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An experienced South Carolina boat accident lawyer at our firm will fight for your rights after a boating accident. Schiller & Hamilton has represented many boating accident victims in the past and will help you through every step. Contact Schiller & Hamilton for a free consultation to learn what we will do for you.
Why Choose a South Carolina Boat Accident Lawyer from Schiller & Hamilton?
Choosing the right lawyer to represent you can make all the difference in your experience after a boating accident. Our team will provide you or your loved one with professionalism and compassion.
Free consultation with an attorney
You meet with an attorney during your initial consultation. We have excellent staff on our team, but you work directly with a South Carolina injury lawyer from our firm during your first meeting.
Full-service approach
Your job is to rest and recover after a boating accident. Our staff handles everything else. We take care of tasks such as:
- Talking to your employers and creditors about your situation
- Dealing with insurance companies
- Interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence
- Filing paperwork
When your Schiller & Hamilton South Carolina boat accident lawyer handles your case’s legal and financial details, you have more time and peace of mind to focus on getting better.
Round-the-clock availability
You can call or chat with us anytime. Accidents don’t follow a business-day schedule; you can get professional and legal advice from us before then.
Recoverable Damages After a Boating Accident
Most people want to get things “back to normal” following a boating accident. However, you have many new circumstances to face afterward, including medical expenses, property damage, lost wages and a possible reduced earning capacity.
Getting compensation for these expenses isn’t always straightforward. Working with a South Carolina boat accident lawyer to recover damages can help.
Medical expenses
You should seek medical attention following a boating accident, even if you do not think you have severe injuries. Sometimes, injuries appear days or weeks following an accident. Insurance companies may try to claim you didn’t properly seek medical attention after an accident. They may also assert that your injuries didn’t result from the boating accident. Seeing a doctor right away can support your claim if you have injuries.
Property damages
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, recreational boating accidents, including property damage, caused almost $5.6 million in damages in South Carolina in 2022. Our attorneys will include property damages in your claim if your boat or personal items experienced damage resulting from the accident.
Pain and suffering
Any traumatic experience can lead to emotional distress, depression, fear or a loss of quality of life. Boating accidents are no exception. A Schiller & Hamilton South Carolina boat accident lawyer can help you recover expenses related to your pain and suffering.
Lost wages and earning potential
You or your loved one may miss time working after an accident. You may also be unable to return to the same type of work you did before, causing you to lose income. Our lawyers will seek compensation for these losses if they affect you.
Types of Boating Accidents
Boating registrations are rising, meaning more in South Carolina waters than ever. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources reports that in 2021, there were 433,895 registered boats in South Carolina. However, In 2011, there were 362,061. These statistics reflect an increase of 71,834 watercraft in only a decade.
Injuries can happen on any watercraft
As the number of boats in South Carolina’s lakes, rivers and waterways increases, so do the chances of mishaps. Some types, such as open motorboats, are more likely to be in accidents. However, injuries can happen on any watercraft. A Schiller & Hamilton South Carolina boat accident lawyer can answer questions about liability after an accident on the water.
Boats get in wrecks just as cars do. Many accidents result from collisions with recreational vehicles, fixed objects and submerged hazards. However, boaters also get injured as a result of:
- Fires and explosions
- Striking the vessel or propeller
- Falling overboard
Boating accidents can cause devastating results. The U.S. Coast Guard reports that in 2022, South Carolina had 152 recreational boating accidents. Sixty-two people experienced injuries, while 22 people lost their lives.
Common Boating Accident Causes
While almost anything can happen while out on the water to cause injuries, some types of accidents happen more frequently than others. According to Coast Guard statistics, the primary causes of recreational boating accidents are:
- Collision with a recreational vessel
- Collision with a fixed object
- Falls overboard
- Flooding/swamping
- Drowning
While less common than other accidents, people can become injured when a boat is grounded due to operator error. A South Carolina boat accident lawyer from Schiller & Hamilton will work to determine liability in your claim.
How Schiller & Hamilton Boating Accident Attorneys in South Carolina Work To Win
Whether you file an insurance claim or take a case to court, our attorneys support you through every step.
Documentation
We document evidence of injuries, property damage, lost wages and other damages, including:
- Photos and videos of your injuries
- Medical bills
- Previous pay stubs
- Testimony regarding emotional and psychological trauma
The documentation we collect supports your case and helps you get the compensation you deserve.
Securing evidence
Gathering evidence is a critical step in supporting your case. Our South Carolina boat accident lawyer will:
- Record your account of the accident
- Speak to witnesses
- Secure physical evidence
- Reconstruct the accident
- Get expert testimony regarding liability
We understand the significance of evidence in proving your case.
Establishing liability
We work to determine the parties liable in your accident case. Potentially responsible parties can include:
- Boat or part manufacturers
- A negligent driver
- A municipality
We may uncover multiple sources of liability in your claim.
Fighting for your claim
Insurance companies may try to pay out as little as possible, increasing their bottom line. Other parties may argue they are not liable in your case. Our boating accident attorneys in South Carolina will work tirelessly to get your compensation and take your case as far as necessary.
Call a Schiller & Hamilton South Carolina Boat Accident Lawyer Today for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one experienced injuries in an accident, call a Schiller & Hamilton South Carolina boat accident lawyer. We offer a free consultation with an attorney, so you have no obligation. Learn how we will help.
South Carolina Boat Accident FAQs
Is drowning the only type of boating accident injury?
No; while near-fatal drowning is a common and severe boating accident injury, other types of injuries include broken bones, lacerations, concussions, hypothermia and internal organ injuries.
What damages can I seek in a boating accident lawsuit?
Damages you or a loved one can seek include medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, property damages and reduced earning capacity. A wrongful death claim may be possible if your loved one died in the accident.
Is there a statute of limitations on boating accident lawsuits?
In South Carolina, you must file a personal injury claim within three years from the injury date. Gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses and preparing documentation takes time, so it helps to start as soon as possible.
What is maritime law?
Maritime law governs private maritime disputes, questions and offenses on the open water. Maritime claims may be tried before juries by state courts.