South Carolina Neck Injury From Boat Accident Lawyer

Injury Attorneys for Boat and Jet Ski Accidents

Boating accidents are among some of the most serious accidents because, in addition to the risk of physical injury caused by the collision, there is also a high risk of drowning. Those fortunate enough to survive a boat accident may face lasting injuries.

A serious neck injury after a South Carolina boat accident can change the course of your life. You may end up spending days, weeks, or longer in the hospital. You may miss work, time with your family and may never get back to the physical condition you were in before the accident.

At the Steinberg Law Firm, our South Carolina boat accident lawyers represent clients who suffered neck injuries caused by another’s negligence. Since our firm’s inception more than 95 years ago, we have provided accident victims and their families across South Carolina with compassionate, dedicated, and aggressive representation. We understand the challenges you face on the road to recovery, and we are here to make that process as easy as possible.

Boat Accident Statistics

According to the United States Coast Guard, there were 4,168 boat accidents in 2019, injuring more than 2,500 people. A total of 613 people died in boat accidents that same year. When safely operated by a qualified person, boats are relatively safe. However, problems arise when drivers negligently use their boat, jet ski, or another vessel.

The top five causes of boat accidents in a recent study were:

• Operator inattention
• Improper lookout
• Operator inexperience
• Excessive speed
• Alcohol use

Some South Carolina boat accidents will involve several of these causes. For example, the Coast Guard estimates that alcohol is involved in 23 percent of all fatal boat accidents.

Common Neck Injuries Following a South Carolina Boat Accident

Neck injuries resulting from a boat accident can range from minor to severe. Regardless of severity, neck injuries can cause serious, lifelong damage. The most common neck injuries include:

• Sprains and strains: Sprains can happen when ligaments in the neck are torn. Sprains and strains can occur as a result of a sudden injury or even a minor accident.
• Pinched nerves: Muscles and tendons can push on nerves and cause pain.
• Whiplash: Whiplash occurs when the neck quickly moves back and forth, causing damage to the soft tissues around the neck. Often, whiplash will not be immediately apparent after an accident. However, within a few days, an accident victim may notice neck pain, dizziness, numbness, frequent headaches, reduced range of motion, or ringing in the ears. This could be the onset of whiplash, or it could be something more serious. The only way to determine the extent of a neck injury is to get checked out by a doctor.
• Broken neck: A serious injury that will require immediate medical help.

Pursing Compensation for a South Carolina Boat Accident

Those injured in a South Carolina boat accident are forced to take on many expenses they would not otherwise incur. An accident will almost certainly result in missed work, lost earnings, and in some cases, a lifetime of lingering pain and/or disability. Through a South Carolina personal injury lawsuit, boat accident victims may be able to obtain compensation for these damages.

At the Steinberg Law Firm, we do not believe these expenses should be your responsibility, and we want to help you pursue a claim against the parties responsible for your injuries. Under South Carolina law, there are generally two types of damages in a personal injury claim: economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are readily identifiable out-of-pocket costs someone incurs due to the accident. Economic damages include:

• Medical bills
• Future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Decrease in earning capacity

Non-economic damages compensate an accident victim for their injuries, separate from the financial burden incurred. Non-economic damages include the following:

• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Emotional distress
• Physical impairment or disability
• Loss of society or companionship
• Loss of consortium (in a spousal relationship)

Having the assistance of an experienced South Carolina boat accident lawyer can make the process of identifying all your potential damages easier, so you can rest assured that you are receiving a fair amount of compensation.

Contact the Dedicated South Carolina Boat Accident Lawyers at the Steinberg Law Firm

If you or someone you love has recently been injured in a South Carolina boat accident, give the knowledgeable personal injury lawyers at the Steinberg Law Firm a call to schedule a free consultation. The Steinberg Law Firm has been helping accident victims for over 95 years and has developed a long-standing reputation for excellence, compassion, and dedication to our clients and their well-being. When you are ready to talk to a lawyer about the boat accident that caused your neck injury, you can reach a Steinberg Law Firm attorney at 843-720-2800. You can also reach out through our online form, and one of our attorneys will get back to you shortly. We charge no fees unless we achieve compensation for you.