If you were hurt in a boating accident in York, South Carolina, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, loss of quality of life, pain and suffering, and more. Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys can help you take legal action and maximize the value of your claim.
Our York boating accident lawyers have more than 150 years of combined experience standing up for injured victims and families. To date, we’ve recovered over $100 million for people across South Carolina. Contact us today at (803) 902-7399 to get started with a completely free initial consultation.
How Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys Can Help After a Boating Accident in York, SC
Boating accident claims can be complicated. They often involve complex insurance issues, liability disputes, and serious injuries. You shouldn’t have to take on the responsible party by yourself. Let our experienced York personal injury attorneys handle the legal work while you focus on healing.
When you hire our personal injury lawyers in York, we’ll take care of everything, including:
- Investigating the cause of the boating accident
- Identifying all potentially liable parties
- Collecting evidence to support your claim
- Working with accident reconstruction specialists, maritime experts, and medical professionals
- Calculating the full value of your damages
- Handling all communications and negotiations with the insurance companies
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit and taking your case to trial if a fair settlement isn’t offered
Our lawyers know the tactics insurers use to avoid liability. We’ve seen them all, and we know how to respond. Get in touch with us today to learn more about your legal rights and options during a free case review with a York personal injury lawyer.
What Causes Most Boating Accidents in York?
Boating accidents are more common than you might think and can happen in many different ways. While bad weather and equipment problems can play a role, most boating crashes are caused by human error.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Operating a boat while intoxicated
- Speeding or reckless operation
- Inexperience or lack of proper training
- Distracted boat operators
- Failure to keep a proper lookout
- Equipment failures and maintenance issues
- Overloading the vessel
- Collisions with other boats, docks, or fixed objects
After an accident, our lawyers will launch a full investigation to determine exactly what happened. We’ll gather all the evidence needed to prove who was at fault and hold them responsible for your injuries.
Who Could Be Liable for a Boating Accident in South Carolina?
More than one party can be held financially responsible for a boating accident, depending on the circumstances. Liability is usually based on negligence or, in some cases, a violation of boating laws.
Those who might share responsibility include:
- The operator of the boat you were riding in
- The operator of another boat
- The owner of the boat
- Boat rental companies
- Manufacturers of defective equipment
- Maintenance companies or mechanics
If the boat operator was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, we may also work to show that a bar or restaurant contributed to the incident under South Carolina’s dram shop laws.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Boating Accident in York?
A boating accident can cause significant injuries, both physical and emotional. If someone else’s carelessness caused your accident, you can seek compensation for your losses.
Your financial recovery may include economic and non-economic damages, like:
- Medical bills, including future treatment
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation costs
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
In rare but severe cases, punitive damages may also be available to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Boating Accident in South Carolina?
Under South Carolina law, you have just three years from the date of your boating accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this statute of limitations deadline can mean losing your right to recover compensation entirely.
There are only limited exceptions, so it’s best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to preserve your claim.
Contact an Experienced York Boating Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you were injured in a boating accident near York, South Carolina, you may be entitled to file a legal claim for compensation. Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys is here to support you every step of the way and help you make the most of your opportunity.
We’ve recovered more than $100 million for injury victims, and we’re ready to fight for you. Call our York boating accident attorneys today to schedule your free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay unless we win compensation for you.