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Myrtle Beach Attorneys of The Yates Firm - WITH THE KNOWLEDGE AND RESOURCES OF A LARGE FIRM
Myrtle Beach Attorneys of The Yates Firm - WITH THE KNOWLEDGE AND RESOURCES OF A LARGE FIRM
MYRTLE BEACH ATTORNEYS OF THE YATES FIRM
If you or a loved one sustained injuries or even death in a boat or jet ski accident due to someone else’s negligence, contact The Yates Firm today. You might be entitled to compensation for your injuries and resulting losses. We can review the circumstances of your case and determine what we can do to help you hold the at-fault party liable for their misconduct.
Myrtle Beach is a popular destination for its beautiful beaches and exciting water activities. Boats and jet skis are among the most common vessels you’ll see on the ocean. Unfortunately, most people don’t understand the dangers involved. Some operators are inexperienced and don’t know the laws of what to do in an emergency. Others consume alcohol, speed, and otherwise behave recklessly, placing themselves and others at risk of injury.
At The Yates Firm, we have experience handling boat and jet ski accident cases.
We can investigate what happened to determine who was at fault and seek the compensation necessary to cover your medical bills and other incurred costs. You won’t have to go through this devastating ordeal alone. We will remain in your corner until the end.
Call The Yates Firm at 843.692.3237 right now, or contact us online, for a free consultation with one of our Myrtle Beach boat and jet ski accident attorneys.
We’re here for you and ready to help resolve your boating, or jet ski case.
According to the United States Coast Guard, improper vessel operation was a primary contributing factor in 3,109 accidents in 2020. It also resulted in 2,182 injuries and 334 deaths. Improper operation includes these and other factors:
Like car and truck drivers, boat operators must follow the speed limit. Low speeds are necessary for certain parts of the water, such as near the coastline. Speeding near other vessels or exceeding the speed limit in shallow water can lead to a collision and serious injury, even death.
The boat or jet ski operator must focus on the task at hand. If they become distracted and ignore their surroundings, they could crash into a swimmer, buoy, another boat, or something else in the water.
Believe it or not, you could get arrested for boating under the influence in Myrtle Beach. According to South Carolina statute 50-21-112, it is unlawful for a person to operate a motorized water device while:
Boat and jet ski operators should always be on the lookout for anything they should avoid crashing into. Failing to scan the water for a swimmer, upcoming dock, or an approaching boat can lead to a catastrophic collision and even death. If you or a loved one has suffered such a horrible experience, don’t hesitate to contact the well-experienced attorneys of The Yates Firm right away.
A jet ski or boat owner must perform routine maintenance and repair damage they find. Inadequate maintenance can cause a part or system to malfunction, preventing the operator from controlling where the vessel goes and could run into a person, another boat, or the dock.
Laws are in place to ensure the operator and passengers of jet skis and boats behave responsibly and safely on the water. If anyone violates these laws, the risk of an accident, injury or death increases.
Boaters and jet skiers should follow the appropriate right-of-way in the water, so they don’t end up on a collision course with an approaching vessel. They should also follow the speed limit in specific areas to avoid creating a wake that puts others in danger.
If a person is at least 16 years old, they don’t have to obtain a license or complete classes to operate a boat or jet ski. However, everyone should have the experience necessary to maneuver through the water without placing others at risk of injury.
Many people panic in emergencies or when they encounter hazardous conditions if they’re not experienced boaters or jet skiers. The lack of knowledge and skill can prevent them from troubleshooting a problem and safely finding a way out of it.
If you’ve experienced a catastrophic accident, make sure you take care of your injuries, and gather as much information as possible- then contact us immediately.
There is a limit to the number of people who can ride in a boat or jet ski safely. Allowing too many passengers on a vessel can be dangerous for everyone onboard. It’s more challenging for the operator to see around them with bodies everywhere on the boat. Additionally, overcrowding can cause someone to get knocked off the boat into the water and possibly injured, or killed by the prop, or another boat.
Like car and truck drivers, boat operators must follow the speed limit. Low speeds are necessary in certain parts of the water, such as near the coastline. Speeding near other vessels or exceeding the speed limit in shallow water can lead to a collision.
The boat or jet ski operator must focus on the task at hand. If they become distracted and ignore their surroundings, they could crash into a swimmer, buoy, another boat, or something else in the water.
Believe it or not, you could get arrested for boating under the influence in Myrtle Beach. According to South Carolina statute 50-21-112, it is unlawful for a person to operate a motorized water device while:
Under the influence of alcohol that impairs faculties;
Under the influence of any drug or combination of substances and drugs that cause impairment to faculties; or
Under a combined influence of drugs or substances and alcohol that impairs faculties.
Boat and jet ski operators should always be on the lookout for anything they should avoid crashing into. Failing to scan the water for a swimmer, upcoming dock, or an approaching boat can lead to a catastrophic collision.
A jet ski or boat owner must perform routine maintenance and repair damage they find. Inadequate maintenance can cause a part or system to malfunction, preventing the operator from controlling where the vessel goes. If the brake fails, the operator can’t stop at the dock or slow down for another boat crossing their path.
Laws are in place to ensure the operator and passengers of jet skis and boats behave responsibly and safely on the water. If anyone violates these laws, the risk of an accident or injury increases.
Boaters and jet skiers should follow the appropriate path along the water, so they don’t end up on a collision course with an approaching vessel. They should also follow the speed limit in specific areas to avoid creating a wake that puts others in danger.
If a person is at least 16 years old, they don’t have to obtain a license or complete classes to operate a boat or jet ski. However, everyone should have the experience necessary to maneuver through the water without placing others at risk of injury.
Many people panic in emergencies or when they encounter hazardous conditions if they’re not experienced boaters or jet skiers. The lack of knowledge and skill can prevent them from troubleshooting a problem and safely finding a way out of it.
If your loved one died in a boat or jet ski accident, you might be able to pursue a wrongful death case against the negligent party. Compensation is available for surviving family members to compensate for final medical bills, funeral and burial costs, and additional losses from the deceased’s death.
The Yates Firm has represented many jet ski and boat accident victims since 2014. We have strong ties to the community, giving us access to various resources we can use to help us handle your case. When you hire us, we will review all factors involved to personalize our services to meet your unique needs. We believe in providing our clients with one-on-one attention and treating them like family from start to finish of the process.
Reach out today, we’re ready to help resolve your case.
CONTACT THE COAST GUARD
You should call the Coast Guard immediately to report what happened. If you, or anyone else suffered injuries, request an ambulance to transport you to the hospital. Make sure you keep and maintain all records and appointments of your injuries.
GATHER INFORMATION AT THE SCENE
Before you leave the accident scene, gather as much information as possible. Write down the names and phone numbers of witnesses and obtain the boat operator’s insurance details if they carry insurance. You can also take pictures of the damage to the vessel and anything else that can help prove what happened.
GO TO THE HOSPITAL
Seek treatment for your injuries immediately following the incident. You shouldn’t wait long before your initial doctor visit. Insurance companies typically look out for themselves and want to protect their interests by denying claims or providing low settlement offers. If you don’t seek medical attention until weeks after the accident, the insurance company might assume your injury isn’t serious and refuse to pay out the maximum settlement available.
SEEK LEGAL REPRESENTATION
Speak to The Yates Firm to determine whether you have a case to pursue. We can investigate the accident and gather evidence to determine who caused it and whether they should be held liable for your injuries. You can depend on us to handle each step of the process on your behalf so you can focus on what matters most – recovering.
MAINTAIN RECORDS
Keep copies of documentation you receive during your case, such as prescriptions, hospital records, rehabilitation progress reports, and medical bills. The Yates Firm might be able to use them as evidence in your claim.
CONTACT US
If you were hurt in a boat or jet ski accident due to another person’s negligent behavior, call The Yates Firm at 843.692.3237 for a free consultation- or simply reach out to us online.
One of our Myrtle Beach boat and jet ski accident attorneys can begin preparing your case to hold the at-fault party accountable and seek the justice you deserve for the suffering you were forced to endure.
ALL CONSULTATIONS ARE FREE OF CHARGE
1298 Professional Drive, Suite B
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
204 Elm St, Suite 200
Conway, SC 29526
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The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.
