One of the benefits of living in the area is access to the water. Many people love to get out and enjoy time in the sun, but too much fun can have lasting adverse effects when boat crashes occur, and people sustain severe bodily harm and other losses.
Capsizing, passengers falling overboard, and collisions with other watercraft or objects can have severe or fatal consequences. Therefore, boat operators and passengers must follow safety rules and regulations and avoid hazardous actions. When you are injured while boating, you can hold the other party responsible with help from a hard-working personal injury attorney. Speak to a Goose Creek boat accident lawyer when you need help with a case.
Common Injuries in Boat Accident Cases
Accidents on the water happen for many reasons, including speeding, reckless boat operation, or failing to adhere to the safety rules. Some serious injuries people sustain in recreational boat cases include:
- Deep cuts and lacerations
- Whiplash and other soft tissue damage
- Broken bones
- Electrocution
- Traumatic limb amputations
- Severe head and brain injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Brain damage or death from drowning
When the carelessness or recklessness of boat operators causes you to sustain severe physical harm, personal injury statutes allow you to seek monetary damages. A Goose Creek boat accident attorney understands the process to recover a fair amount of economic damages and could provide sound legal advice throughout the process.
Recoverable Monetary Damages
Recoverable monetary damages include out-of-pocket losses, such as medical care and lost salary. Depending on the case specifics, the court may also award damages for intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, permanent disabilities, losing the enjoyment of life, emotional trauma, and distress.
Recreational Boat Safety Rules
All boats on state waterways must have enough state-approved life jackets for the operator every passenger. Owners of watercraft measuring 16 feet or more must also ensure they have approved throwing devices on board in the event of an emergency. Other tips for boat operators to keep themselves and passengers safe include:
- Check the weather to ensure waterways are safe and avoid boating when conditions are hazardous
- Complete pre-trip inspections to check lights safety equipment, and ensure the boat has plenty of gas, and adequately charge the battery
- Never operate water vessels while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- All boats approaching from the right have the right-of-way
- If capsizing occurs, always stay with the boat until help arrives
- Always remain aware of power lines when operating sailboats
At the consultation, a boat accident lawyer in Goose Creek could review your case to help determine the responsible party and build a powerful case for monetary damages.
Contact a Knowledgeable Boat Accident Attorney in Goose Creek Today
Accidents on state waterways can leave you with severe injuries or permanent disabilities. In the worst cases, the events can be fatal. Most of the time, they occur because of the negligent actions of the boat operator or other operators around them on the waterways.
When you sustained severe bodily harm at no fault of your own, you must hold the other party legally and financially responsible. An award for damages can cover your losses and allow you to seek the quality of medical care needed for recovery. Call today to schedule a consultation with a skilled Goose Creek boat accident lawyer at Miller | Conway to get more information.