There’s plenty of water to explore in South Carolina, from inland freshwater lakes and rivers to the salty stretch of the Atlantic Ocean in the southeast. As a result, state residents have many unique places to put a boat out on the water. However, they also have many opportunities to cause serious and even deadly accidents through reckless or careless operation of their vessel—something you and your family may unfortunately have experienced.
If you’ve suffered injuries in a boat collision or other type of maritime accident that wasn’t your fault, contact a Greenville boat accident lawyer at Holland & Usry for a FREE case review. Seeking civil recovery for boating injuries can be complex, and guidance from a knowledgeable personal injury attorney will be key to pursuing a claim and receiving the compensation you deserve.
To some extent, holding someone else legally responsible for a boating accident is similar to holding someone liable for a car wreck. In both scenarios, the operator of a powered vehicle or vessel in a public place assumes a duty of care to act lawfully and responsibly at all times. Anyone who causes an injury to someone else by failing to exercise reasonable care is legally accountable for losses resulting from that injury. This is the legal theory of negligence around which almost every personal injury claim is based.
However, negligence at the helm of a boat doesn’t always look like a violation of maritime law or something obviously dangerous, such as boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Sometimes, it can be a more subtle form of misconduct, such as:
A Greenville boat collision attorney can answer any questions you have about whether you have a strong case for pursuing a claim.
If you suffered injuries as a result of negligent conduct out on the water, you can seek compensation from each careless person involved—either through a settlement demand or, if necessary, a lawsuit in civil court. Either way, you can incorporate both objective financial losses and subjective personal losses into your case, such as:
Furthermore, if a maritime accident has tragically led to the death of a loved one, a lawyer handling Greenville cases can help you recover from your loss by pursuing a wrongful death claim.
Just because you’re on the water doesn’t mean that people can disregard safety precautions and rules. As with car and truck drivers, boat operators have a legal obligation to be careful and considerate. If you suffered injuries because someone else failed to act appropriately, you may have legal options, and an attorney from our team can help you.
Support from a Greenville boat accident lawyer can make a significant difference in how well you understand your rights under South Carolina law and how you can pursue fair financial recovery. Call Holland & Usry today to schedule a FREE case review.