When a relaxing day on the water ends in a serious injury, everything changes. You didn’t ask for this. You didn’t expect a medical crisis, time off work, or the emotional toll of trying to recover while insurance companies delay and deny what you’re owed. If you’ve been injured on a boat, jet ski, or any watercraft in South Carolina, you have legal rights — and you don’t have to fight alone.
At Christmas Injury Lawyers, we understand the chaos you’re navigating. We help boating accident victims across South Carolina hold insurance companies accountable, get medical treatment paid for, and recover the money they’re owed — because injury law is all we do.
Understanding Boating Accident Injuries in South Carolina
South Carolina’s lakes, rivers, and coastal waters are beautiful — but they’re also hotspots for serious accidents involving:
- Speedboats and motorboats
- Jet skis and personal watercraft
- Fishing boats
- Commercial vessels and charters
- Alcohol-impaired or reckless operators
- Unlicensed or underage drivers
- Crowded holiday or tourist traffic
Whether your injuries occurred on Lake Murray, Lake Marion, Charleston Harbor, or the Intracoastal Waterway, the consequences can be devastating. And unlike car crashes, boating accidents follow a different set of rules — ones the insurance companies will use to their advantage if you don’t know your rights.
Your Legal Rights After a Boat Crash in South Carolina
You have specific rights under South Carolina law when someone else's negligence causes your injuries on the water. Here’s what that means for you:
1. Are Boating Laws The Same As Car Accident Laws
Boating accidents are covered under maritime law, state personal injury law, and sometimes both. If another person — a boat operator, rental company, or even a tour guide — was careless or unsafe, they may be legally responsible for your injuries.
You do not have to absorb the cost of someone else’s mistake.
2. The Right to Medical Treatment — Paid by the At-Fault Party’s Insurance
Insurance companies often delay or underpay medical bills to pressure you into settling fast. Don’t fall for it. Under the law, you’re entitled to:
- Emergency room bills
- Surgeries or hospital stays
- Physical therapy or rehab
- Follow-up visits and prescriptions
- Psychological trauma care
Our team works directly with providers to make sure your treatment isn’t delayed — and you won’t pay out-of-pocket while your case is ongoing.
3. The Right to Recover for Lost Wages and Future Income
If your injuries have forced you off the job, you can pursue recovery for:
- Missed work and lost paychecks
- Reduced earning capacity (if you can’t return to the same work)
- Loss of future career opportunities
These losses are real — and you deserve to be made whole again. We document everything so the insurer doesn’t lowball your claim.
4. The Right to Pain, Suffering, and Lifestyle Losses
Boating injuries don’t just leave physical scars. They affect your quality of life. If you’re dealing with chronic pain, sleep issues, PTSD, or loss of enjoyment of hobbies (like fishing, swimming, or time with your family), the law allows for non-economic damages.
And you don’t need to “prove” them with receipts — you just need a team that knows how to fight for them.
5. The Right to a Lawyer Who Goes to Court
This is where we’re different. Many law firms talk about results but quietly settle most cases behind closed doors. At Christmas Injury Lawyers, we prepare every case for trial — because insurance companies only pay full value when they know you’re willing to fight.
Steps to Take After a South Carolina Boating Accident
After a serious boating accident, it’s hard to know what to do first. You’re hurt, scared, and overwhelmed — but the steps you take now can protect your health, your rights, and your case.
Here’s what to do if you’re injured on the water in South Carolina:
1. Get to Safety and Contact Emergency Services
Make sure everyone is safe and accounted for. If possible, move away from sinking vessels or fire hazards. Call 911 or use marine radio to alert the SCDNR or Coast Guard. Emergency responders will coordinate medical help and file an official report.
2. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even if you think you’re okay, get checked out. Injuries like concussions, internal bleeding, or soft tissue damage often take time to show symptoms. Prompt care protects your health — and documents your injury for legal purposes.
3. File An Accident Report with the SCDNR
Under South Carolina law, you must report the accident to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) within 48 hours if someone is killed, seriously injured, missing, or if property damage exceeds $2,000. An official report can be vital evidence in your case.
4. Gather Evidence If You Can
If you’re physically able, take photos of:
- Damage to boats or personal watercraft
- Injuries
- Location, weather, and water conditions
- Names and contact info of all parties and witnesses
Every detail matters — and could help prove fault later on.
5. Don’t Talk to the Boating Insurance Company Alone
It’s common to get a call from the at-fault party’s insurer within days — or even hours — of the accident. Don’t give a recorded statement or accept a quick settlement. Insurance companies are trained to minimize your payout. Let your legal team handle communication from the start.
6. Contact Boat Accident Attorney Christmas Injury Lawyers Right Away
Time is not on your side. Evidence can disappear quickly on the water, and filing deadlines vary depending on whether your case involves maritime law, state law, or both. Our team moves fast to protect your rights, preserve your claim, and get you on the path to recovery.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Boating Accident?
You might not know who was truly at fault — and that’s okay. We investigate every angle, including:
- Boat operator negligence (recklessness, speeding, intoxication)
- Boat rental companies (improper maintenance or unsafe vessels)
- Manufacturers (faulty parts or engines)
- Other passengers or parties
South Carolina follows comparative negligence, which means even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover damages. Let us sort out the details — so you can focus on healing.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim in South Carolina?
In most boating injury cases, you have up to three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in South Carolina. However, maritime claims or cases involving government vessels may have much shorter deadlines.
Don’t wait. Evidence disappears fast on the water — and the sooner we start your case, the stronger it will be.
What If the Insurance Company Already Offered You a Settlement?
That’s common — and often a trap. Quick settlements are designed to save the insurer money, not help you recover.
Before you sign anything, talk to us. You may be signing away your rights to future treatment, ongoing care, or lost wages you haven’t even calculated yet.
Why Choose Christmas Injury Lawyers?
✅ 30+ years of experience helping South Carolina injury victims
✅ We go to court — and insurance companies know it
✅ We’ve helped clients recover millions — and their peace of mind
✅ You pay nothing unless we win for you
You’re not just a case to us. You’re part of our client family. We handle everything — medical records, legal filings, insurance communications — so you can focus on healing.
FAQs About Boating Accident Injuries in South Carolina
What if the person who caused the boating accident is someone I know?
You can still file a claim — and in many cases, it’s through their insurance, not their personal assets. Our goal is to recover what you’re legally owed without creating tension or financial harm between you and your friend or family member.
Do I need a lawyer for a boating accident, or can I handle it myself?
Technically, you can file a claim on your own — but insurance companies are skilled at reducing or denying payouts. Without a legal team that knows how to investigate water-related injuries, gather evidence, and build a strong claim, you’re at a major disadvantage.
What if I wasn’t wearing a life jacket or wasn’t following boating safety guidelines?
You may still be entitled to compensation, even if you weren’t wearing a life jacket or made a mistake. South Carolina follows comparative negligence rules, which means partial fault does not automatically prevent you from recovering damages — it just may impact the final amount.
How long will my boating injury case take?
The timeline depends on the severity of your injuries, the complexity of the case, and how cooperative the insurance company is. Some cases settle in a few months, while others may require filing a lawsuit and going to court, which can take longer — but we’ll always keep you informed and fight for the best result, not the fastest one.
What does it cost to hire Christmas Injury Lawyers for a boating injury case?
You pay nothing up front and nothing out of pocket — we only get paid if we win money for you. This is called a contingency fee, and it means you can get trusted legal representation without adding to your financial stress.
Free Consultation from the Trial Team That Fights for South Carolina Boating Injury Victims
You were hurt on the water. It wasn’t your fault — and you shouldn’t have to fight the insurance company alone. We’re ready to stand with you, guide you, and demand the treatment and recovery you're entitled to under South Carolina law.
Injured on the water? We’ll navigate the law to get you justice against the insurer.
Call Christmas Injury Lawyers at (843) 380-4112 today or click "Contact Us" to start your case now. We’re available 24/7 — and you pay nothing unless we win.
