If you were injured in a boating accident in Lancaster, South Carolina, due to another party’s negligence, Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys is ready to fight for your right to full compensation.
With over 150 years of combined experience and more than $100 million recovered for our clients, our Lancaster boating accident lawyers are prepared to hold careless operators and other at-fault parties accountable for the harm you’ve suffered.
Call us today at (803) 902-7065 to schedule a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and help you move forward. There are no upfront fees, and you won’t pay unless we win your case.
How Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys Can Help After a Boating Accident in Lancaster, SC
Boating is a popular activity on South Carolina’s lakes and rivers, but a day on the water can turn dangerous in an instant. When people act recklessly or fail to follow boating safety laws, serious injuries can result.
Our Lancaster personal injury lawyers at Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys understand the specific legal and technical issues surrounding boating accidents. When you hire us, we take over every part of your case so you can focus on healing.
We can assist by:
- Investigating the boating accident and identifying every liable party
- Reviewing official boating accident reports, medical records, and eyewitness accounts
- Working with maritime and accident reconstruction experts
- Calculating the value of your damages, including future losses
- Handling all communication with insurance companies
- Filing a lawsuit and representing you at trial, if necessary
You deserve a legal team with deep experience and a record of results. Reach out today for a free case review.
What Is My Lancaster Boating Accident Case Worth?
Boating accident claims vary widely depending on the facts.
The compensation available in your case will be influenced by several key factors:
- The nature and severity of your injuries
- Whether your injuries affect your long-term ability to work
- The degree of emotional and psychological harm
- Any shared fault for the accident
- Available insurance coverage and financial resources of the liable parties
Our attorneys will give you an honest assessment of your case and pursue the maximum compensation possible based on the full scope of your losses.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Lancaster Boating Accident?
Our firm fights to make sure you are fully compensated for the losses you’ve experienced. This includes both tangible financial losses and more personal, non-economic harm.
Economic Damages
Economic damages may include:
- Medical bills
- Ongoing and future medical care
- Lost income and future earning capacity
- Costs of boat repair or replacement
These economic damages are intended to cover the full scope of your financial losses, helping you recover and move forward after the incident.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages may cover:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship
In certain cases where the conduct was especially reckless or intentional, such as boating under the influence, you may also be entitled to punitive damages. These are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct.
Common Causes of Boating Accidents in Lancaster, SC
Negligence is the leading cause of boating accidents. Operator mistakes and poor decision-making often play a role, whether from lack of training, distraction, or substance use.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Distracted or inattentive operation
- Operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Excessive speed or dangerous maneuvers
- Lack of boating experience or training
- Overcrowding or uneven weight distribution
- Failure to keep a proper lookout
- Defective boat components or mechanical failure
Our team will thoroughly investigate the cause of your accident to ensure every liable party is identified and held responsible.
What Steps Should You Take After a Boating Accident in Lancaster?
Your actions immediately after a boating accident can make a big difference in your recovery and your legal case.
Here’s what to do:
- Call for emergency medical help if needed
- Report the accident to the proper authorities
- Take photos of the boat damage, injuries, and surroundings
- Exchange contact information with all involved parties and witnesses
- Avoid admitting fault or downplaying your injuries
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible
- Contact a Lancaster boating accident lawyer promptly
Boating cases can be difficult to prove without strong documentation. The sooner we can begin investigating and preserving evidence, the better your chances for a successful claim.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Boating Accident in Lancaster?
Boating accident liability often extends beyond the person steering the boat. Multiple parties may be at fault depending on the circumstances.
Potentially liable individuals or entities may include:
- The boat operator
- The boat owner (if different from the operator)
- Passengers who interfered with safe navigation
- Rental companies or tour operators
- Manufacturers of defective boating equipment
- Marinas or maintenance providers
We will examine every angle to identify all parties responsible and pursue compensation from all available sources.
How Long Do You Have To File a Boating Accident Lawsuit in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If the accident resulted in death, the deadline for filing a wrongful death claim is also three years from the date of death.
However, unique situations, such as claims involving minors, government-owned property, or maritime law, can impact this timeline. Missing the deadline means losing your right to compensation, so speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
Speak With a Lancaster Boating Accident Lawyer Today
Boating accident cases are complex. They involve specialized laws, technical factors, and often multiple parties. You need experienced legal representation to navigate the process and secure what you’re owed.
At Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys, we’ve dedicated our careers to fighting for injured clients across South Carolina. Let us put our 150+ years of combined experience to work for you.
Call today to schedule your free consultation with a Lancaster boating accident attorney. There is no risk and no fee unless we recover money for you.