Boaters and jet-skiers enjoy Charleston Harbor and the winding Intracoastal draw boaters year-round. But these popular activities aren’t always safe. A moment of inattention or mechanical failure can turn a fun day on the water into a life-changing accident.
Boat and jet ski accidents often result from operator error, environmental hazards, or mechanical failures. Understanding the common causes, potential injuries, and legal rights if an accident happens can be critical for victims who have suffered severe injuries and their families.
Victims may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages if they were hurt by someone else’s negligence. A Charleston boat accident lawyer may be able to provide legal guidance, helping injured parties understand South Carolina's liability laws and pursue fair compensation.
Common Causes of Boat and Jet Ski Accidents in Charleston
Charleston’s busy waterways are a hotspot for accidents because commercial ships, weekend boaters, and jet skiers share the same space. Some common reasons for Charleston area boat accidents include:
- Operator inexperience or recklessness. Many boaters and jet ski riders underestimate the skill required to navigate safely, especially in crowded areas like Charleston Harbor. Sudden turns, improper lookout, or failure to follow right-of-way rules can lead to devastating collisions. The U.S. Coast Guard reports that operator error accounts for nearly 70% of all boating accidents nationwide.
- Boating under the influence (BUI). Alcohol impairs judgment, balance, and reaction time. Despite strict laws, BUI remains a leading cause of fatal accidents in Charleston’s waters.
- Excessive speed. High speeds reduce maneuverability, making avoiding obstacles like sandbars, docks, or other vessels difficult. These incidents frequently culminate in occupant ejections or high-impact collisions with severe consequences.
- Equipment failure. A busted steering system, engine trouble, or even a manufacturing defect can leave someone stranded—or worse, completely out of control. Regular maintenance is crucial, yet many boat owners neglect necessary repairs.
- Hazardous weather or water conditions. Charleston’s coastal weather can change rapidly, with sudden storms creating dangerous waves and reduced visibility. Even experienced boaters can be caught off guard.
- Lack of safety equipment. Life jackets, fire extinguishers, and distress signals are legally required, yet many boaters fail to keep them accessible. In an emergency, missing safety gear can mean the difference between survival and tragedy.
A Charleston boat accident lawyer can work hard to determine whether negligence contributed to the accident and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Boat and Jet Ski Accident Injuries
The force of a watercraft collision or ejection can cause catastrophic harm. Unlike car accidents, where seat belts and airbags provide protection, boat and jet ski passengers are often thrown violently upon impact.
- Drowning and near-drowning incidents. Even strong swimmers can struggle if knocked unconscious or trapped beneath a capsized vessel. Drowning is the leading cause of death in boating accidents.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI). A sudden impact with the water, boat deck, or another object can cause concussions, skull fractures, or permanent cognitive impairment. Symptoms may not appear immediately, making medical evaluation essential.
- Spinal cord injuries. High-speed crashes or falls can compress or sever the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis. These injuries often require lifelong medical care and adaptive equipment.
- Fractures and broken bones. Arms, legs, and ribs are particularly vulnerable in collisions, especially when passengers are ejected. Severe fractures may require multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation.
- Lacerations and propeller injuries. Boat propellers rotate at high speeds, causing deep, often fatal wounds. Victims may suffer amputations or severe tissue damage requiring reconstructive surgery.
- Burn injuries. Fuel leaks or electrical malfunctions can ignite fires, leading to severe burns that require skin grafts and long-term treatment.
- Hypothermia. Even in warmer months, prolonged exposure to water can cause dangerously low body temperature, leading to cardiac arrest or organ failure.
A Charleston jet ski accident lawyer may be able to help victims document these injuries and pursue compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation, and long-term care needs
Legal Rights After a Boat or Jet Ski Accident
When negligence contributes to a watercraft accident, victims may have legal options to seek compensation. Potential liable parties include:
- Boat or jet ski operators who acted recklessly or under the influence. South Carolina's BUI laws apply equally to waterways as they do to roads, with enhanced penalties for accidents causing injury.
- Boat owners who failed to maintain their vessel properly. This includes neglecting engine repairs, ignoring recall notices, or using damaged safety equipment.
- Rental companies that provided defective or unsafe watercraft. Per Coast Guard regulations, companies must ensure proper maintenance and provide operational safety gear.
- Manufacturers of faulty equipment or parts. Defective propellers, steering systems, or life jackets may warrant product liability claims.
South Carolina's statute of limitations generally allows three years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim but there are exceptions. Additionally, maritime cases involving commercial vessels or interstate waterways may have different deadlines under federal law.
Potential Compensation for Victims
Depending on the circumstances, victims may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses. This includes emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical care related to the accident. Many victims require long-term rehabilitation for serious injuries like spinal cord damage.
- Lost income. Compensation may cover time missed from work during recovery and loss of future earning capacity if injuries prevent returning to the same occupation. Vocational experts can calculate these projected losses.
- Pain and suffering. These damages account for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and injuries, including anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Severe injuries like traumatic amputations typically warrant higher compensation.
- Property damage. Victims can seek reimbursement for repairs to their watercraft or compensation if the vessel was totaled in the accident. Marine surveyors can help determine fair market value.
- Wrongful death damages. After fatal accidents, surviving family members may recover compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.
Pursuing full compensation requires careful documentation of all accident-related losses. An experienced Charleston jet ski accident lawyer can help victims accurately value their claim and negotiate with insurers.
Steps to Take After an Accident
Taking prompt action can strengthen a potential claim:
- Seek medical attention. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or concussions, may not be immediately apparent.
- Report the accident. South Carolina law requires the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) to be notified of accidents involving injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage.
- Document the scene. Photograph injuries, vessel damage, and environmental conditions. Collect witness contact information.
- Avoid admitting fault. Statements to insurers or other parties could be used against the victim later.
- Consider consulting a Charleston boat accident lawyer. An attorney can handle communications with insurers and protect the victim’s rights.
For those affected by a boat or jet ski accident in Charleston, legal guidance can help ensure preventable mistakes aren’t made and legal rights are protected.
How a Charleston Boat Accident Lawyer Can Help
Navigating a legal claim while recovering from injuries can be overwhelming. A Charleston boat accident lawyer can handle the heavy lifting, allowing victims to focus on healing. Key services include:
- Conducting a thorough investigation. This includes obtaining accident reports from the SCDNR, interviewing witnesses, and consulting maritime experts.
- Identifying liable parties. Multiple entities, such as operators, rental companies, or manufacturers, may share fault.
- Calculating full damages. An attorney accounts for current and future medical costs, lost earnings, and intangible losses like pain and suffering.
- Negotiating with insurers. Insurance companies often minimize payouts; a lawyer can counter lowball offers and fight for fair compensation.
- Preparing for litigation. An attorney will be ready to take the case to trial if a settlement cannot be reached.
Legal representation may be able to help victims meet critical deadlines and avoid mistakes that could weaken their claim.
