Myrtle Beach’s expansive coastline and waterways, including the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway, make it a prime destination for boating and jet skiing. However, these activities carry inherent risks, and accidents can lead to severe injuries or fatalities.
Boat and jet ski accidents can result from many different issues, including operator error, equipment malfunctions, or even hazardous conditions. Understanding the common causes, types of injuries, and legal options can be important for victims and their families.
When negligence causes such incidents, victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. The Myrtle Beach boat accident lawyers at the Derrick Law Firm provide experienced legal representation for those affected by watercraft accidents in Myrtle Beach and surrounding areas.
Common Causes of Boat and Jet Ski Accidents in Myrtle Beach
Watercraft accidents occur for various reasons, many of which involve negligence. Identifying the cause can be essential for determining liability and building a strong legal case.
Some of the most frequent causes include:
- Operator inexperience or recklessness. Boat and jet ski operators may lack proper training or disregard safety rules, leading to collisions, capsizing, or falls overboard.
- Boating under the influence (BUI). Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and reaction times, significantly increasing accident risks. South Carolina law prohibits operating a watercraft with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.
- Excessive speed. High speeds reduce reaction time, making avoiding obstacles, other vessels, or swimmers difficult.
- Equipment failure. Poorly maintained boats or defective parts (such as steering malfunctions or engine failure) can lead to catastrophic accidents.
- Weather and water conditions. Failure to watch for storms, strong currents, or low visibility can lead to dangerous boating conditions.
- Lack of safety equipment. Lack of life jackets, fire extinguishers, or distress signals can worsen injuries in an accident.
A Myrtle Beach boat accident lawyer can investigate the circumstances of an accident to determine whether negligence played a role and help victims pursue compensation.
Types of Boat and Jet Ski Accident Injuries
Watercraft accidents can result in severe, life-altering injuries due to the force of collisions, propeller strikes, or submersion in water. Common injuries include:
- Drowning and near-drowning incidents. Even strong swimmers can struggle in emergencies, especially if knocked unconscious or trapped underwater.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Blunt force trauma from collisions or falls can cause concussions or permanent brain damage.
- Spinal cord injuries. Impact from crashes or being thrown from a vessel may lead to paralysis or long-term disability.
- Broken bones and fractures. High-speed collisions or falls can cause severe fractures requiring surgery.
- Lacerations and propeller injuries. Contact with boat propellers or sharp debris can cause deep cuts, amputations, or fatal wounds.
- Burn injuries. Fuel leaks or onboard fires may result in severe burns.
- Hypothermia. Prolonged exposure to cold water can lead to life-threatening conditions.
Victims of jet ski accidents may endure costly medical treatments, prolonged rehabilitation, and significant income loss. An experienced Myrtle Beach jet ski accident attorney can thoroughly evaluate all damages—including medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and long-term care needs—to pursue maximum compensation through insurance claims or litigation.
Legal Rights After a Boat or Jet Ski Accident
Victims may have legal options to seek compensation when a boating or jet ski accident occurs due to negligence. Potential liable parties include:
- Boat or jet ski operators who acted recklessly or under the influence
- Boat owners who failed to maintain their vessel properly
- Rental companies that provided defective or unsafe watercraft
- Manufacturers of faulty equipment or parts
South Carolina’s statute of limitations generally allows three years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim but there are exceptions. Gathering evidence early can be crucial, as witness memories fade and critical details may be lost.
Possible Compensation for Accident Victims
Victims of boat and jet ski accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses. This includes emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical care related to the accident.
- Lost wages. Compensation may cover time missed from work during recovery and loss of future earning capacity if injuries prevent returning to the same occupation.
- Pain and suffering. These damages account for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and injuries, including anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
- Property damage. Victims can seek reimbursement for repairs to their watercraft or compensation if the vessel was totaled in the accident.
- Wrongful death damages. In fatal accidents, surviving family members may recover compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.
A Myrtle Beach accident lawyer can thoroughly evaluate all potential damages to ensure victims pursue the full compensation they may be entitled to.
Consequences of Boat and Jet Ski Accidents
A watercraft accident can have devastating and far-reaching consequences for victims and their families, such as:
- Physical disabilities. Severe injuries like spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injuries may result in permanent disabilities, requiring lifelong medical care.
- Financial hardship. Mounting medical bills and lost income can create significant financial strain, especially if the victim is the primary breadwinner.
- Emotional trauma. Accident survivors often experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress, particularly in cases involving near-drowning experiences.
- Impact on family dynamics. Serious injuries can alter family roles, with spouses or children often taking on caregiver responsibilities.
- Reduced quality of life. Injuries may prevent victims from enjoying their previous hobbies or activities.
These consequences underscore the importance of seeking fair compensation to help victims rebuild their lives after an accident.
Steps to Take After a Boat or Jet Ski Accident
Taking immediate action after an accident could strengthen a potential legal claim. Victims should consider the following steps:
- Seek medical attention. Even if injuries seem minor, some conditions (like internal bleeding or concussions) may not be immediately apparent.
- Report the accident. South Carolina law requires reporting boating accidents involving death, injuries, or significant property damage to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR).
- Document the scene. Take photos of the vessels, injuries, and surrounding conditions if possible. Collect contact information from witnesses.
- Avoid discussing fault. Statements made to insurance adjusters or other parties could be used against the victim later.
- Consider consulting a Myrtle Beach accident lawyer. An attorney can handle communications with insurers and protect the victim’s rights.
How a Myrtle Beach Boat Accident Lawyer Can Assist Victims
Handling a boat or jet ski accident claim can be overwhelming while dealing with injuries. A Myrtle Beach boat accident lawyer provides assistance by managing all legal aspects of the case, allowing victims to focus on recovery.
An attorney can perform the following:
- Conduct a thorough investigation. This includes obtaining accident reports from the SCDNR, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with maritime experts to reconstruct the accident, if appropriate.
- Identify all liable parties. In some cases, multiple parties, such as the boat operator, rental company, or equipment manufacturer, may share responsibility.
- Calculate full damages. An experienced lawyer will account for all current and future medical expenses, lost earning capacity, and intangible losses like pain and suffering.
- Handle insurance negotiations. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. A lawyer knows how to counter lowball offers and fight for fair compensation.
- Prepare for litigation if necessary. While many cases settle out of court, a lawyer will be prepared to take the case to trial if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement.
An experienced boat accident lawyer can help victims avoid missing critical deadlines or making mistakes that could jeopardize their potential claim.
