Charleston Boat Accident Lawyer

HOFFMAN LAW FIRM

South Carolina boasts beautiful weather nearly year-round, making it the perfect destination to enjoy some fun in the sun – whether on the lake, river, or coast. But a day on the water can quickly turn disastrous. Here at Hoffman Law Firm, our boating accident lawyers are very well versed in South Carolina laws, the intricacies of the legal process, and the stress that can come with being injured or dealing with losing a loved one. We are proud to advocate for accident victims throughout South Carolina, pursuing maximum compensation when our clients need it most.

Like the locals we serve, our team has deep roots in the lowcountry. That means we not only have a thorough understanding of South Carolina law, but a personal connection to our clients. While out-of-state, national law firms are setting up shop in the Charleston area, they lack the local ties of law firms like ours. They make all sorts of claims about their success but none that none claim to know their clients on a personal level.

If you’ve been hurt in a boating accident in South Carolina, Hoffman Law Firm has the experience you need to fight for the damages you deserve. Our boat accident attorneys have your best interests at heart, providing legal guidance as well as much-needed support as your case progresses. Plus, our results speak for themselves!

Proven Track Record for Maximizing Settlements

Hundreds-to-millions in settlements won for accident victims throughout the Lowcountry, Hoffman Law Firm delivers serious results.

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What to Do After a Boating Accident

If you have been involved in a boating accident, the first and most important step is to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Make sure that everyone is accounted for and that no one is in immediate danger. If there are any injuries, call for medical help right away.

Next, contact the local authorities as soon as possible. It’s important to have an official record of the incident and any damages that may have been caused by it. Once the authorities have been contacted, you’ll need to secure the boat and the scene of the accident.

Then, document the accident. Take pictures of the damage and the location of the accident. It’s also important to get the contact information of any witnesses and those involved in the accident. This will help in any future investigations or claims. After a boating accident, safety must be the priority. Ensure that everyone is safe, contact the authorities, secure the boat and the scene, and document the accident. Doing so can help protect you and those involved in the future.

Lastly, you want to seek proper legal counsel to manage your boating accident claim.

If you own the boat, are a passenger, or were partially at fault, Hoffman Law Firm can help you with solid legal support. We have the expertise and experience needed to manage your case, from communicating with insurance companies to gathering evidence. They’ll work hard to make sure you get the maximum compensation possible.

If you’ve been in a boating accident and need to file a claim, reach us for a free consultation today!

Common Causes of Boating Accidents
According to the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) (2019), operator inattention is the most common cause of boating accidents. These other causes are considered common as well:
  • Speeding

Regardless of a boat operator’s skill or experience, it is crucial that the speed limit is observed. It is very easy to lose control of a boat and cause an accident when moving at high speeds.

  • Intoxicated driving

Operating any type of boat when under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law. These substances not only influence decision-making but slow reaction times too.

  • Improper lookout

Every vessel should have a lookout who remains vigilant, watching for any potential risks. If the lookout is not paying attention, a boating accident could result.

  • Operator inexperience

Driving a boat isn’t easy, and those lacking the skill and experience to do it safely have no business being behind the wheel. 

  • Machinery failure

If there’s a defective component or failure with any part, whether or not it was there when first installed, a serious boating accident may occur.

  • Inclement weather conditions

Stormy weather conditions not only put a damper on summer plans but put boaters at risk. A failure to check the forecast may result in a serious boating accident.

Common Causes of Boating Accident Fatalities 

Fatalities may occur as a result of the following:

  • Falls overboard

This is the most common cause of fatal boating accidents, involving a passenger or operator falling off the boat on accident.

  • Capsizing

A boat may capsize, or overturn, because of a strong wave or collision.

  • Collision with another boat

When two or more vessels crash into each other, a fatality may result from the collision.

  • Collision with a fixed object

This occurs when a boat crashes into any fixed object, either above or below the surface.

  • Flooding

Flooding refers to any situation when a boat fills with water but still floats on the water’s surface.

  • Departed vessel

Fatalities occur in this instance when a passenger disembarks the boat voluntarily, (diving, jumping in, etc.).

CHARLESTON BOATING ACCIDENT ATTORNEY NEAR ME

Our Charleston law firm of skilled boating accident attorneys are ready with trusted legal advice, so schedule your appointment now!

Understand the Importance of Gathering As Much Evidence at the Scene As Possible

After everyone involved is out of harm’s way, gathering evidence is the next step. Documentation may include the following:

  • Take photos of the accident scene, including any injuries and vessel damage.
  • Exchange names and general contact information with all parties involved, including those who witnessed the wreck.
  • Ask witnesses if anyone has any photos or video of the incident as it was occurring.
  • Record the boat registration numbers and insurance information.
  • Give your statement to officials on the scene and ask them for their official contact points so you can get a copy of these records.
Recovering Compensation After an Accident

Our Charleston law firm will work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve, including the following:

  • Medical bills
  • Property damage
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Punitive damages

Every case is different, making it impossible to know exactly how long your case will take to resolve – and how large your check will be. Remember, this list of potential benefits is not intended for detailed legal guidance, so call Hoffman Law Firm today for information specific to your case.

South Carolina Boating Accident Statistics
The U.S. Coast Guard has reported the following statistics, proving that boating accidents are far too common – and that it is incredibly important to exercise caution on the water:
  • In 2019, the Coast Guard counted 4,168 recreational boating accidents – including 613 deaths, 2,559 injuries and approximately $55 million dollars of property damage.
  • The fatality rate was 5.2 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational vessels, showing a 1.9% drop from 2018.
  • Where the cause of death was known, 79% of fatal boating accident victims drowned. 86% of those were not wearing a life jacket.
  • 80% of boaters who drowned were using vessels less than 21 feet long.
  • Alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents, involved in 23% of deaths.
  • Only 20% percent of deaths occurred on boats operated by someone who had received a nationally approved boating safety education certificate.
  • 35 deaths and 155 injuries occurred when someone was struck by the boat’s propeller. 
  • The most common vessel types were open motorboats (45%), personal watercraft (19%), and cabin motorboats (16%).
CHARLESTON BOATING ACCIDENT ATTORNEY NEAR ME

Our Charleston law firm of South Carolina boat accident attorneys are ready with trusted legal advice, so schedule your appointment now!

Wrongful Death in Boating Accident

In the most tragic instances, your loved ones may not be able to survive their injuries. You may be able to recover wrongful death benefits to cover the cost of:

  • Surgery
  • Hospitalization
  • Emergency transportation Life support
  • Resuscitation
  • Blood transfusions

Legal Counsel for Wrongful Death

How to File a Boating Accident Claim in South Carolina

Your attorney will handle every aspect of your boating accident claim, ensuring your case stays on track and is best positioned for success. Keep in mind that the statute of limitations dictates that you must file a personal injury claim within three years of your accident.

At Hoffman Law Firm, we will manage your case from start to finish, handling these important aspects:

  • Managing communication with the insurance company
  • Offering trusted legal guidance and regular progress updates
  • Answering your questions promptly
  • Investigating and collecting evidence
  • Identifying the liable parties
  • Calculating your damages
  • Preparing your claim or other documents
  • Negotiating a fair settlement

So, schedule your initial free consultation with Hoffman Law Firm today!

What People Are Saying About Us

The service and staff of Hoffman Law Firm was exceptionally professional. Staff lovingness and kindness was greatly appreciated. 

-Vermelle

They were very helpful, compassionate, and nice. I was at ease during the process of getting help with them. I would recommend them to anyone who wants honesty and professional lawyers.

-Latvia

Hoffman Law Firm worked hard behind the scenes and completely surpassed our expectations. We will recommend them to our friends and family! 

-Marty

Meet Your Attorneys

Our experienced personal injury team is proud to serve the Lowcountry, offering trusted legal representation right here at home. Committed to securing the compensation our friends and neighbors deserve, our personal injury attorneys will walk beside you each step of the way. 

Here at Hoffman Law Firm, the lawyer you meet with is the lawyer that will see your case through to the end. Clients that call and ask to speak to their attorney are never pushed off to a paralegal. Out-of-state, national law firms are flocking to Charleston, making all sorts of claims about their success. Notice how none of them ever claim to know their clients personally. We know each one of our clients and they know us.

From filing your claim to communicating with the insurance company, we handle your entire claim for you. Get in touch for trusted legal advice and schedule your free consultation today!

Attorney David Hoffman built Hoffman Law Firm from the ground up, relying solely on his own legal skills, tireless work ethic and natural people skills to gain clients' trust and establish a track record of success. After graduating from The Citadel in 1991, David received his law degree from the University of Florida at Gainesville in 1997.

Attorney
David L.
Hoffman

Attorney Matt Cook became part of the Hoffman Law team after practicing law in the Midlands for more than a decade. He graduated from the University of South Carolina and always knew he eventually wanted to return to the Lowcountry, where he was raised. Matt appreciates the Hoffman Law philosophy because the attorneys share his values including communication, respect, compassion, and availability to clients.

Attorney
Matthew R.
Cook

From her earliest days in law school, Attorney Amanda Stearns knew she wanted to be a trial lawyer. Determined to finish law school quickly so that she could pursue her dream of fighting for justice, Amanda graduated a semester early from the University of South Carolina School of Law.

Attorney
Amanda R.
Stearns

Awards & Associations
Hoffman Law Firm Accepting Attorney Referrals

Our personal injury law firm welcomes referrals for cases that arise anywhere in the state of South Carolina. We are always proud to assist deserving clients offered by a fellow attorney, so contact us today!

Other Practice Areas

Wrongful
Death

Traumatic
Brain Injury

Spinal Cord
Injury

Auto
Accident

CHARLESTON BOATING ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS NEAR ME

Our Charleston law firm of South Carolina boat accident attorneys are ready with trusted legal advice, so schedule your appointment now!

Boating Accident Frequently Asked Questions

What is the #1 cause of boating accidents?

Operator error and negligence cause the majority of all boating accidents. 

What is the main contributing factor resulting in a boating accident?

In 2019, alcohol use was found to be the largest contributing factor of fatal boating accidents. Many lives could have been spared had boat operators not driven under the influence.

What are some common non-fatal injuries suffered after a boating accident?

One of the most common boating accident injuries is near-fatal drowning, which can cause these conditions:

  • Pneumonia
  • Brain damage 
  • Coma 
  • Chemical imbalances 
  • Respiratory distress syndrome

What is the #1 cause of death in a boating accident?

The most common cause of death is drowning, which totals 79% of fatal accident victims according to 2019 statistics. Of those victims, 86% were not wearing life jackets, the most common cause of death is drowning. Drowning victims account for 79% of fatal boating accident victims, and 86% of those victims were not wearing life jackets.

Do I have to report a boating accident in South Carolina? 

Yes, a boating accident report must be filed if:

  • Someone dies.
  • Injuries require medical care beyond the most basic first aid.
  • Property damage equals or exceeds $2,000.
  • There is a complete loss of a vessel or a vessel is destroyed.
  • A disappearance indicates an injury or death.

You may also be required to file a boating accident report with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources or other state agency.

Do I need to see a doctor even if I am not injured?

Yes, it is important to visit the doctor as soon as possible. Medical documentation could play a major role in your car accident case, so our auto accident attorneys recommend getting checked out. Keep in mind that some injuries may not be noticeable at the time of the car wreck but could worsen over time.

Do I need a Charleston personal injury lawyer to file an injury claim?

While you can file a claim on your own, the process can be complicated. From determining fault to receiving the best medical care possible, it is best to have an experienced boat accident lawyer on your side.

What benefits are boat accident victims entitled to? 

After your Charleston, SC boat wreck, you may be entitled to compensation for the following:

  • Medical bills
  • Property damage
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Punitive damages

How is fault determined?

Determining fault can be tricky, especially if you do not have the resources necessary. At Hoffman Law Firm, our South Carolina personal injury lawyers utilize the following: 

  • Police reports
  • Cell phone data
  • Witness testimonies
  • Accident scene photos

Our team of boating accident attorneys works hard to ensure at-fault drivers are held accountable, advocating for accident victims every step of the way.

Can I still receive compensation if I am at fault?

Yes, it is possible to receive compensation if you are assigned less than 50% on the blame. This is called comparative fault. Compensation will be reduced according to the percentage of liability. For instance, if you are 30% at fault, any damages received will be reduced by 30%.

How long will it take to resolve my boat accident case?

Because no two cases are the same, there is no way to know exactly how long it will take to receive compensation. If you need a skilled Charleston boating accident lawyer near me, we are eager to learn more about your case, so schedule your free consultation today! Attorney 

Hoffman Law Firm manages boating accidents, car accidents, workers’ comp, slip and fall and other personal injury claims to help you. Once we have established a trusted attorney-client relationship, our team will be able to offer helpful legal advice about your next steps. So, let’s begin today!

How much will a boat accident lawyer cost me?

Here at Hoffman Law Firm, we do not get paid unless you do. Plus, our South Carolina lawyers offer free consultations! Click here to schedule yours today.

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