Just as Charleston’s three rivers converge to meet the Atlantic Ocean, the peninsula and neighboring islands have created an intrinsic gathering place for U.S. residents and visitors alike. For many, alcohol is synonymous with boating and celebration, but it is also the highest contributing factor in recreational boating accidents and fatalities. Fluid waterways which prohibit proper boundaries and the constant motion of a floating vessel can sometimes spell disaster offshore when combined with lack of focus.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a boating accident — as an operator, swimmer, jet ski driver, or water skier — Auger & Auger is here to help. Determining the way an accident happened is essential to holding the responsible party accountable for medical bills and other economic and non-financial losses. Once contacted, we will send a Charleston boating accident attorney team out to the site to connect with local officials, secure the vessel or watercraft involved, order an inspection and make sure your rights and interests are protected.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard’s Boating Safety Division, in 2017 South Carolina had 151 boating accidents; including 13 fatalities and over $2.9 million in damages. The following graphic demonstrates the various causes and factors involved in fatal boating accidents during 2017. Surprisingly, you can see that operator errors meet or surpass hazardous waters and weather contributions, while predictably, alcohol use far exceeds any other causes.
The Charleston boating accident attorney practice of Auger & Auger understands the multiple facets involving recreational boating accidents. Our objective is to always demonstrate the highest caliber of legal representation for the injured parties. We are confident that taking steps to win compensation for those harmed by reckless boating accidents will ultimately contribute to the safer use of Charleston’s waterways.
Our firm assists you in dealing with insurers; following through with all legal processes required to make a claim for your compensation. There may be multiple persons or entities to be held responsible; from commercial vessels with liability policies to manufacturers of the watercraft or maintenance providers.
The first few days after a boating accident are critical for gathering and preserving evidence, due to the quick deterioration of the accident scene. Please do not hesitate to give our Charleston boating accident attorney a call today! We make the pursuit of a claim for damages and handling all the paperwork and legal tasks our job — so you can focus on your own health and well being.
Call (843) 751-4690 today for your free consultation, with no fees due until recovery!