Walmart claim center stating that it appears that I would not be filing a claim and also encouragement from friends about taking on a company like Walmart expecting medical payment. That being said I/we contacted a few firms that advertise on TV and one we know personally. No one was interested in taking on a slip and fall claim. So, my wife started to look at the yellow pages and found the law firm LOUTHIAN. We set up and appointment and met with Mr. Louthian. He didn’t hesitate to represent me in the slip and fall claim. Unfortunately, it took many months to get a copy of the medical bills from the VA medical center. Once that was accomplished, it took a few weeks to settle the claim. I was contacted by Mr Louthian on the first offer and was kind of expecting around that offer. BUT, Mr Louthian said that I deserved more and would go back and negotiate for more. The final offer was not expected by me. I never thought that I would receive that amount. Thanks to Mr Louthian,I was very pleased that he got that much. I will tell all my friends about the law firm and recommend it to them. I also got a bunch of business cards to give away.

Michael Horger

Bert is by far the best attorney I have ever had the pleasure of working with. He got the job done fast, effectively, and most importantly he listened to what we had to say. In the future, should I need an attorney for a personal or business matter, Bert is my go to guy.