South Carolina Boat and Jet Ski Accidents Cause Serious Injury

Boating is a popular way to spend the weekend for many South Carolina residents. There are more than half a million boats registered in South Carolina. In the summer months, more people are going to be heading out on the water. While most boating trips are an enjoyable experience for all involved, that is not always the case.

Each year across the country, there are more than 4,100 boating accidents. Most of these accidents end in minor injuries; however, approximately 600 people die in fatal boating accidents each year. In South Carolina specifically, more than 140 people were seriously injured and 15 killed in boating accidents in a recent year.

The Importance of Boating Safety

Regardless of why you are on the water, it is important to be aware of your safety. Most South Carolina boat accidents are entirely preventable if passengers and operators take the necessary precautions for a safe trip. Below are a few boating safety tips that can drastically reduce the chance of a severe boat accident:

• Always pay attention to your surroundings
• Keep a lookout for other boats, underwater hazards, swimmers, and water-skiers
• Do not distract the driver of the boat
• Always wear a life preserver, even when the boat is not moving
• Do not drink and drive
• Only get into a boat with an experienced and sober operator

If you follow these simple steps, you will avoid most boating accidents. However, despite every precaution, some accidents are unavoidable. For example, perhaps another boater had too much to drink and crashed into your vessel. Or maybe the driver of the boat you are riding in was not paying attention and ran the boat into a pilon.

Common Boating Accident Injuries

Boat accidents often end in severe injuries and even death. The most obvious reason is that boats operate on water, which adds an element of danger. Another reason why boat accidents tend to cause serious injuries is that most boats do not have seatbelts. This means that the driver and passengers can collide with objects inside the vessel or fall overboard after an accident.

Most boating-related fatalities involve a passenger falling overboard and drowning. It is important to remember that even the most skilled swimmer may not be able to save themselves if they hit their head and fall unconscious. While wearing a life jacket is not a guarantee against drowning, it will significantly better your chances of surviving a serious boat accident.

Aside from drowning, other common types of boat accident injuries include:

• Propeller-inflicted injuries
• Head and brain injuries
• Broken bones
• Abrasions and lacerations
• Whiplash
• Burns
• Back and spine injuries

Although not common on smaller boats, slip and fall accidents are a leading cause of injury on cruise ships and other large vessels. Boat owners can mitigate the risk of a slip and fall accident by ensuring that the boat is equipped with non-slip flooring, handrails, and other safety features.

Those injured in a South Carolina boat accident face many hurdles on the road to recovery. From the immediate concerns about your physical recovery to the long-term financial consequences of an accident, this can be an overwhelming time. At the Steinberg Law Firm, we work with South Carolina boat accident victims and their families, helping them pursue the compensation they need and deserve to move on with their lives after an accident.

Contact the Steinberg Law Firm Today

If you or someone you love was recently involved in a South Carolina boat accident, the dedicated injury attorneys at the Steinberg Law Firm can help. We have centuries of combined legal experience representing accident victims in all types of personal injury cases, including boating accidents. We take an individualized approach to every case we handle to ensure each client gets the attention they deserve. To learn more and schedule a free consultation, give the Steinberg Law Firm a call at 843-720-2800. You can also reach out to us through our online form.