Boating Accidents
Charleston Harbor, Lake Moultrie, the Wando and Cooper rivers — South Carolina's waterways are beautiful and dangerous. When a fun day on the water turns tragic, we hold negligent operators accountable.
The cases we handle every week
Boating Under the Influence
BUI is illegal and reckless. SC waters see too many alcohol-fueled crashes — especially holiday weekends.
Inexperienced Operators
Rental companies that put untrained renters behind the wheel can share liability for resulting harm.
Collisions & Wake Damage
Excessive speed, ignored no-wake zones, and reckless maneuvers cause severe injuries.
Missing Safety Equipment
Federal and SC law require life jackets, flares, and fire extinguishers. Skipping them is negligence.
Jet Ski & PWC Crashes
Personal watercraft involve a unique set of dangers and a different liability framework.
Charter & Tour Boats
Commercial operators are held to a higher standard under maritime law.
Maritime law adds layers of complexity
Boating accidents can fall under state law, federal admiralty law, or both — depending on where they happen and what kind of vessel was involved. The Jones Act, the Death on the High Seas Act, and standard SC personal injury rules can all come into play.
This is not a DIY area of law. Filing in the wrong court or under the wrong statute can wipe out an otherwise winning case. With 40+ years on the SC coast, Taylor & Taylor know the difference.
Investigation moves fast — so should you
Salt water and tides destroy evidence quickly. Boats get repaired or sold. Witnesses scatter. The Coast Guard or DNR investigation report — if there is one — becomes the cornerstone of your case.
We move immediately to preserve evidence: GPS data, dock camera footage, marina records, sober-up logs from rental companies, and eyewitness statements. The first 30 days matter.
Common mistakes to avoid
Don't sign a "release" or "waiver" the rental company hands you after an incident — even if they tell you it's just for insurance. Don't post about the accident on social media; insurers comb those feeds.
And don't accept the explanation that "it was just an accident." Most boating injuries trace back to a specific decision someone made: a drink they shouldn't have had, a no-wake zone they ignored, equipment they didn't maintain.
Compensation we pursue
- Emergency rescue and trauma care
- Long-term rehabilitation
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Drowning-related injuries
- Pain, suffering, and PTSD
- Wrongful death damages
From the first call to your settlement
- 1Free Consultation
Call us 24/7. We'll listen, answer questions, and tell you honestly if you have a case.
- 2Investigation
We gather evidence, interview witnesses, secure police reports, and consult experts.
- 3Negotiation
We deal directly with the insurance carriers so you don't have to.
- 4Trial-Ready
If they won't pay fairly, we file suit. Forty years in SC courtrooms.
- 5Recovery
You pay nothing unless we win. Then we deliver every dollar you're owed.
Boating Accidents — FAQs
Can I sue the rental company?+
Often, yes. Rental operators have a duty to verify operator competence, maintain vessels properly, and provide working safety gear. Many SC marinas are insured precisely for these claims.
Does my homeowner's or auto insurance cover boating accidents?+
Sometimes — but it depends on the policy and the boat. Many carry separate watercraft endorsements. We'll review every available policy.
What if the accident was on a navigable waterway?+
Federal admiralty law may apply. This can change deadlines, jurisdiction, and the damages you can recover. It's a major reason to call an attorney early.
What if a friend was operating the boat?+
We understand the difficulty. Practically speaking, you're filing against their insurance, not their personal finances. Many clients find that pursuing a claim doesn't damage the relationship the way they feared.
Was alcohol involved? How does that change things?+
BUI cases often unlock punitive damages — additional money meant to punish reckless behavior. They're some of the strongest claims we handle.
We handle the full range of injury cases
Injured? Let's talk — at no cost to you.
One phone call connects you to a Taylor & Taylor attorney. No fee unless we win.