Charleston Boat Accident Lawyer
Exploring the beauty of Charleston on a boat is a great way to get out and enjoy yourself, but if you’re injured in a boat accident, it’s another story entirely. Waterways aren’t as well regulated as roadways, and when skippers navigate their boats negligently, accidents can happen. If you or someone you love has suffered injuries in a boat accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, it’s time to consult with an experienced Charleston boat accident attorney.
Boat Driver Negligence
Manning a boat is an immense responsibility. In fact, the person behind the wheel owes the same duty of care to everyone on the water that motorists owe everyone else on the road. Driving a boat, however, is often considered more of a recreational activity than a responsibility, and this can translate to danger on the water.
While every boating accident is unique to the circumstances involved, and the causes can be varied, many boil down to negligence on the part of the person driving the boat, which can come in all the following dangerous forms:
- Exhaustion
- Impairment
- Distraction
- Aggression
- Excess speed
- Failure to follow the rules of the waterway
When the skipper chooses to join the boat’s occupants in their revelry, it makes matters that much more dangerous.
Recognize Risk Factors on the Water
When you’re an occupant of a boat, it’s important to recognize the risk factors involved. In fact, it’s always in your best interest to carefully consider the degree to which you trust the boat owner’s level of care in terms of maintaining and driving the boat before accepting an invitation. Risk factors that are inherent to boating and must be accounted for include all the following:
- Boating accidents can lead to drowning – especially when the boat isn’t equipped with adequate safety gear, including a life vest for every passenger on board.
- Boats aren’t equipped with the same level of safety equipment that our vehicles are, including dedicated seating and seat belts for every passenger, airbags, and the metal shell that helps protect occupants from impact.
- When boats aren’t adequately maintained, accidents are more likely, and occupants are more likely to be seriously injured.
Your Legal Damages
The losses – or legal damages – you experience in a boat accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence can be immense, and they break down into the following categories:
- Medical bills – both current and ongoing
- Lost income, which may include a reduction in your ability to earn over time
- Your physical and emotional pain and suffering, which can be overwhelming in the aftermath of a terrifying boat accident
Reach Out to an Experienced Charleston Boat Accident Attorney for the Help You Need Today
The seasoned Charleston boat accident attorneys at The Law Office of Mark C. Tanenbaum, P.A., recognize just how damaging boat accidents can be, and we dedicate our impressive practice to fiercely advocating for our client’s rights and rightful compensation. For more information about what we can do to help you, please don’t wait to contact us online or call 843-577-5100 today.