Boating Accident

Your Legal Options after a Boating Accident

Carolina’s coastline, lakes and rivers are among the most pristine waters in the nation and are a haven for recreational boaters and their families.

Unfortunately, far too many boaters don’t bother to learn the rules of the water. Others simply ignore the safe boating practices and courteousness that are aimed at making our waters safe and enjoyable for everyone.

The almost 800,000 registered boats in North and South Carolina, put the states behind only California, Florida, Michigan and Minnesota for the most boats on the water. Separately, North Carolina is 11th in the nation and South Carolina is 8th.

While far less frequent than automobile accidents, boating accidents are extremely dangerous. Unlike an automobile, once you escape the boating accident itself, your problems are often just beginning. Drowning is, of course, the number one cause of boating fatalities.

Boating Statistics

United States
12.0 million registered boats
4,969 accidents
697 fatalities

North Carolina
362,784 registered boats
164 accidents
17 fatalities

South Carolina
416,763 registered boats
83 accidents
13 fatalities

Boating has just as many rules as driving a car. Unfortunately, far fewer people ever bother to learn what they are. If you had never seen a car or been on a road, and suddenly took up driving as a hobby you would begin to have an idea of what being on the water with an inexperienced boater can be like.

Throw in 12 hours of sunshine and a cooler of beer and you can have a recipe for disaster.

Boaters have the same responsibility as drivers of a passenger vehicle. And if you are injured in a boating accident, the boat operator can be held liable for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and other compensation to which you are entitled.

The boating accident attorneys at Lee Law Offices, P.A. offer free appointments to discuss your case and can fight to help get you the compensation you deserve.