Charleston County offers many waterways for boaters to enjoy, such as Ashley River, the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), and the Cooper River. However, someone else’s negligence on the water can result in accidents and leave others with life-altering injuries. While boat insurance is not a state requirement in South Carolina, many banks and marinas do require insurance, and this coverage provides liability coverage.
Other potentially negligent parties, such as boat rental companies or manufacturers of boats or parts used on the boat, also carry insurance that provides coverage to pay for injuries caused to others. If you were injured in a boat crash, a Charleston County boat accident lawyer could help you navigate the claims process and identify your legal options for seeking compensation for the costs of your injury. When you suffer serious injuries, the personal injury attorneys at The Farmer Law Firm are here to help.
After a boat wreck due to someone else’s carelessness, injured individuals have the right to seek compensation from the at-fault party for the costs of the injury. This may include medical expenses and lost wages, as well as long-term impacts like physical pain and suffering and the loss of the enjoyment of life. Commonly, the at-fault party’s insurance coverage provides compensation. When the claim is filed, the insurance company will review it and decide to either settle the boating accident claim, often at an amount lower than the claim’s original total value, or deny the claim.
If the boat crash claim is not resolved to both parties’ satisfaction, South Carolina’s statute of limitations allows the claimant to file a lawsuit in civil court within three years of the wreck. Settlement negotiations can continue with the insurance company after the lawsuit is filed, even as the case is being prepared for trial. At trial, the case is presented to a judge or jury, and they make the determination as to liability for the boating accident and the amount of compensation to be paid to victims.
For the best chance at securing a favorable outcome, we encourage you to hire our Charleston boat crash attorneys today.
The personal injury claims process is complicated, and especially challenging if someone is also focused on healing and recovery after a boat wreck. A lawyer has an important role in boating accident cases, navigating this process on behalf of their client from start to finish. This includes determining all potential insurance resources. A lawyer may also:
The Farmer Law Firm provides guidance and compassion to every client throughout the process and helps individuals secure a fair settlement or award.
A Charleston County motorboat accident lawyer could prove the elements of negligence, including the at-fault party’s duty to avoid causing harm to others, the action they took that breached that duty, and the direct link between the breach and the harm suffered. They could also compile medical records, employment records, and other documentation that justifies the value of their claim.
Boat accidents on Charleston Harbor and South Carolina’s other waterways often result in significant injuries. The legal team at The Farmer Law Firm wants to help you understand your options for seeking compensation and answer the questions you have about your case. Contact a Charleston County boat accident lawyer for a free case evaluation today and get the justice and support you need.