With a wide range of boating docks like Charleston City and Ashley Marino, Charleston is a popular destination for recreational boaters. The area also sees heavy commercial boat traffic, and injuries can result from a boat operator’s negligence. If you were harmed due to someone else’s negligence or misconduct on the water, you can rely on a Charleston boating accident lawyer to navigate the claims process so you are fairly compensated for the harm you endured.
When injured Charlestonians are seeking accountability and compensation, they trust Axelrod & Associates, P.A., to provide results-focused representation. Our Charleston personal injury lawyers always place the interests of our clients first, and we do not settle for less than what is owed.
When you secure representation from our firm, you gain the steadfast support of advocates who stand with you through every step of the injury claims process. Our team has been recognized with Readers’ Choice honors and by The National Trial Lawyers for delivering strong client support and achieving successful settlements across a range of cases.*
If you are seeking representation from a firm that brings a track record of proven results and high client satisfaction, we welcome you to reach out to our firm so we can provide you with exceptional representation.
If the matter is serious, your counsel should be exceptional.
Charleston is a coastal city built around a large natural harbor where the Ashley and Cooper Rivers meet. The Charleston Harbor is often busy with boat traffic and tour boats. In Charleston County, there are 38,951 boats and 1,733 jet skis. Although most boat rides and trips are completed without incident, negligence and wrongful acts can lead to collisions and serious injuries.
Common causes of boating accidents include:
In 2022, there were 170 boating accidents across the state that resulted in 22 deaths. Alcohol is one contributor to those figures. Injured passengers and boat operators may be taken to Roper Hospital, located at 316 Calhoun Street, or MUSC Health University Medical Center, located at 171 Ashley Avenue.
Following a boating accident, anyone seeking compensation can work with an injury lawyer to establish negligence. Medical records, photos of the scene of the incident, witness statements, and other forms of evidence can be used to establish fault and liability.
Whether you live in South of Broad, West Ashley, Mount Pleasant, or elsewhere in Charleston, you may be eligible for compensation for the harm you endured. An injury claim typically focuses on economic and non-economic damages. Economic losses account for expenses you incurred due to the injury, such as medical bills, lost wages, and out-of-pocket expenses.
An injury claim can also lead to compensation for intangible losses, which are commonly referred to as pain and suffering. In the rare case that a claim makes it to trial, a verdict could include punitive damages that aim to punish the at-fault party. A fair settlement or court verdict should fully account for the harm someone suffered due to the negligence of another party.
Anyone who was injured in a boating accident due to someone else’s actions should consider working with a Charleston Boating accident attorney who understands the state’s boating accident laws and how to manage complex boating accident cases. An injury attorney can gather evidence, file a claim, and manage negotiations while you focus on recovering.
Legal support can also help you better understand the claims process and your options. If you fail to hire a boating accident lawyer, you could receive a lowball settlement that doesn’t fully account for the harm you endured. There are no guaranteed outcomes in court, but an injury lawyer can greatly improve the chances that you receive the compensation that you are owed.
Common causes of boating accidents include operator inattention, inexperienced operators, excessive speed, and boating while intoxicated. Collisions are often caused by operator error, which is why anyone operating a boat should maintain their focus on the water and safely navigate the coastline. If someone is hurt due to operator negligence, they may be eligible to pursue compensation with the help of an attorney.
Insurance coverage for boating injuries depends on the policy. Some boat owners carry liability insurance that may cover injuries to passengers or others involved in an accident. Medical payments coverage may also apply. However, coverage limits and exclusions vary. Reviewing the policy details can help determine what expenses, including medical bills or damages, may be covered.
You should consider hiring an attorney after a boating accident if you sustained any type of injury. A successful injury claim can help you reclaim costs tied to the accident, such as medical bills, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity. The sooner you act, the more effective your claim could be. Certain types of evidence can be more difficult to gather if you wait weeks or months to take action.
The leading cause of death in boating accidents is drowning. Many victims were not wearing life jackets at the time of the incident. Falling overboard or being ejected during a collision can also increase the risk of a fatal injury. Cold water, strong currents, and delayed rescue efforts can also contribute to bodily harm, making proper safety equipment and precautions critically important on the water.
If you were injured in a boating accident, now is the time to act. The injury lawyers at Axelrod & Associates, P.A., can provide you with results-driven representation based on our decades of combined courtroom experience. We do not hesitate to take claims to court or trial when needed, and your financial recovery is our top priority. Take the first step by contacting our office today to secure high-quality representation.
*Awards and recognition are not guarantees of future results. Selection criteria vary by organization.
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The staff at Axelrod&Associates is far none the best on the grand strand.they have taken care of 5 different cases for me and they went way above my expectations. Heather,Kelly ,Stuart and notably the best paralegal in the business…”Jenna” are so professional and most of all….caring. A million thanks to everyone there.
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